The GW Early College Program vs the Walls Experience
A huge reason why School Without Walls High School appeals to so many Washington, DC students is its connection and opportunities with George Washington University. There are two key programs: Dual Enrollment and GWECP (George Washington Early College Program). The Dual Enrollment program allows Walls students to take a few classes during their time in high school. The GWECP is much more extensive.
Following an application and interview at the end of sophomore year, about 15 students are accepted into the program. GWECP students take all of their classes at GW (save any credits they need to complete at Walls) during their junior and senior years, free of charge, and earn an Associate’s Degree from the University at the end of their two years. But what does the life of a GWECP student really look like?
In terms of academics, the transition was significant. As Ellington Hunt (‘27) put it, “Compared to Walls, the work you received is much more study-intensive opposed to busy work.” Ayyan Sheikh (‘28) expanded on this concept – he explained that there are fewer assignments, but a few projects and tests that carry bigger weight. Fabia Alam (‘28) reflected that the collegiate academic system has “helped [her] become better at managing [her] time.”
Despite these significant changes, the supportive resources are indispensable. Olivia Jackson (‘27) remarked on this, saying “there was a substantial amount of support and information available to succeed” and that resources like peer-to-peer tutoring were “super helpful for [her] in difficult classes.” She also commented that successful students in the GWECP must be proactive in reaching out to professors when they need help. Kai Handy-Kanegis (‘27) added, “All classes have office hours which give another opportunity to build relationships with professors.” Sheikh (‘28) said, “Professors also expect you to take more responsibility for your own learning.” Overall, the supportive resources can be taken advantage of best when students advocate for their learning.
On the social side, the GWECP does not hinder social opportunities connected to the School Without Walls community. Hunt (‘27) said that his social life at SWW “is very natural especially compared to GW,” going on to explain that SWW is a “much more friendly environment.” However, socializing with GWU students has been a bit trickier. Jackson (‘27) explained that there is a “barrier for [how] relatable [her] experience at GW is to [other students].” GWECP students have adapted quickly though. Jackson (‘27) went on to reflect that as “[she’s] familiarized [herself] with GW, [she’s] brought some friends to local places and cafes or told them about it and [they] can bond in that way.” Hunt (‘27) put it this way: “You could fall off the face of the planet at GW or try your best to meet a lot of students.”
Jackson (‘27) and Hunt (‘27) gave some advice to their younger selves, which may be applicable to juniors in the program and prospective students. Jackson (‘27) shared, “I think I would tell myself not to put too much pressure on myself to be just like the university students.” The reality is that the GWECP students have not gone through the same college application process and do not share the aspect of living on campus. Hunt’s (‘27) advice is to “get to know professors more because those relationships can open up a lot of learning and professional opportunities.”
Overall, the GWECP students bring a plethora of new experiences and perspectives, only enriching the SWW community.
