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Uncommon Community

Uncommon Curiosity

Uncommon Opportunity

Commonwealth is a co-ed independent day school welcoming curious, highly motivated students in grades 9–12. Our close-knit community thrives on making meaningful intellectual and personal connections, while tapping into the opportunities surrounding our home in Boston’s Back Bay.

Meet Faculty and Students

Commonwealth taught me how to interact with different people, and I think I've learned a lot of skills regarding meeting new people.  It's having that safe space, where I can make myself uncomfortable, but I also have my advisor and I have friends who support me. 

Avery '23

It is humbling and exhilarating to come to work every day to a place where people are working for a common goal with such a mix of competence and humanity.

César Pérez, History, Languages

aritra-ghosh-thumb

I was first interested in Commonwealth by the small class sizes and the very rigorous environment. Visiting and having a virtual class was what drew me in. I'm very happy about making the choice to come here. The classes are intriguing, to say the least. There is difficulty but nothing I can’t handle. And the opportunities, such as Project Week, are unique, and they allow us to develop our own interests.

Aritra ’25

Melissa-Glenn-Haber

My students teach me so much that each subsequent year the course is informed by their insights.

Melissa Glenn Haber '87, History

I get a real burst of energy when I’m able to help students navigate the complexities of the research process. I feel so lucky to have such an incredible patron base of high-level readers and thinkers in our students. 

Jake MacDonnell, Librarian and Registrar

Classes have been absolutely amazing. The teachers here really care about what they’re teaching, and that makes all the difference.

Olivia ’24

I love the campus, too—you know, Boston is the campus in a sense. That’s what they told us when we visited, and that’s really been delivered. You can just hop on the T at Copley or at Back Bay and go anywhere. I can walk across a bridge over the Charles River and be at MIT or Kendall Square, or walk a few blocks and be in Beacon Hill. I think it's just so rewarding to have that freedom.

Romen ’23

By the Numbers

152

students in grades 9-12

50%

students of color

$1.5 million

financial aid granted for 2022–2023

88%

teachers holding advanced degree

5:1

student-to-faculty ratio

2

all-school trips each year

1530

median SAT composite score (Class of 2022)

Happening Now

Jason-Li

Kick off the guardrails and chart your own course, says Jason '23. Perhaps an unsurprising point of view, coming from part of the creative team behind the short film The Hellevator. Keep reading to learn more about this masterpiece, Jason's role in it, and his unique way of looking at the world. 

Rui-Shu

Thanks to Rui Shu’s legendary green thumb, cheery porthos, succulents, peace lilies, and other plants fill Commonwealth’s halls. She turns that same nurturing spirit—and appreciation for growth and resilience—to her Mandarin classes as well. Learn a little bit more about her via our twenty questions. 

Derin-Korman

“I don’t think we spend enough time reflecting on how our images (re)constitute us and others,” says Derin Korman. As Commonwealth’s photography teacher, Mx. Korman brings that same thoughtfulness to every class, helping photographers of all levels sharpen their eyes and critical-thinking skills.

Susan-Thompson

From being a street performer in Paris to clowning in Mexico City, Director of Theater Susan Thompson’s adventures won’t fit neatly into twenty questions. But you can get a glimpse of the colorful carnival that is her life through our interview with this Commonwealth veteran.

At Commonwealth, we’re looking for inquisitive, driven, and creative students from a wide range of backgrounds. We encourage you to visit us, talk with teachers and students, and see if Commonwealth is right for you.