Needham families have a new tuition-free option for high school this fall. Felix Commonwealth Virtual School opens Wednesday, Sept. 2, on Lasell University's Newton campus, blending online coursework with in-person support in what state officials have approved as Massachusetts' first virtual high school on a college campus.
The school's founding superintendent is Matt Spengler, a nine-year Needham School Committee member and 20-year town resident whose two older children graduated from Needham Public Schools. One Needham student is among the 40 enrolled so far, drawn from more than 25 communities.
"It's an opportunity to create a school that fits for each student, as opposed to having students trying to fit a school structure," Spengler told the Needham Observer. "We have the freedom and flexibility to really design a pathway for teenagers to move through high schools with a lot more say in what that looks like."
Felix held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Lasell's Science and Technology Center, where the school's in-person hub will operate from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Lasell University President Eric Turner, Newton Mayor Marc Laredo and Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Katherine Craven attended, according to Fig City News.
How it works
Students take online courses through Arizona State University Prep's Khan World School and can visit the Lasell hub for face-to-face support. In-person attendance is encouraged but not required under state regulations. Students must live within a 90-minute commute of the Newton campus.
The academic model is mastery-based: students advance at their own pace, with "proficient" equivalent to a B and "mastered" equivalent to an A. Those who qualify can earn college credit through ASU courses.
Felix is approved for grades 9 and 10 this year, adding 11th grade in 2027-28 and 12th grade in 2028-29. Founding principal Russell Marino, who previously managed career pathways at Phoenix Charter Academy, said the growth targets are ambitious: 200 students in year one, 400 in year two and 700 in year three.
In the school's early months, Marino will simultaneously serve as registrar, enrollment coordinator, guidance counselor and house guide.
What it means for Needham families
Like charter and vocational schools, Felix is funded through the state. Local districts pay a per-pupil amount for each enrolled student, money that is deducted from state aid to the sending district. The exact per-pupil cost has not been disclosed.
The school has attracted homeschoolers, competitive athletes with demanding training schedules, younger students ready for high school academics and those who have struggled in traditional settings, according to Spengler and Marino.
Seneva King, a rising 10th grader in Felix's inaugural class who previously attended online school for three years, spoke at the Aug. 11 ceremony. "Having friends was a big struggle being in online school," King said. "It's hard to make friends online, so this is very nice."
Spengler won re-election to the Needham School Committee in the April 14 town election. His strategic role at Felix focuses on long-term growth and board relations, while Marino handles daily operations. Spengler holds both positions simultaneously.
Families interested in Felix can attend in-person information sessions at Lasell University on Aug. 15, 19, 22, 26 and 29. Enrollment details are available at felixschool.org.
