Student Radio
Run the school's podcast and morning announcements. All equipment is accessible, and episodes are captioned.
Community
Small enough to know you. Strong enough to hold you.
At Common Grounds, community isn't a buzzword — it's the daily experience of being known, valued, and supported by the people around you.
School Culture
With 240 students and a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, Common Grounds is intentionally small. Every adult in the building knows every student by name. We believe belonging is the prerequisite for learning — so we invest deeply in relationships, restorative practices, and a culture of mutual respect.
Our advisory system pairs each student with a faculty advisor who stays with them all four years, serving as their academic coach, advocate, and first point of contact for families.
Clubs & Activities
Student life extends far beyond the classroom. All clubs and activities are designed to be fully inclusive — every space, every event, every team.
STEM Club
Robotics, coding, and science fair projects with adaptive tools and peer mentorship built in.
Art Collective
Collaborative art projects, gallery shows, and community murals. Multi-sensory creation welcome.
Access Advocates
Student-led group that audits school accessibility, proposes improvements, and mentors younger students.
Music Ensemble
Vocal and instrumental groups open to all skill levels. Adaptive instruments and visual conducting available.
Book Club
Monthly reads in print, audio, and Braille. Discussions happen in-person and in an online forum.
Adaptive Athletics
Unified sports teams, adaptive PE, and partnerships with community recreation programs.
Peer Support Network
Trained student mentors provide academic and social support. Matching based on shared interests and needs.
Student Life
A typical day at Common Grounds includes more than academics. Students move through advisory check-ins, flexible lunch periods with sensory-quiet options, club time built into the schedule, and regular community circles where every voice is heard.
Parent & Family Involvement
Families are partners at Common Grounds, not visitors. We create multiple ways for families to engage — because we know that "involvement" looks different for every household.
Family Conferences
Student-led conferences twice a year, with flexible scheduling including evenings and virtual options.
Weekly Updates
A plain-language newsletter in multiple languages keeps families informed without overwhelming them.
Family Council
An elected parent-caregiver advisory group that meets monthly and has a direct line to school leadership.