The Sycamore School vs. Commonwealth Academy

The Sycamore School is an independent non-profit secondary school serving middle and high school students.

We follow a mastery-based learning model that integrates academic development, social and emotional growth, and civic engagement. We create a meaningful learning process, whereby teachers personalize instruction according to students` interests, needs, and aptitudes. Teaching focuses on cultivating transferable skills in students that apply to various jobs or tasks across settings, such as effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.

We`re intentionally small, maintaining a 1:6 teacher to student ratio.

We can accommodate students who have a specific learning disability, anxiety, ADHD, and/or social skills deficits. However, we are not a school specifically for students with learning struggles.

We want to attract a cross section of students who reflect the diversity that is present in our larger population. Our target student is curious, wants to learn, and is looking for a more progressive learning environment.

CA offers a college preparatory program. We help students tap into their potential and connect or reconnect with the parts of themselves that are creative and capable. CA is comfortable and confident in who we are. We strive to ensure that our students feel the same. CA brings intention to everything we do. This includes the balance of structure and flexibility that defines each day and our program overall. CA students are seen, heard, and understood. We believe strongly in the social-emotional side of education.

It`s part and parcel of our program. CA is a safe and caring community. Our school is a place where people (adults and kids alike) have each other`s back and work together for individual and collective success. CA is a trusted expert. Parents often come to us after years of holding and navigating their child`s educational experience all alone.

We have the training, skills, and desire to help kids be (and feel) successful, and offer families an opportunity to exhale.