REVIEW OF The New School BY parent, Zach Theo

(5) Student Experience

Our child’s experience at The New School has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first day, we noticed a spark in his eyes—an eagerness to engage, question, and grow. What he appreciates most is the school’s nurturing environment that champions creativity, critical thinking, and individuality. The interdisciplinary approach to learning has given him the freedom to explore subjects deeply and make meaningful connections between them, which keeps him genuinely excited about coming to school each day. He especially values the relationships he’s built with his teachers. The faculty’s encouragement and willingness to meet each student where they are—academically, emotionally, and creatively—has had a profound impact on his confidence and sense of self. He often comes home enthusiastic about a project, a lively classroom discussion, or a new idea he was introduced to in a way that truly resonates with him. If there is one aspect he finds slightly disappointing, it's that there are only so many hours in the school day—he often wishes he had more time to pursue his passion projects or delve deeper into topics that fascinate him. But even this “disappointment” is a reflection of how much he values the learning environment at The New School. Overall, we couldn’t be more grateful for the way The New School is helping shape our child not just into a well-rounded student, but into a thoughtful, curious, and engaged young person.

(5) School Leadership

What truly stands out about the leadership and administration at The New School is their unwavering commitment to cultivating a community rooted in respect, transparency, and genuine care for each student and family. From our very first interactions, it was clear that the administrators are not only highly competent but also deeply invested in the well-being and development of every child. They lead with empathy and integrity, striking a thoughtful balance between academic excellence and emotional intelligence. When challenges arise, they are addressed promptly, fairly, and with a problem-solving mindset that involves both the student and the family in a constructive manner. This collaborative approach fosters trust and reinforces the sense that every student is seen, heard, and valued. Discipline, when necessary, is handled with fairness and purpose. Rather than punitive measures, the administration emphasizes reflection, accountability, and learning from mistakes—an approach that aligns beautifully with the school’s overall values. Communication is another area where the leadership truly shines. Whether it’s through regular updates, thoughtful parent outreach, or open-door accessibility, we always feel informed and supported. Our child knows he can turn to the administration if needed, and we as parents feel confident that his voice—and ours—will be respected. In short, the leadership at The New School sets the tone for the inclusive, vibrant, and supportive environment that defines the entire school experience. Their guidance is a cornerstone of what makes the school so exceptional.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at The New School is exceptional—truly one of the most remarkable aspects of our child’s experience. We are consistently impressed by the depth of knowledge, passion, and creativity that each teacher brings into the classroom. It’s clear that the faculty are not only experts in their subjects but also deeply committed to inspiring a love of learning in their students. What stands out most is how the teachers strike the perfect balance between challenge and support. They push students to think critically, to ask questions, and to stretch beyond their comfort zones, while at the same time offering the encouragement and individualized attention that makes those risks feel safe and exciting. Our child feels both intellectually stimulated and emotionally supported, which is an incredibly rare and valuable combination. The feedback provided is thoughtful, specific, and growth-oriented. Rather than simply grading assignments, teachers take the time to engage with students' ideas, helping them refine their thinking and deepen their understanding. This personalized approach to instruction empowers our child to take ownership of their learning and feel proud of their progress. Communication with parents is also excellent. We feel like true partners in our child’s education—regularly informed about not just academic performance, but also how our child is growing as a thinker, collaborator, and individual. In every way, the teaching at The New School exceeds our expectations. It’s clear that this is a place where educators are not just teaching content—they are shaping capable, curious, and compassionate young people.

(5) Academics

The academic program at The New School is both intellectually rigorous and refreshingly progressive. It blends academic excellence with a forward-thinking approach that encourages deep inquiry, cross-disciplinary thinking, and real-world application. The curriculum is designed not just to teach facts, but to foster a lifelong love of learning—something we see reflected daily in our child’s engagement and curiosity. One of the school’s greatest academic strengths is its emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Students are not passive recipients of information; they are active participants in their education. Whether through project-based learning, seminar-style discussions, or independent research opportunities, students are consistently challenged to connect ideas, defend their reasoning, and explore their interests in meaningful ways. The faculty’s ability to personalize learning is another major asset. Our child is consistently encouraged to explore advanced topics in areas of strength while receiving the support needed in areas that require more guidance. This differentiated approach ensures that no student is left behind and that every student is pushed to achieve their personal best. The academic culture at The New School is one of respect, curiosity, and mutual accountability. It's an environment where intellectual risk-taking is encouraged, where students are respected as thinkers, and where academic achievement is measured not just by test scores but by depth of understanding and engagement. If we had to identify a weakness, it might be that the program’s emphasis on depth over breadth can sometimes feel different from more traditional educational paths. However, we see this as a strength in the long run—our child is developing a thoughtful, adaptive, and agile mindset that we believe is far more valuable than rote memorization. We are absolutely confident that The New School’s academic program is preparing our child not just for the next step in their education, but for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and meaningful contribution.

