Our Insights
What’s Special
Students learn computer programming; school day starts at 9 a.m.
The Downside
Limited selection of classes beyond technology and core academics
The Academy for Software Engineering (AFSE), the city’s flagship computer science high school, delivers on its name, offering instruction in programing languages, web design, user experience, entrepreneurship, cyber security, 3-D computing, and mobile application development.
Academics & Instruction: AFSE is part of the Competency Collaborative, a network of New York city public schools that take a different approach to grading student performance. For instance, when writing a paper, students may be assessed on their research skills, steps taken to build their analysis, and the quality of their writing. If they struggled in any of those areas, they get to resubmit the work. Practice and revision are key.
Classes run for an hour, longer than the typical 43-minute period, which allows teachers time to incorporate discussions and activities. At the every semester, students complete and present projects in each of their classes. It may be a podcast, a visual display, or a research paper.
Despite the school’s emphasis on technology and math, there’s also a solid focus on literature and writing. Ninth-graders wrap up their reading of Macbeth by performing scenes from the play. Twelfth grade English classes write in genres such as documentary film, novel writing, storytelling and spoken word.
There are limited offerings beyond core academics and computer science. The school offers visual arts and a range of Advanced Placement (AP) coursess, plus Mandarin and German in the upper grades.
Culture & Environment: The school is divided into lower (grades 9 and 10) and upper (grades 11 and 12) academies. Each academy has its own teaching staff. Daily advisory groups are led by one of the teachers in their academy.
The school embraces Restorative Justice, which helps students resolve conflicts and make better choices through discussion, written reflection and corrective action such as an apology.
Roughly 80 percent of the students identify as male, reflecting a similar gender imbalance in the tech industry. During our most recent visit to the school, female-identifying students we met said they felt at ease speaking up in class and working alongside all their peers.
One huge perk for tired teenagers: AFSE’s day starts later than most high schools, at 9 a.m.
Themes & Programs: Everyone takes AP Computer Science Principles, and then may choose to continue with a four-year computer science program. It begins in 9th grade with students learning Python programming language and studying robotics and game design.
In the upper grades, students choose courses based on their interests. Aspiring programmers may follow a standard computer science path heavy on math and programming. Others may prefer design classes that include coding but focus more on creative applications like 3-D printing.
Cybersecurity, the practice of protecting networks, devices and data from unauthorized access, is another option. Students pursuing this path take courses such as digital forensics.
Special Education & English as a New Language (ENL): The school has integrated co-teaching (ICT) classes and a fulltime ENL teacher.
Building & Facilities: AFSE is housed on three floors in the Washington Irving Educational Complex, a 13-story building near Manhattan's Union Square that is also home to Gramercy Arts High School; High School for Language and Diplomacy; International High School at Union Square; and Union Square Academy for Health Sciences. Success Academy Union Square, a charter elementary, is also located in the building.
The schools share use of the cafeteria, gymnasiums, renovated library, science labs and on-site medical clinic. There is no outdoor space on campus. There are campus-wide PSAL sports teams.
College & Career: Formal college guidance starts in 11th grade during advisory periods. Each student is matched with a mentor, a professional in the tech or a related industry. Students may continue with their mentor for a year post-graduation. (Laura Zingmond, via interview, November 2023)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Computer Science
Physics
Advanced Foreign Language
Not offered in 2021-21AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
College Readiness
Visit Understanding FAFSA for help with the FAFSA and financial aid.
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAcademy for Software Engineering (AFSE) (A54A)
Program Description:
AFSE offers experiences that build capacity to solve problems, collaborate, engage in research, and expand awareness of careers through work-based experiences and professional mentoring.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP United States History, Chemistry (Advanced Science), Math (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Science)
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Handball, Soccer, Volleyball
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Softball, Volleyball
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
40 Irving Place
Manhattan
NY
10003
Trains: , , , , , , to 14th St-Union Square
Buses: BM1, BM2, BM3, BM4, BxM10, BxM6, BxM7, BxM8, BxM9, M1, M101, M102, M103, M14A-SBS, M14D-SBS, M15, M15-SBS, M2, M23-SBS, M3, M34-SBS, M34A-SBS, M55, M8, M9, QM21, SIM10, SIM11, SIM1C, SIM3, SIM31, SIM33, SIM33C, SIM3C, SIM4C, SIM6, SIM7, SIM9, X27, X28, X37, X38, X63, X64, X68
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Washington Irving Educational Campus with five other schools
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