Created to support schools
At The Commons™, we believe students and teachers deserve classrooms that foster focus, connection, and growth, where students can begin building healthy tech habits for life. Yet today’s learning environments are filled with distraction technology that competes for attention and undermines engagement.
Serving K-12 private schools, public charter schools & traditional public schools
The Commons™ is a K–12 school phone-management software platform that helps schools enforce cellphone policies without collecting or locking away students' devices. Our app automatically restricts distracting apps during the school day while keeping phone calls available and giving schools the flexibility to allow approved tools, including text messaging, academic, medical, and accessibility apps and websites. By supporting consistent phone policies, The Commons helps reduce the burden of enforcement on teachers.
It also fills a critical gap in today’s education landscape. While school districts and legislators enact reactionary measures, The Commons™ offers proactive solutions that prepare students for the realities of today – and tomorrow.
The Commons™ offers a proactive solution that restores presence through distraction-free classrooms while helping students build good habits for life beyond school.
Our Vision
A world where people live more purposeful and present lives by reconnecting with humanity.
Our Purpose
To make schools places where curiosity, connection and growth flourish without the constant pull of distracting technology.
Our Mission
To make school a place where teachers can focus on teaching, students feel they belong, and everyone thrives.
98% of teachers say they are more confident enforcing their student cellphone policy thanks to The Commons™.
Our story
The Commons™ was founded by educators, technologists, and behavior change experts who saw how digital devices were eroding school culture and student engagement.
Before founding The Commons™, co-founders Shannon Godfrey and Julia Gustafson both worked at Yondr, where they gained firsthand experience helping schools address student phone distraction. That experience showed them both the power of creating phone-free learning environments—and the limitations of relying solely on physical, lock-based solutions.
While physical tools can reduce distraction in the moment, they can also be expensive to maintain, rigid to implement, and leave little opportunity for students to build healthier habits with technology.
That realization reshaped our vision.
The Commons™ was built to go beyond simply removing access. By giving students guided autonomy over their devices, we help them practice balance, accountability, and healthier technology habits—while schools maintain the boundaries needed for learning.
100% of our partners say The Commons™ makes it easier for students to stay off distracting apps.
Let's change the narrative
The Commons™ builds stronger school communities through trust, balance and connection. Reach out today to learn more.