Frequently Asked Questions

Where is CCSC?

Both our Upper School and Lower School buildings are located in the Kendall Square area of Cambridge at 245 Bent Street. Our Lower School (grades 7 through 9) is housed in an attractive three-story building, a short walk from public transportation, athletic fields and facilities, and the heart of Cambridge's high-technology and bio-tech center. Across the parking lot from the Lower School is the Upper School, a newly renovated facility for grades 10 through 12. How do I apply to CCSC? All students are accepted to CCSC via lottery. The lottery is open to Cambridge residents and residents of other towns in Massachusetts, in grades 7, 8 and 9. More information is available on the Apply to CCSC page.

What is the internship program?

All CCSC students are required to fulfill a 100-hour internship in order to graduate. The internship is currently for 12th graders. Students are placed in businesses and workplaces in Cambridge and Boston.

Is there transportation for students?

Cambridge residents in grades 7 and 8 who live more than 1.5 miles from the school are provided with bus transportation to and from school. All students are able to purchase monthly subsidized MBTA student passes.

What is the school calendar?

CCSC follows the same 180-day school calendar as Cambridge Public Schools, with two exceptions. Our first two days of school are before Labor Day and we have two days of vacation for students in the end of January (teacher professional development days). The school day begins at 8:30 AM (doors open at 8 AM) and ends at 3:40 PM. On Wednesdays, the day ends at 1:30 PM for students.

What is the CCSC dress code?

All CCSC students wear a collared white, red, or black shirt with khaki or black pants.

How big are classes?

Class sizes typically range from 16 to 22 students. Some classes are co-taught (there is more than one teacher). The teacher to student ratio is approximately one to ten.

What sports are part of the CCSC athletic program?

CCSC students have the following competitive teams: girls basketball, boys basketball, co-ed soccer, baseball, and softball. CCSC is a member of the Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization.