Ninth Grade

Entering a rigorous high school is exciting and fun. But like any new venture, it also requires adjusting to new classes, new teachers, and a new culture. At Commonwealth, we have designed a first year aimed at helping you settle in, make friends, and learn how to do your best work as soon as possible.

Advisor and Student Buddy

Even before you set foot inside the school as a new student, you are assigned an advisor and a student buddy. Both will get in touch with you during the summer, and once school starts, you will meet regularly with your advisor one on one. They will answer your questions, offer support, or simply take time to chat. After the first semester, when you have gotten to know all your teachers, you have the opportunity to indicate your preferences for a permanent advisor.

Study Hall

During your first semester here, you will spend your free periods in study hall. This arrangement provides structure and encourages you to focus and use your time productively. It also gives you easy access to teachers if you become snarled in a homework assignment.

Pass-Fail Grading

We want you—and your families—to understand that if you learn to welcome academic challenge, feel free to join in lively class discussions, seek out your teachers when you feel the need, and carefully read their comments on your written work—in short, if you engage fully with your studies—your grades will take care of themselves. To this end, though teachers give grades (and write you lengthy comments) to help you assess your progress, at the end of ninth-grade year, your final letter grades convert to a P (pass) or an E (fail) on your transcript.

Ninth-Grade Seminar

All ninth graders take a special year-long seminar designed to prepare them to succeed throughout their time at Commonwealth, including how to:

• Communicate effectively and respectfully, particularly in a digital world
• Navigate Boston comfortably and conscientiously (our "City of Boston" unit, replete with field trips around the city and challenging questions)
• Study and plan their time effectively
• Safeguard their health and wellness by examining crucial questions about "growing up" and all that it entails (our "Health and Community" unit)