Who supervises the students?
The Program is supervised, directed and administered by a staff of faculty advisors with experience in education who have received extensive training on the developmental needs of elementary school scholars and the NYSP curriculum. The scholar relations team is highly trained to facilitate program logistics and assist scholars’ with their needs, ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. The scholar-to-staff ratio is strictly maintained at 8-to-1.

What do I need to know about the scholars’ housing?
While it may vary by location, most students will have between one and three roommates, and each student will have his or her own bed. Each scholar's room has linens and towels (but extra towels and blankets are recommended) and a shared bathroom. Scholars must bring a calling card or '800' number to make long distance calls. Cell phones are permitted. It is recommended to bring a fan as not all scholar rooms have air conditioning.

When can I contact my scholar?
Scholars may call home each morning before leaving for breakfast and each evening before room check. Cell phones must be turned off during the day to keep the students engaged and involved in the Program.

Parents/guardians will have the telephone number to the site office and may certainly leave their scholar a message. Additionally, parents/guardians may e-mail the office or a member of the scholar relations staff should they need to relay information to their scholar.

Can special dietary needs be met?
Vegetarian options are always available and kosher meals can be made available upon request. All dietary needs and food allergies must be indicated on the scholar Medical Information & Authorization form provided in the acceptance materials. If necessary, a staff member will contact you to discuss any special arrangements that need to be made for you.

As a parent, can I stay at the program location during my scholar’s time at NYSP?
For the benefit of your scholar and his/her experience, we do not permit parents/guardians to stay at the program location. In the acceptance packet, a list of local hotels will be provided for your convenience.

Can I visit my scholar during the Program?
Due to the very busy schedule, scholar visits with friends or relatives during the Program are discouraged; however, off-campus visits will be permitted if arranged through written request from a parent or a guardian. If you will be requesting a visit, please be sure to write legibly (or preferably type), specifying the name of the student, the names of the visitors and the date of the visit. Requests must be signed by the student’s parent or guardian and include a daytime and evening telephone number. These requests should be presented to a member of the NYSP staff during registration on the first day of the Program. We are unable to accept permission notes prior to the registration date. A form of identification must be presented in order to check your scholar out of the Program.

Please note that parents/guardians are not permitted to attend any components of the Program until the final day’s presentations so that we can provide the best possible experience for every young scholar.

It’s my child’s first time away from home. What procedures are in place to ease the transition for my child and myself?
For many scholars, NYSP represents their first time away from home. Before arriving at the Program, we encourage you to read the Carpe Diem! Making the Most of the NYSP Experience (PDF) guide to prepare yourself and your scholar.

A dedicated team of individuals will be available 24 hours a day throughout the Program to assist with scholar/parent relations. Contact phone numbers and e-mail addresses will be provided on the first day of the Program should you need to contact a member of the staff any time during the Program.

If my student is returning, does he/she get any special options? What will be different?
As an Eagle (the title of honor given to a returning NYSP scholar), students receive an official red NYSP Eagle name badge, backpack and keychain, identifying them as a returning young scholar.

Two-time returning young scholars will receive the distinguished title of Golden Eagle. These students will receive an exclusive gold name badge and be presented with a framed photo of themselves with Baldy, the NYSP mascot.

During the Program, Eagles and Golden Eagles will be presented with additional leadership opportunities and activities reserved only for program alumni.