School of the Future (New York City)
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| The School of the Future |
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| Established | 1990 |
| Type | Public Secondary School |
| Principal | Catherine DeLaura |
| Dean | Josh Marks |
| Students | 625 Students |
| Grades | 6-12 |
| Location | 127 East 22nd Street New York City, New York United States of America |
| Campus | Urban |
| Colors | Navy Blue and White |
| Mascot | Bulldogs |
| Website | http://www.sof.edu |
School of the Future is a public secondary school located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood on the east side of Manhattan in New York City, New York. The school serves grades 6 through 12 and is a part of the New York City Department of Education. It draws students from all over the NYC population. It is a small school created in the NYC system with high standards, innovative educational experiences, high school spirit, and more consistent attendance of students. It is considered unique for its philosophy, its admissions process that is dependent on student application and interview, and for its dedicated practice in project based learning. School of the Future is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools[1], a league of schools dedicated to small class sizes and student centered learning. In 2005, School of the Future was chosen as a national mentor school of CES as part of a Gates Foundation funded effort to improve schools nationwide.
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[edit] History
The school was founded in 1990, and made possible though funding by the Apple Computer Company. Located on 127 East 22nd Street, the corner building was originally the location of the Manhattan Trade School for Girls when the building was erected in 1915. The building is 11 stories high, not including the basement. The school's colors are navy blue and white. The school places an emphasis on incorporating outdated technology into the students learning. High School students are given the option of renting school laptops, while wireless internet is provided throughout the building by neighboring Baruch College.
[edit] Curriculum
It encourages students to be independent through internships with local companies, non-profits, and civic institutions. Classes are sometimes taught through a two-year curriculum; students may have some of their teachers for two academic years. The high school follows a block schedule and students have a full day of classes for four years. Graduation requirements entails four years of Humanities (English and Social Studies primarily, with occasionally gleanings from other disciplines such as Philosophy and Visual Arts); four years of Math and Science; and two years of foreign language (French or Spanish). The Juniors & Seniors are considered the "Senior Institute" which provides more choice to students in their studies, allowing them to pick from an array of Humanities Courses. The Math sequence consists of Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, and Pre-calculus/Calculus in the 12th grade. The Science sequence includes Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students can choose to take elective classes in a variety of subjects: art, science, math, Spanish, and French. Students must demonstrate technology proficiency in their regular classes. The School’s Advisory Program serves as a family group and guidance resource.
[edit] The Student Body
Between the Middle School and High School about 625 students attend SOF. The student population is greatly diverse (ethnically, economically, academically, and geographically), with students attending from all five boroughs of the City. SOF has been recognized by Clara Hemphill as a top public school in New York City, partially due to the conistent accomplishment of nearly 100% of the school's graduating class being accepted to a college or university.
[edit] Highlights
- Award winning teachers
- Although located in Manhattan and unable to have a "home field" for sporting events, the school has eight Varsity and two JV teams. Teams include Baseball (Boys), Basketball (Boys & boys teams), Soccer (Boys & Girls teams), Softball (Girls), and Volleyball (Boys & boys teams)
- Sport teams are a part of the PSAL
- The school does not require its students to take most of the New York State Regents Examinations. Students need to complete four in high school to graduate.
- SOF takes great pride in its after school program which has restored the school's roof garden and offers over 30 classes for both the upper and lower houses.
