Family Communication January 2021: End of Semester Updates. Read the latest on report cards, grading, andacademic supports.
Family Communication Jan 2021: School Meals. Common Ground is now delivering meals to students’ homes, and continuing our farm box program. Have questions? Email bev.greene@nhep.com.
Family Communication for Oct 30: 100% Distance Learning. Because of the continued rise in COVID-19 case rates in New Haven, Common Ground High School will be continuing 100% remote instruction until cases stabilize. Classes will continue virtually during this time, as will after-school programs and academic supports. We are here for you: Reach out if you need support.
Key Links
- Buzz (Our Course Management System)
- Weekly School Schedule
- Student Handbook
- School calendar (In English & En Espanol).
- Universal free meals program (in English & En Espanol)
Reopening Plans

Common Ground is welcoming students & families interested in joining our school community for the 2021-22 school year. Our lottery will accept applications from January 11 to February 26. New Haven families may also apply through the NHPS lottery.
Questions? Visit our Become a Student page to enter the lottery, fill out an interest form, watch a video, and RSVP for an open house. Contact Sharyn Lopez, Manager – Student Engagement & Out of School Programs, at 203.389.4333 x1206 or by email. Or use the links below to learn more about our school …
- Visit us & Apply
- How is Common Ground Different?
- Our Classes & Curriculum
- Every Student Leads: POWER
- Outside the Classroom: After-School Programs
- College Success
- Schedule & Calendar
- Are you an athlete? Scientist? Activist? Artist? Entrepreneur? Environmental Leader? Find out how CG can help you blaze your path.
Please reach out, and we will help answer your questions.
Main Number: 203.389.4333
Complete Teachers & Staff List
Main Office
- Ana Rosa, x1202, Office Manager,Email
- Iris Jimenez, Educational Aide, x1200, Email
- Monica Maccera Filppu, Executive Director & Interim School Director, x1216 Email
Student Support
- Monique Frasier, Assistant Director x1218, Email
- Victor Rios, Student Support Coordinator x1218, Email
- Miriam Sheffield, Student Affairs Assistant x1207, Email
- Keith Riley, School Nurse x1205, Email
Click here for more Covid related info and other Student Health related documents and information.
In each of the last 5 years, between 97% and 100% of our graduates were accepted to college. Our 4-year graduation rates significantly exceeded the state average in 4 of the 5 last school years. Recent Common Ground 9th and 10th graders have made greater gains in reading, writing, and math than 90 or more percent of their peers across the country, according to results of the NWEA MAP. Common Ground was the state’s first U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School and a recipient of many awards and grants in recognition of our work.

Common Ground’s curriculum combines rigorous high academic standards for all, responsive relationships with adults and peers who really care, relevant, real-world learning that’s rooted in the community and environment, and real roles and rights for students. Imagine studying …
- Math while you … decide what should be planted on Common Ground’s farm to maximize production, nutrition, taste, and cultural relevance.
- Science while you … turn what you are learning about climate change into beautiful paintings, spoken word, and graffiti art
- English while you … work with professional actors to write and perform plays about social justice issues that matter to you.
Recent Blog Posts about the High School
Black History Month, Class Openers and Senior Capstone: An Interview with Teachers Candi Fulcher and Win Vitkowsky
Senior Capstone is a graduation requirement course where students join community partners to support local social/environmental justice initiatives. Every week the class begins with an opener that sets the tone for group conversation. In honor
What You Need Wednesdays: High School Innovation
Reflecting on Wednesday, January 13th: By Joel Tolman A screen shot from a recent virtual workshop on comic book character drawing by CG alumn Marcel Farrel In December, CGHS recognized that our students
In the Midst of the Pandemic, Common Ground Students & Staff Build Community, Step Up As Leaders
by Joel Tolman, Lead Teacher - Student Pathways This fall has been the hardest in my 17 years at Common Ground High School. So many of the things that make Common Ground what it is