Academic Challenge

PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE 

…begins the moment our students walk through the door as freshmen

 

In each of the past 4 years, 93% of our students were admitted to college, and the other 6% are enrolling into other post-secondary educational programs.  Our students are accepted to the University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University, the Art Institute of Boston, Bennett College for Women, Clark University, Clark-Atlanta University, Colgate University, Hampshire College, Drew University, Cottey College for Women, the New York Institute for Fashion and Interior Design, Morehouse University, Sacred Heart University, College of the Atlantic, Manhattanville College, Sterling College, Unity College, and dozens of other colleges throughout the country. They attend local universities like Albertus Magnus, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, Gateway Community College, and the University of New Haven. Our graduates also participate in Public Allies, a year-long public service internship that places students in high-responsibility jobs in area non-profit organizations.    

 

Everything we do at Common Ground aims our students toward success in college:    
 
  • All students work with an advisor from 9th grade through graduation on a college and career planning curriculum.
  • Challenging academic classes, including interdisciplinary block classes, push students to investigate, participate and build new skills.
  • Advanced Placement courses -- including Calculus, Environmental Science, U.S. Government, Spanish, Language & Composition, and European History -- offer additional challenge and opportunities to earn college credit.
  • Students enroll in classes at local colleges and universities for credit.
  • SAT prep and academic enrichment are offered during and after school.
  • Partnerships with Yale, the University of New Haven, and Southern Connecticut State University connect students with mentors, tutors, and on-campus learning
 
In addition to these on-campus opportunities, we push our students to take on additional experiences outside the school building.  They take college courses at Gateway, Yale, and the University of New Haven.  Common Ground students are regular participants in a range of college readiness programs:

 

  • HPREP – Yale Medical School’s Minority Mentoring Program 
  • The Evolutions program at the Peabody Museum  
  • Yale Saturday Seminars and Summer Institutes   
  • Yale Cooperative Language Program 
  • The University of New Haven Outstanding High School Senior Program 
  • Gateway Community College Partnership Program 
  • Southern Connecticut State University ConnCAP Program 
  • CREC – St. Joseph’s College Summer College Prep Program 
  • Artspace internships and summer programs
  • Aspirations for Higher Learning at Yale and Southern Connecticut State University
  • GEAR UP