Flatiron School Update Regarding COVID-19: Our Commitment to our Students and Campus Communities

Updated March 24

Dear Flatiron School Community,

There is no other way to describe recent events other than unprecedented. Flatiron School has, like so many of you, worked to respond to the ever-changing world around us as a result of COVID-19. Our goal of providing our students with a rigorous educational experience has not changed despite the shifting nature of our campus communities. Change is scary, but we as a school are humbled to acknowledge the resilience our students have exhibited. Our internal motto of “students first” keeps us focused as we implement the necessary changes to keep our staff and students safe.

As we enter this temporary new chapter of remote instruction at all of our campuses, here is our commitment — we will stay connected to you. While we are geographically disconnected we are committed to moving forward together. Connection through mission and education is foundational to who we are, and that will not change.

Over the last week, we have implemented a transition from on-campus to remote instruction, as guided by the CDC and other applicable government leaders, to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please be reassured that we are closely monitoring the situation following the guidance coming from each of our campus cities’ relevant governmental authorities and we will regularly communicate with our community as we learn more. 

Here is what we can share to date.

• Based on guidance received from local and national governmental authorities, we:

  • Transitioned our Seattle campus to remote instruction on March 6th, 2020,

  • Transitioned our New York and San Francisco campuses to remote instruction on March 11th, 2020, 

  • Transitioned our Tampa, Colorado Springs, and Denver SecureSet campuses to remote instruction on March 16th, 2020, and

  • Transitioned our remaining campuses to remote instruction on March 16, 2020.

• The move to remote-instruction across all our campuses is scheduled to last until April 27, 2020. While this date may change based on the guidance of our government and health officials, this change is temporary, and we expect to reopen on-campus instruction as soon as it is safe to do so, based on guidance received from the authorities in each of the cities where we operate; 

• We intend to keep all previously-published campus program start-dates, where applicable, and, where necessary and permitted by local regulators, have students begin their program with remote instruction, for as long as it is recommended for the safety of our community; 

•  Online students have access to several temporary policy changes we’ve made in order to offer students more support and flexibility during this time 

We understand the challenging situations people are navigating, and the outpouring of support amongst our students have been moving but not unexpected. Supporting one another through the challenges of change is core to who we are at Flatiron School. 

• If you are a currently enrolled student with questions about your program, please email studentservices@flatironschool.com. 

• If you are a prospective student or are enrolled in a program that has not started yet and have questions about an upcoming program, please email admissions@flatironschool.com, or the admissions representative you have been working with. 

• You are also invited to stay engaged with our learning communities by accessing a new offering of topical webinars we will be hosting in the upcoming weeks.

We have been invigorated to see how quickly support can coalesce. Campus students are being contacted with helpful tips to navigate remote learning by our Central Education team; job seekers are staying connected with their Career Coaches to navigate interviews and job searches; we have seen instructors working long hours to assist students with specific needs, all while rapidly deploying lesson plans and continuing to ensure the quality of our remote instruction for campuses that have moved online. To our caring Flatiron School extended community and alumni who have stepped forward, thank you for your support of our students.

As we move forward, the most important thing we are asking of you is to stay safe and healthy; for yourselves and each other. Embrace your ability to connect, whether via Zoom, Slack, or social media.  Let us not shy away from remaining a tightly connected community of learners, career changers, and educators. //