The Alternative School for Math & Science

The Alternative School for Math & Science
Established in 2003, The Alternative School for Math & Science (ASMS) is a renowned educational institution that enrolls more than 140 students from the Southern Tier of New York every year. Situated in Corning, New York, at the gateway to the Finger Lakes, the school takes pride in providing exceptional middle school education to students throughout the region. The school's comprehensive program emphasizes personal growth, academic excellence, and responsible community citizenship, cultivating the talents of students who are scholars, artists, athletes, and activists. At the Alternative School for Math & Science, learning is an authentic, collaborative, and ongoing adventure.
The Alternative School for Math & Science is a diverse community of students, teachers, and parents that fosters an academically rigorous and supportive learning environment tailored for children between ten to fourteen years of age. The school's innovative curriculum, atmosphere of trust and respect, and commitment to lifelong learning facilitate the holistic development of each student. Every aspect of school life aims to instill tolerance, integrity, and character while preparing students to become responsible members of the broader community.
The Alternative School for Math & Science's academic program follows national and international standards for learning outcomes and is widely acclaimed. Students and faculty have garnered regional and national recognition for various achievements and accomplishments.

Programs in The Alternative School for Math & Science
The academic program at The Alternative School for Math & Science prides itself on providing a rigorous, intentional, and cohesive curriculum that emphasizes inquiry-based learning. In an experiential environment, students engage in real-world tasks that encourage the development of effective communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. The teaching approach prioritizes collaborative learning, encourages creative thinking, and supports the pursuit of intellectual risk-taking. At the Alternative School for Math & Science, learning is viewed as a continuous and genuine journey, offering students a meaningful and authentic educational experience.
First off, the Alternative School for Math's curriculum is designed to provide a challenging and engaging learning experience for students who excel in mathematics. The school offers a comprehensive math program for students in grades 6-12, including courses in Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, and more.
To begin with, the English Language Arts (ELA) department at the Alternative School for Math & Science provides a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that aims to develop students' critical thinking, reading, writing, and communication skills. The department's philosophy is grounded in the belief that language arts are essential to the human experience, and therefore, the study of literature and writing is a vital component of a student's education. The ELA department at the Alternative School for Math & Science employs a variety of teaching strategies, including whole-class instruction, small-group work, and individualized instruction to meet the needs of all learners. The curriculum includes classic and contemporary literature, as well as non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Students are encouraged to read widely, think deeply, and analyze texts critically to develop their skills in reading comprehension, interpretation, and analysis.
The Physical Education/Health Department at The Alternative School for Math & Science is dedicated to promoting the physical and emotional health of its students. The program is designed to help students develop healthy habits and positive attitudes toward physical activity and personal wellness. In addition to Physical Education, the Alternative School for Math & Science also offers a Health Education curriculum that focuses on the promotion of physical and emotional health. Topics may include nutrition, personal hygiene, stress management, disease prevention, and social and emotional health. The Health Education program is designed to help students make informed decisions about their health and wellness, and to develop the skills and strategies necessary to maintain healthy lifestyles.
The highlight of The Alternative School for Math & Science  is its science department which is dedicated to fostering curiosity, inquiry, and scientific literacy in its students. The curriculum is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills and to encourage them to ask questions and seek answers through experimentation and observation. The science program is grounded in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), a set of science education standards developed by the National Research Council, the National Science Teachers Association, as well as the Association for the Advancement of Science.
The Mathematics department at The Alternative School for Math & Science aims to provide students with a deep understanding of mathematics concepts and skills that will be useful to them in their future academic and professional pursuits. The department uses a variety of teaching methods to help students learn, including hands-on activities, problem-based learning, and the use of technology such as graphing calculators and computer programs. Students are encouraged to take an active role in their own learning and to seek help from their teachers when needed.
Furthermore, The Alternative School for Math & Science department is staffed by experienced and dedicated teachers who are passionate about mathematics and its applications. They work closely with students to ensure that they are meeting their academic goals, and they are available outside of class for extra help or to answer any questions that students may have.
The curriculum of the Alternative School for Math & Science overall is designed to be flexible, allowing students to progress at their own pace and to take courses that match their interests and abilities. The school offers both traditional classroom instruction and online courses, providing students with a range of options for learning. In addition to the core math courses, The Alternative School for Math offers a variety of enrichment programs to help students further develop their math skills and interests. These programs include math competitions, research projects, and other hands-on learning experiences.
One of the unique aspects of the school's curriculum is its focus on real-world applications of mathematics. Students are encouraged to apply their math skills to real-world problems and to explore the ways in which math is used in fields such as engineering, finance, and science.
Last, but not least, in Visual Arts department, students are introduced to a wide range of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. They learn fundamental techniques and principles of design and explore their own creativity through individual and collaborative projects. The school has a dedicated art studio and a wide range of materials and tools, allowing students to experiment and create in a supportive and inspiring environment. The music program at the Alternative School for Math & Science offers instruction in a variety of instruments, including voice, guitar, keyboard, and percussion. Students learn music theory, sight-reading, and performance skills through individual and ensemble work. The school also offers a range of opportunities for students to perform, including concerts and recitals.
In theater and dance, students explore their creativity and develop their skills in acting, movement, and performance. The school has a black box theater, dance studio, and access to a range of costumes, props, and lighting equipment. Students learn stagecraft, improvisation, and the basics of playwriting, while also developing their confidence and self-expression.
Throughout the Arts program, students are encouraged to take risks, be innovative, and express themselves creatively. The Arts faculty provides a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters individual growth and learning. The school's arts program offers students the opportunity to pursue their passions while also gaining skills and knowledge that will serve them in all areas of their lives.

Accommodation in The Alternative School for Math & Science
The Alternative School for Math & Science does not offer accommodation for its students. However, international students can find various options for housing in Corning, New York. Homestay is an excellent option for international students looking for a cultural immersion experience. Corning offers several homestay programs, such as the International Student Homestay Program, which offers students the opportunity to live with a local family and experience American culture while attending school. The cost of homestay varies, but it is typically around $800 USD to $1,000 USD per month, including meals.
Renting a room or apartment is another option for international students in Corning. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs around $800 USD to $1,200 USD per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,200 USD to $1,800 USD per month, depending on the location and amenities. It's worth noting that the cost of utilities, such as water, electricity, and internet, is usually not included in the monthly rent.
International students can also choose to live off-campus in nearby towns like Elmira or Horseheads. Living off-campus provides more independence and often more affordable housing options. The cost of renting a room or apartment in these towns is slightly lower than in Corning, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $600 USD to $900 USD per month, and a two-bedroom apartment costing around $900 USD to $1,500 USD per month.
Future Prospects
As a small, private middle school, The Alternative School for Math & Science does not offer post-graduate options for work. However, graduating students are well-prepared to continue their education in high school or move on to other pursuits. After high school, a student will be able to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is a type of a work visa for international students.
Many students at The Alternative School for Math & Science choose to continue their education in a traditional high school setting, either in the local public high school or in private schools. In addition to pursuing traditional academic paths, some students may choose to explore other opportunities such as vocational training, internships, or entrepreneurship. Afterward, having a bit of work and life experience in the US, a student can apply for permanent residence through employment-based immigration, which typically involves finding a job with a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor their application for a green card. Other options may include family-based immigration, refugee or asylum status, or the diversity visa lottery program. Once an international student has been living and working in the U.S. for a certain period of time as a permanent resident, they may become eligible to apply for American citizenship in case they want to stay there for good.

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