SWAS

What is SWAS?

The School Within A School (SWAS) program is a full-time gifted education model in Washoe County School District designed to meet the needs of highly and profoundly gifted students in grades 3-5.  Students remain together throughout the day and are taught all core subjects by a teacher with a gifted endorsement from the State of Nevada.

Instruction in SWAS goes beyond grade-level expectations, emphasizing depth, complexity, critical thinking, creativity, and self-directed learning. The curriculum is enriched and integrated across subjects, encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and academic risk-taking.

SWAS includes:

• Enriched, integrated curriculum across all core subjects
• Project-based learning and inquiry
• Emphasis on problem-solving and independent thinking
• A consistent peer community of gifted students
• A classroom culture that values curiosity, creativity, and depth
• Support for social-emotional development and identity as learners

Where is SWAS Offered?

There are three elementary SWAS sites in Washoe County School District:

• Caughlin Ranch Elementary School
• Florence Drake Elementary School
• Ted Hunsberger Elementary School

These classrooms serve qualified students from across the district. Placement at a specific site is assigned based on your zoned school and district transportation routes. A School of Choice request does not override the assigned SWAS site.

Application Requirements

To be considered for SWAS, a student must:

• Be identified as GATE by the WCSD GATE Department: Identification page
• Be entering 3rd or 4th grade, student entering 4th grade will be considered for SWAS on an individual basis.
• Demonstrate high academic performance in their current school setting
• Complete a SWAS commitment application during the open application window. More information below.

Enrollment & Commitment

• Returning SWAS students are automatically considered for continued enrollment each year. No action is needed.
• Eligible SWAS students will receive a mailed and/or emailed invitation from the GATE Department beginning in late October. The invitation will include a link to complete the SWAS Commitment Form, which serves as your application.
• Once the commitment form is submitted, you will see a confirmation message on the final screen. You will not receive a separate confirmation email.
• At that point, your child is officially accepted into the SWAS program, no further steps are needed. Congratulations!
• Families should still register students in Infinite Campus when it becomes available, even if it does not show their correct SWAS school. Enrollment will be internally transferred to the assigned SWAS site by the school’s secretary (typically around May).
• Note: Families should not submit a School of Choice form for SWAS placement. Placement in the SWAS Program is handled entirely by the GATE Department based on eligibility and application.

Transportation

The district provides transportation for all SWAS students:

• Students are bused from their zoned school to their assigned SWAS site
• Bus schedules are posted each year at www.washoeschools.net/swaspickup
• While WCSD aims to minimize student travel time, pick-up and drop-off times are determined by district-wide transportation logistics

School Integration

SWAS students spend their full school day at their assigned SWAS site and are fully integrated into the host school’s culture and routines. This includes:

• Following the school’s calendar and bell schedule
• Participating in sitewide events, recess, lunch, and specials
• Becoming part of the broader school community

Once accepted, your child’s SWAS site becomes your primary point of contact for:

• Back-to-school events and school-specific calendars
• Teacher/classroom assignments
• Supply lists
• Parent communication and updates

Homework & Academic Expectations

Homework in SWAS is designed to support and extend classroom learning. While exact expectations may vary by teacher and grade level, students can expect some occasional homework for the following:

• Reading and writing assignments
• Project-based learning
• Opportunities to explore concepts through creativity and problem-solving

Families are encouraged to build routines and support their child’s curiosity and independence at home.

Supporting Student-Athletes and Performers

SWAS teachers support students with demanding extracurricular schedules, including athletics, performing arts, and competitive events. With advance communication, teachers can:

• Adjust due dates when appropriate
• Offer flexibility to complete assignments early
• Prioritize essential work
• In some cases, excuse select assignments when conflicts arise

Supporting the Transition to SWAS

No special preparation is required to join SWAS. Teachers are experienced in welcoming students from a variety of schools, experience, and levels, and will support both academic and social-emotional transitions.

Families can help by:

• Encouraging organization and independence
• Promoting a growth mindset and comfort with challenge
• Staying connected with the new school and teacher
• Supporting curiosity, exploration, and regular reading at home

SWAS classrooms foster a strong sense of community, and students will be guided in building new friendships and routines.

To learn more about other models of GATE service, visit our GATE Models Overview.