Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Frequently Asked Question about A School Without Walls
Q: What is the schedule at A School Without Walls?
A: Students at A School Without Walls attend school up to 3 days in person and 2 days remote. In person and remote classes run Monday-Friday from 9:45 am -3:20 pm. The school day begins at 8:00 am with an hour long Independent Learning block (which can be completed at another time if preferred). Remote days for remote classes and for fieldwork and internship days as students move through 10-12th grades. In the 9th grade, remote days will take place from home.
Q: Are AP courses offered at A School Without Walls?
A: Our school will focus on offering College coursework through the National Education Opportunity Network (NEON) and College Now courses through our partnership with CUNY for 11th and 12th grade students. We offer math, science, and humanities courses through colleges and universities across the country for up to 90 10th-11th grade each year.
Q: When will students begin internships and other real world learning?
A: Students can begin engaging with experts, self directed and school led fieldwork as early as 9th grade. Students will engage in internships, early college course work and other on site learning as part of their Passion Projects in 10th-12th grades, as they become ready to pursue opportunities.
Q: Can students in the 11th and 12th grade transfer to A School Without Walls?
A: At this time, we only have capacity to accommodate transfers in the 9th and 10th grade. We are not a transfer school and are not a fully virtual school. Students transferring to Swow should be interested in pursuing passion projects, field work, and internships. We do not accept students in the 11th and 12th grade unless they can demonstrate readiness for on time graduation and a commitment to attending school daily both in person and remote.
Q: Is A School Without Walls a public school or is there a cost to attend?
A: A School Without Walls is a New York City public school, located in district 2 at 90 Trinity Place in lower Manhattan. There is no cost to attend and students are provided with the technology they need to participate in our hybrid schedule.
Q: My child has anxiety and has been absent from school or homeschooled as a result. Is SWoW a good option for my child?
A: A School Without Walls is a great option for any student who is excited about our student centered, project based curriculum that offers students real world learning opportunities. Our students participate in field work, in person team building, community building circles, and presentations of learning. Students admitted to SWoW must commit to in person learning three times per week, active participation in remote learning, and continued research and reading during scheduled independent work blocks. Students who are looking for a fully virtual option, struggle to work independently, or do not wish to participate in person or on field work and internships, are not a good fit for SWoW.