A tuition-free public high school that operates mostly online now has a physical home in Newton.

Felix Commonwealth Virtual School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lasell University on Tuesday, Aug. 11, celebrating what school leaders call the first public high school in Massachusetts to operate on a college campus.

The school opens to students Wednesday, Sept. 2.

About 40 students from more than 25 communities have enrolled so far, according to the Needham Observer. Founding principal Russell Marino, who previously managed career pathways for Phoenix Charter Academy, told the Observer he aims to grow to 200 students in year one, 400 in year two and 700 in year three. The school has been approved to start with grades 9 and 10, adding 11th grade in 2027 and 12th in 2028.

Felix blends online instruction from Arizona State University Prep's Khan World School with in-person support at a hub inside Lasell's Science and Technology Center, open 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Students aren't required to show up in person, but Marino said they'll be strongly encouraged to do so. Per state regulations, students must live within a 90-minute commute of Lasell to enroll.

"Having friends was a big struggle being in online school. It's hard to make friends online, so this is very nice," said Seneva King, a rising 10th grader and member of Felix's inaugural class who previously attended online school for three years.

Newton Mayor Marc Laredo, Lasell University President Eric Turner, Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Katherine Craven and founding superintendent Matt Spengler all spoke at the Aug. 11 ceremony, Fig City News reported. Turner highlighted Lasell's history of educational innovation dating to its 1851 founding and said Felix's model fits the university's approach to experiential learning.

Spengler, who also serves on the Needham School Committee, said leaders searched for a home for less than a year, visiting colleges and community organizations across Greater Boston before settling on Lasell. In the Needham Observer's Aug. 12 coverage, he described the school's philosophy: "It's an opportunity to create a school that fits for each student, as opposed to having students trying to fit a school structure."

The school uses a mastery-based model, letting students advance at their own pace until they reach proficiency (equivalent to a B) or mastery (equivalent to an A). Students who qualify can earn college credit through ASU courses. Funding comes from the state, with local school districts paying a per-student amount similar to the arrangement for charter and technical schools.

Felix is the third Commonwealth Virtual School approved in Massachusetts. The concept originated in spring 2022 with a group of educators seeking to improve the virtual school experience. The state board opened a public comment period in late 2023 and subsequently approved the application.

In-person information sessions are scheduled at Lasell on Aug. 22, 26 and 29.