Frequently
Asked
Questions
Academic and Student Life Questions
What is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous instruction?
All Gravitas classes are synchronous (a.k.a. taught live). Other online programs which only offer asynchronous instruction require students to do all of their work on their own by watching pre-recorded lessons.
How does Gravitas’s academic schedule work?
Gravitas students take four or five required classes at a time and spend approximately three hours on video in their live classes each day. The rest of their school day is spent doing course readings, discussion board responses, essays, research, etc. Typically one or two of the courses is paced intensively and goes for only eleven weeks before the introduction of a different intensive course. This model allows students to join Gravitas from different parts of the world at different points in the year. To see a schedule of our live classes, visit our Live Class Schedule page.
Does Gravitas offer GEDs?
No, Gravitas is designed for teenagers in grades 5-12.
Does the Gravitas curriculum meet the University of California A-G requirements or other state university prerequisites?
Yes, though students will need to work with their advisor and college counselor to make sure they complete all of the requirements.
What are Passion Academies?
Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, Gravitas is launching Passion Academies, which consist of clusters of project-based and competition-based elective courses, some of which are taught asynchronously and some of which are taught or coached live. Learn more about Passion Academies here.
Does Gravitas share teachers with SBS? Are the Gravitas teachers the same as at SBS?
Though some of SBS’s teachers teach at Gravitas, the majority are hired specifically for our program. Gravitas teachers are hired using the same criteria and process used for hiring SBS faculty.
How Does Gravitas Provide Students with Social Interaction?
Gravitas hosts staff and student-led community events such as fun trivia bowls, holiday-themed games, and movie nights. As with in-person socializing, we encourage students to be proactive about forming friendships as well.
Where Do Gravitas Students Attend College?
Gravitas is a fully accredited virtual extension of The Stony Brook School (SBS), a highly regarded 100-year-old day and boarding school on Long Island, New York. Gravitas students receive the same excellent and rigorous college preparatory instruction and official diploma as their SBS peers and are prepared to attend top-25 schools as they do. Our first Gravitas graduate in 2022 was accepted to Cornell University.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Our dress code requires academic dress during the school day. You will receive additional dress-code information after you are accepted.
What are the athletic requirements at your school?
As a Gravitas student, you will participate in a local club sport or physical activity like dance or martial arts or complete the Gravitas online physical education course.
What technology do you require students to purchase?
Gravitas provides all of the software you will need, but you will need a non-Chromebook laptop or desktop computer running Windows or MacOS. These computers must have a camera. You will also need a high-speed internet connection to participate in live classes via WebEx.
Which learning platforms do you use?
Classes are conducted in Canvas LMS and WebEx. Teachers use a variety of web-based learning software as well, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Cloud, Pearson MyMathLab and Mastering, Gizmos for virtual labs, Flip, Padlet, Kahoot!, Blooket, and Formative.
Admissions Questions
What is the tuition, and are there other fees?
Tuition includes all course materials. Updated information on tuition and fees can be found here.
Do I have to be a Christian to attend Gravitas?
No. While Gravitas is a distinctly Christian institution, and aspects of our faith are integrated into the students' daily lives (e.g., weekly mandatory chapel), you are allowed to maintain your own personal beliefs. Our hope is that you will develop your own vision of who God is and who God is calling you to become.
What is the application deadline?
The priority deadline is January 15.
The standard deadline is March 15.
The deadline for rolling admissions is July 15.
Please note: applications received after March 15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis. During the rolling admissions period, candidates' admission and awards of need-based aid will depend on the availability of space and funding.
When will the Admissions Office notify me of acceptance?
Do I need to submit all parts of my application at the same time?
No. You can start by completing the application form and paying the application fee. You can begin and complete your application later here.
What is the Admissions Office looking for when evaluating applications?
When we consider your application, we try to get to know you as a whole person, not just a set of numbers. We consider your tests scores, teacher recommendations, student essays, transcripts, and interview.
Which standardized test does Gravitas require?
Standardized testing is currently optional. You can choose to take an exam if you feel it will improve your chances.
Test Recommendations:
Grades 9-10 Applicants
Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
Grade 11 and 12 Applicants
PSAT, PreACT, ACT, or SAT, SSAT
As an international applicant, what are your testing requirements? Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
In addition to any required standardized testing, if English is not your first language, you will berequired to take an English language proficiency test. Our office prefers the TOEFL exam. When registering, please use code 8083 in order to send us the applicant's scores directly. Please note that our office does not accept TOEFL's MyBest Score.
If the TOEFL is not available, you may choose : IELTS, Cambridge, ELTiS, and Duolingo.
Even if you have studied in the United States for several years or are currently attending an international school with an American or British curriculum, you may still need to take a test. Please contact the Admissions Office at gravitas@sbs.org for further questions.
Is an admission interview required? Are parents/guardians required to be present?
If you are a full-time applicant to Gravitas, the Admissions team will schedule a Zoom interview with you. You only need to have one parent or guardian present for the interview.
Does Gravitas do interviews during the summer and major school breaks?
Yes. Please make sure to call 631-675-3504 or email the Gravitas Admissions Office at gravitas@sbs.org to set up your interview during those times.
What should applicants wear to the interview?
You can wear whatever is most comfortable to your interview.
How will admissions decisions be communicated?
You and your parents or guardians will receive an email with the acceptance letter and instructions for accessing the parent portal.
Are admissions decisions affected by applying for financial aid?
Yes. Unfortunately, Gravitas is not need-blind, which means that the Admissions Office will need to consider the family’s ability to pay before making the final decision on an application. That said, we encourage you to apply.
Do I have to repay the financial aid award?
No. The financial aid award is essentially a tuition discount and does not require repayment.
How is financial aid eligibility determined? How much financial aid can I expect to receive?
How is financial aid eligibility determined? How much financial aid can I expect to receive?
Gravitas does not award merit scholarships—only need-based financial aid. These decisions are made based on a family’s demonstrated need and determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered include:
- Number of children attending tuition charging schools
- Personal assets, liabilities, investments
- Size of family
Domestic families apply for financial aid using TADS.
If our child is offered admission with a financial-aid grant in year one, can we expect to receive a similar grant in future years?
Yes. As your finances do not change significantly from one year to another, you can expect to pay roughly the same percentage of tuition each year that your child is enrolled at Gravitas.
Do I need to apply for financial aid each year?
Yes. You must submit a financial aid application whether you are new to Gravitas or a returning family.
What is the policy for families with parents that are divorced, separated, or never been married?
As a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, Gravitas endorses its recommendation that both birth parents have an obligation to contribute to the education of their children to the extent they are able.
Gravitas expects that separated parents, divorced parents, or parents that have never been married will contribute to the cost of their child’s education regardless of whether or not there is a legal obligation for them to do so. The financial aid process considers all resources that might be available to the student. If either parent remarries, the Financial Aid Committee will take into consideration the obligation of that parent to his/her new family and the resources of the stepparent, given the obligation of the stepparent to his/her own children. Therefore, both parents along with stepparents must provide financial information by submitting a TADS application.
Can international students apply for financial aid?
Yes. International students can receive financial aid. You will need to complete the International Student Financial Aid Application Form. In addition, the Admissions Office requires proof of income by way of bank statements, tax documents, pay stubs, etc.
What is the application process for home-schooled applicants or applicants coming from non-traditional schools?
The process will be similar to the process for students attending traditional schools. The one major exception is that recommendations will be completed by online teachers or home-school teachers (i.e. parents). We strongly encourage that at least one recommendation comes from an adult that is not the applicant’s parent.
