Managing Other Costs
Every opportunity is available to every Commonwealth student, regardless of their ability to pay the full cost. We recognize and appreciate that a Commonwealth education represents a significant financial commitment, and we are committed to partnering with families to ensure it is affordable. In addition to tuition, fees, books, and school supplies, most students incur additional costs, which will vary depending on students’ needs and activities. To allow for planning and transparency, please see below for the range of costs associated with our program and the reduced fees families with financial aid grants might expect to pay.
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Public Transportation
For families whose financial aid exceeds 50% of tuition and fees, and who do not reside in Boston, Commonwealth includes an annual transportation stipend in addition to the financial aid grant. Depending on a family’s level of financial aid, and where they live, the stipend covers some or all of the cost of public transportation during the school year. For families whose grants are less than 50% of tuition and fees, a transportation stipend is not included; those families can purchase a 10-month MBTA bus/subway pass for $300 through Commonwealth. This student T pass also affords students a 50% discount on the commuter rail. Students who live in Boston receive free MBTA bus/subway passes (coordinated through Commonwealth).
Technology Grants
Supplemental technology grants are available for students whose families’ financial aid grants amount to more than 50% of tuition and fees. Through these additional grants, families have the opportunity to purchase a MacBook Pro laptop, printer, and accompanying software at a discounted rate. For the 2024–2025 school year, the full cost of the package was $1,900. On average, eligible families paid $315 for this package.
Tutoring Support
In addition to the extra meetings that teachers may offer students, Commonwealth offers, and in some cases recommends, regular tutorial support. The school has in-house tutors for subject-specific support, and we have relationships with outside tutors who specialize in working with students with particular learning needs. In most cases tutoring sessions occur weekly, and the full cost ranges from $65–$150 per session, depending on the tutor. Depending on their financial aid level, families pay between $0 and $45 per session.
Standardized Tests and Preparation
During their Commonwealth career, on average, students take five Advanced Placement exams ($98 per test) and either the SAT or ACT twice ($60 and $68 per test respectively). The cost of AP exams is reduced for students with financial aid grants, and some students may qualify for SAT or ACT fee waivers. Depending on their financial aid level, families pay between $0 and $71 per AP exam.
Commonwealth also offers in-house PSAT and SAT preparation. The full costs per student are $300 and $550, respectively. Depending on their financial aid level, families pay between $0 and $200 for PSAT prep and $0 and $275 for SAT prep.
Prom
Tickets for junior-senior prom are $100 per person. Students with financial aid grants are not charged to attend prom.
Exchanges/Travel
During their time at Commonwealth, most students will participate in at least one international exchange or trip to Spain, France, China, Peru, or Italy. (Many students of Spanish go both to Spain after Spanish 2 and Peru after Spanish 3 or 4.) Historically, the full cost of each trip ranges from $2,800–$5,200. The school offers the Mary P. Chatfield Cultural Scholarship for exchanges and travel to ensure that any student who wants to participate can do so. Depending on their financial aid level and the specific trip, families may pay between $0 and $3,000.