City-As-School (CAS) emphasizes freedom, trust and responsibility. It's a place where students learn by doing; doing in their internships, doing in their class work, and doing on their own as they prepare their portfolios for graduation. Started in 1972 with 15 students and the staff of four, CAS has grown to a student body of 685, and a staff of 86 dedicated teachers and administrators.
Despite this growth the school has maintained the same core values it had at its founding: open communication (everyone in the school is on a first name basis), personal freedom (we don't issue hall passes, there are no metal detectors and no violence in our halls), and personal accountability (students are responsible for getting to their placements on their own and for making up any days they miss regardless of the reason).
Despite this growth the school has maintained the same core values it had at its founding: open communication (everyone in the school is on a first name basis), personal freedom (we don't issue hall passes, there are no metal detectors and no violence in our halls), and personal accountability (students are responsible for getting to their placements on their own and for making up any days they miss regardless of the reason).
Services
At CAS, the school year is divided into four eight-week cycles. Each cycle students spend between 16 and 32 hours per week at one or more of the community resources (internships) they elect from a quarterly catalog. They typically enroll in between two and four classes held at the school and two seminars, also held at the school.
Families are an important part of our student's success. As students transition from one school to another there are many questions that can arise. Luckily, we have a number of supports at City-As-School that can help guide students towards their high school diploma, and beyond. Our Admissions department has a history of guiding students and families through the process of being officially admitted into the school.
The CACO staff is here to support and guide you through the college process and assist you with your career needs. We offer the following to students: one-on-one advising, college & career related trips, college & career fairs, college rep visits, career panels, college & career classes, Men's Group, SAT review, Accuplacer prep & administration, assistance with resume writing, essay writing and graduation portfolio completion support.
Since its founding in 1972, City-As-School has been an international pioneer in the successful practice of external learning, in which students are placed in a wide variety of resources (internship) experiences outside the school where they learn by doing.
While other high schools offer cooperative learning or work/study opportunities and service learning, City-As-School is the only high school in the New York City Department of Education where students can earn academic credits toward gradation for what they learn in internships.
While other high schools offer cooperative learning or work/study opportunities and service learning, City-As-School is the only high school in the New York City Department of Education where students can earn academic credits toward gradation for what they learn in internships.
Our students have opted to attend City-As-School to complete their high school education through hands-on work experience. Interns receive academic credit for what they learn with you, and your organization gains apprentices who create their own education through assisting you. There are no payments or salaries involved in this program.
Reviews (9)
Angela Ortiz
Oct 13, 2018
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My daughter heard about CAS (City As School) from a friend who had a similar academic experience and told her that she'd never been happier in school. I was skeptical to say the least when my daughter asked to attend an Open House at the start of school last year. I wish that more parents and students knew that CAS existed as an excellent option for students who are struggling in mainstream schools which is why I am offering this review.
My daughter has attended selective NYC schools since elementary school, but because of her ADHD, her academic experience has been a roller coaster. She was accepted
My daughter has attended selective NYC schools since elementary school, but because of her ADHD, her academic experience has been a roller coaster. She was accepted
Karin Bravin
Aug 26, 2018
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My son was in the same private school in NYC from Pre-school through 11th grade. For financial reasons we had to switch him out his senior year. This is not an easy thing to do and we wanted to find a school that offered something different so that the transition would be exciting and rewarding and different from his previous experience. We had friends who's children had gone through City As and found it to be transformational, so after a terrific open house lead by Lucy Small, we were sold.
In September there was an extensive orientation for new students so that helped with the transition. He
In September there was an extensive orientation for new students so that helped with the transition. He
Bret Schlesinger
Jun 13, 2018
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I am retired now! But I was a lifelong Teacher in the NY school system. I worked in traditional schools, for the Board of Education and later as teacher in Graduate school training future supervisors. But my experience at City As School taught me more about what true teaching was meant to be. Quoting another visitor to CAS it was an epiphany. Based on the philosophy of John Dewey that "learning is an adventure" it has transformed learning from being a passive 2 dimensional locked in classroom experience governed by more by the needs of a school into a participatory active 3 dimensional adventure
Brian Williams
Dec 26, 2017
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Rocio Ramirez
Jun 28, 2017
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AWESOME SCHOOL !!!!The graduation rate is high so thats a good thing to keep in mind. When I was unsure if I was going to ever make it out of high School a good friend of mine suggested city as & it was the perfect school for me. The teachers help you so much they care, Rachel, Vicent , Veronica, Marcus, Andrew, Rita, Joseline, Gary, art teacher, Melissa, tomiko, omg I can say all of the teachers ! they help me so much. I really suggest this school if you want to meet great people and if you want to graduate, they have tutoring, Saturdays schools, esl, ,. The key is to stay focused and do all your
Tishea D.
Apr 07, 2017
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I loved this school. It was right in the middle of Manhattan. It was a great environment with lots of energy. As I interviewed the kids they actually enjoyed the school and it just showed that this was a good place to be. I love being an educator. It was great to see schools in different atmosphere 's just to see how they are organized and how we can change the structure in Baltimore.
Eddie O.
Sep 15, 2016
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I graduated from city-as-school in June of 1995, yes, it does help you out to graduate and an eye opener especially if you were struggling thru high school and wasn't able to finish on time. I needed an extra year of school and attended city-as-school for one year and I was able to graduate and receive my hs diploma. This school is perfect for kids who are struggling to graduate to open their eyes and also a second chance in hs life to get it right. Trust the teachers and they will give you confidence in graduating on time.
Ed Perkins
Dec 30, 2015
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Graduated in '04. If you are attending City-As, it means you have probably struggled at some point during your high school career. I was no different. Without City-As, I probably wouldn't have graduated. I learned valuable life skills, and had some dedicated teachers. I am very grateful to have found this school. I graduated instead of dropping out or getting a GED like so many of my peers at other schools, went to a community college, eventually wound up at a four year school, and today I have a graduate degree. City-As is not perfect and still deals with many of the problems that public schools
Kozi Smith
Jun 11, 2015
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I currently attend CAS and I love it, its a little hard with final projects, and LEAPS. but you are Never in the building for a full day 5 days a week, doing the same boring thing. I have classes ONLY on Tuesday's and Thursday's. and I go to an Internship on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's, and I do earn credit that way. every day is something completely different. and not to mention the original paintings in and outside of the school, its a MUST see sight. I LOVE CAS