Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions & Prospective Students
Who can attend City on a Hill?
Any student who will be entering the 9th or 10th grade or transferring into the 9th or 10th grade can attend. Students must be Massachusetts residents, with preference given to Boston residents.
How do I enter the lottery?
To enter the lottery for placement at our school please fill out the lottery form. Click here to access the online application.
When is the next lottery?
To see dates for our next lottery, click here.
How does the lottery work?
City on a Hill accepts all MA residents. Applicants with a current sibling who attends COAH gets preference in the lottery. Applicants who are residents of Boston also get preference. Lotteries happen once a month after the initial March lottery. Once a student is offered a seat, they have to submit proof of residency (PoR) to reserve their seat. From there, they will receive the registration packet, which asks for additional information.
Do I have to live in Boston to attend?
Any resident of Massachusetts is welcome to enter the lottery for our school. However, preference is given to siblings of current students and Boston residents.
If one child goes, are all my children guaranteed spots?
No one is guaranteed a spot, but siblings of current students are given preference in the lottery.
If one child goes, do all my children have to go to CoaH?
No.
What forms do I need to fill out if my child is offered a seat during the lottery?
The family will have to provide proof of residency to reserve their seat. Once that information is provided the school will contact you directly.
Do you accept students who are not entering the 9th or 10th grade?
No. We only accept new students who are entering the 9th or 10th grade or transferring into the 9th or 10th grade. We accept new students through February of that current school year.
Can I visit the school beforehand?
Yes. Please reach out to our admissions team or call our front office to schedule a tour or shadow day for your student.
We have various Open House days throughout the school year for families to learn about CoaH, meet the principals and staff, and take a tour of the facilities. You can also set up a personalized tour or even a time for your child to shadow a student, for the day, at one of our campuses! Email [email protected] for more information and to set up a tour or a Shadow Day.
Schools & Students
What is the dress code policy?
Please click here to download the City on a Hill Dress Code Policy.
What are the office hours at the school?
Monday through Thursday: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Friday: 7:30 am to 2:00 pm
What grades does City on a Hill serve?
City on a Hill Charter Public Schools serve students in grades 9-12. However students are only accepted into City on a Hill at grade 9 or grade 10.
Do you have Special Education and ELL services?
Yes, City on a Hill provides trained inclusion professionals working alongside general education teachers to meet each student’s individualized needs within the general education setting. Special Education teachers and General Education teachers co-teach the English and Math classes to provide differentiated instruction to students.
Multilingual learners at City on a Hill, commonly referred to as English Language Learners, receive academic English language support courses. Students will attend these courses in a separate, small setting for individualized support provided by a Massachusetts licensed ESL educator.
Do you have sports?
Yes, students may try out to join the Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Track, Baseball, and Softball teams!
How do I get a bus pass for my student?
All City on a Hill students are eligible to receive a bus pass. Students can obtain a bus pass from the Main Office.