Prospective Students
Become a Common Ground Student
Do you want to define your own path?
Change the world?
Graduate ready for college success & powerful leadership?
Common Ground may be right for you.
Interested in exploring Common Ground as an option for high school?
Fill out this interest form today >>
Explore the links, videos, and calendar of open houses below to learn more!
Ready to enter the lottery for a space at Common Ground?
If you know that Common Ground is the right choice for you, you can enter our lottery today! We are now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. Visit our lottery page and click on the “register” link at the top to get started.
Students from any town in the State of CT may apply for enrollment at Common Ground. Students from New Haven may apply to Common Ground through either the New Haven Magnet School Lottery, or through Common Ground’s lottery. Students who live in other Connecticut towns can apply through Common Ground’s lottery. Common Ground works with NovusChoice to operate a transparent, equitable lottery process.
What sets Common Ground apart?
Have questions? Want to set up an opportunity to shadow a Common Ground student for a day?
Contact our main office at (203) 389-4333 x1200 or studentrecruitment@commongroundct.org
Upcoming Open Houses
Interested in visiting Common Ground High School as a prospective student?
Please sign up here for one of the open house dates below!
Open Houses to be held after school hours and on weekends
Saturday, December 13, 2025
10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, January 10, 2026
10 AM - 12 PM
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
5 PM - 7 PM
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10 AM - 12 PM
See Common Ground Through Our Students’ Eyes
News and Updates
See our 2025-26 School Calendar
Our Daily Schedule
Common Ground’s school day begins at 8:00 AM each day and ends at 3:05 AM, except on Wednesdays, when students are dismissed at 12:40 PM.
Five classes meet each day, except on Wednesdays, on a rotating schedule.
All classes are 67 minutes in length and meet three times each week.
Lunch and guidance periods are 33 minutes.
School Year Calendar
Our school year is based on a semester system. Most core academic classes last the entire school year, with some electives and internships running for one semester. This allows for a greater variety of classes, and for students to get a fresh start two times each year, while also providing continuity in core subjects like English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language.
When the weather is inclement, Common Ground generally follows New Haven Public Schools’ delay and cancellation schedule. Weather updates will be posted on our website, social media, and WTNH news, and will be sent out via SMS.
For a complete 2025-26 school calendar, click here (PDF document).
Learn More
Over the last five years…
Nearly 90% of students have earned admissions to college. Last year, 68% of students enrolled in college — above the state average.
Common Ground students beat the state average on Connecticut’s official measure of college and career readiness — based on Early College credits, SAT scores, and AP scores. Last year, more than 2 in 3 Common Ground seniors graduated with college credits on their transcripts.
100% of students have defended portfolios showing their growth as powerful environmental leaders.