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The Commons: Students

The Commons: Students

Lets disconnect to reconnect

193 ratings
69 reviews
📚 Education
📊 Productivity
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • July 15, 2025
  • July 22, 2026

Features

Developer

The Commons, Inc.
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The Commons: Students screenshot #1 for iPhone
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About

This app helps students stay focused during school hours by pausing access to distracting apps like social media and games. It automatically activates at school and deactivates when the day ends, ensuring essential academic and communication apps remain accessible. It prioritizes privacy with no tracking or data collection.

✓Automatic focus activation at school
✓Blocks distracting apps during school hours
✓Keeps essential academic apps accessible
✓Privacy-first with no tracking
✓Builds stronger tech habits
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What users say

Summarized from real user reviews of The Commons. Based on 193 reviews and a 1.3/5 average, it highlights the 1 positive and 4 negatives reviewers mention most about this Education app.

Positive things

  • 💡Helps students focus on school work

Negative things

  • 🚫Blocks access to social media and communication apps
  • 🔒Privacy concerns with VPN and data tracking
  • 🐛Causes issues with phone functionality
  • 🤬Perceived as an unnecessary and intrusive app
See all reviews
+1

What's New in The Commons

1.1.8

July 22, 2026

This update makes it easier than ever to get connected with improved school sign in, enhancements to School Mode, and performance improvements designed to create a smoother, more consistent experience throughout the school day.

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User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

At last a good experience

I use The Commons app last year. It didn’t work that good.
I’m testing it this summer as a student council member and I actually like the experience. Distractions are completely blocked and I can track my usage data. Hopefully it continues to get better👻
awesgtawesgt

Response from developer

Thanks for the review! We know phones can be super distracting, so The Commons is here to make school time less stressful and more focused. It doesn’t collect personal info or sell data; it just helps students stay present while building healthy tech habits.

New updates

I appreciate the updates to the app. New features are great and work well.
Mary BassetMary Basset

Awful

They are spying on my phone, It’s not like there going to find child p*** on there so idk what they are looking for. This app locks me out on weekends and drains my battery to the ground. I would rather have a flip phone than have to install this awful app. I want my phone on the weekend.
Big daddy balls3775Big daddy balls3775

Good solution

This is a good solution to the phone problems that hurt students learning and mental health.
StellaFJStellaFJ

Horrible

Doesn’t work my school dont even try
cheeseman545cheeseman545
See 64 more reviews

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

2 issues

VPN doesn't work properly when traveling

Bug

Slows down messaging and other apps

Bug
✨

Requested Features

3 requests

Allow access to certain apps during school hours

Feature

Improve VPN functionality when traveling

Feature

Provide more transparency on data collection and usage

Feature

FAQ

What does The Commons app do?

The Commons is a privacy-first app designed to help students stay focused during school hours. It automatically pauses access to distracting applications such as social media and games, while ensuring that academic, medical, and critical communication apps remain functional. This allows students to reconnect with their studies and peers without the constant temptation of their phones.

How does the app help me focus in class?

The app automatically activates when you arrive at school and blocks access to distracting apps during school hours. It is designed to prevent you from missing what matters in class by cutting down on distractions without cutting off essential communication. This helps you build stronger tech habits and improve your overall focus.

Is the app free to use?

Yes, the app is free to use. It does not have in-app purchases or advertisements, and it is offered as a free service to help students improve their focus and academic performance.

What device permissions does the app require and why?

The app requires Location, Notification, Motion, and VPN permissions to function. Location permission helps detect presence within the school zone to activate features only during school hours, without continuous tracking. VPN permission establishes a secure connection to filter distracting content during school hours without logging browsing history. These permissions are used strictly for technical functionality and are never used to collect personal content or track movement outside of school zones.

Can I still use important apps like my school portal or messaging apps?

Yes, the app is designed to keep school-approved apps and essential tools available. While it blocks distracting apps like social media and games, it ensures that your academic, medical, and critical communication apps remain functional, supporting your growth without restricting your independence.