(5) Extracurriculars

The New School excels not only in its academic program but also in its vibrant, well-rounded extracurricular offerings. It’s clear that the school understands the importance of nurturing the whole student, and this commitment is reflected in the breadth, depth, and inclusivity of its extracurricular opportunities. There is truly something for everyone—whether a student is looking to explore a new interest for fun or pursue a passion with a serious competitive focus. From visual and performing arts to robotics, social justice clubs, athletics, debate, environmental initiatives, and more, the range of options is both impressive and inspiring. What’s even more remarkable is how accessible and welcoming these programs are; students of all levels of experience are encouraged to get involved, and there’s a genuine spirit of encouragement, camaraderie, and collaboration. Our child has not only discovered new interests but also had the opportunity to grow as a leader and teammate in ways that extend well beyond the classroom. There are ample chances to compete—when students want to push themselves in a more structured and challenging environment—as well as opportunities to participate simply for joy, exploration, and community. What stands out most is the intentionality behind the extracurricular programming. It’s not an afterthought—it’s woven into the fabric of the school culture. Advisors and coaches are passionate, supportive, and skilled at guiding students in discovering their voice, taking initiative, and developing a healthy sense of balance. These experiences are helping shape our child into a confident, well-rounded individual who feels empowered to contribute both inside and outside of school. In every way, The New School is providing the ideal context for students to thrive academically, socially, and personally. We couldn’t be more grateful for the richness of experience our child is gaining—these are the moments that will leave a lasting mark and prepare them to lead a meaningful, multidimensional life.

(5) Students

The student body at The New School is, quite honestly, one of the most remarkable aspects of the entire school community. While the overall size is modest enough to ensure that each student is seen and known, there is an undeniable richness in diversity of backgrounds, interests, perspectives, and talents that gives the school a dynamic and inspiring energy. What stands out most is the spirit of the student body. It is warm, inclusive, intellectually curious, and deeply collaborative. Students here are not only academically engaged—they are also kind, thoughtful, and genuinely supportive of one another. From the moment our child stepped onto campus, there was a palpable sense of belonging. Students look out for one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and lift each other up in ways that feel authentic and deeply rooted in the culture of the school. The interactions between students are a beautiful balance of camaraderie and individuality. There is room to shine, to explore, and to be different, without judgment. Whether in classrooms, clubs, sports teams, or casual lunchtime conversations, the dynamic is one of mutual respect and shared purpose. It’s common to see older students mentoring younger ones, and friendships forming across grades, driven by shared passions rather than social hierarchies. The atmosphere is alive with creativity, dialogue, and curiosity. Students are encouraged to use their voices—to ask questions, to advocate, and to challenge themselves and each other. This has fostered a student culture that is not just vibrant and engaged, but also empathetic and responsible. In every way, The New School cultivates a student body that is not only academically strong but emotionally intelligent, socially aware, and deeply connected. It’s a place where students thrive as individuals and as part of a greater whole—and that, to us, is truly extraordinary.

(5) School Life

The overall quality of student life at The New School is truly exceptional—it’s a place where students don’t just attend, they belong. Our child genuinely loves going to school every day, and that joy is rooted in a sense of purpose, connection, and inspiration that permeates every corner of the campus. What makes The New School so special is how intentionally it creates an environment where students feel safe, seen, and celebrated. The daily experience is vibrant and full of energy, yet balanced and mindful. Whether through stimulating classes, thought-provoking conversations, artistic expression, or engaging extracurriculars, every day brings new opportunities for students to explore, contribute, and grow. Our child often comes home full of stories—about a discussion that challenged their thinking, a collaborative project that sparked their creativity, or a moment of unexpected kindness between peers. They feel deeply connected to their teachers and classmates, and as a parent, that kind of emotional and intellectual fulfillment is exactly what you hope for. What stands out most is the emphasis on balance. Students are encouraged to strive, but not at the expense of their well-being. There’s a strong sense that this is a community that values the whole child—not just academic output, but social connection, emotional resilience, and personal development. There’s space to be serious and focused, and space to relax, laugh, and be a kid. If there is any room for improvement, perhaps it lies in continuing to explore ways to support student downtime—unstructured moments for rest, reflection, or casual creativity could further enrich an already extraordinary environment. But even this feels like a wish list item rather than a critique. To prospective families: this is a school that fosters confident, compassionate, intellectually curious students who are unafraid to be themselves. Life at The New School is dynamic and fulfilling—our child is thriving here in every possible way, and we couldn’t imagine a better place for them to grow.

(5) Community

One of the most exceptional and often underrated aspects of The New School is its broader community, particularly the vibrant and welcoming parent community. From the very beginning, we felt not just like observers of our child’s education, but active participants in a larger, shared experience built on partnership, trust, and mutual respect. What stands out most is the school’s genuine openness to parental involvement. It’s not performative—it’s deeply embedded in the culture. Parents are invited not only to support events and volunteer, but also to contribute meaningfully to the dialogue and spirit of the school. Whether through parent associations, classroom collaborations, special events, or informal community gatherings, there’s a strong sense that every parent’s voice and presence are valued. The sense of connection among parents themselves is equally inspiring. There is an incredible warmth, generosity, and shared commitment that binds the community together. We’ve built relationships here that go beyond carpool lines and coffee mornings—there’s a deep camaraderie rooted in a common belief in the school’s mission and in supporting our children together. Does the school offer enough opportunities for parental involvement? In our experience, yes—and the flexibility in how you engage makes it even more inclusive. Whether you have time to serve on a committee, help with an event, or simply show up to support student performances, The New School makes space for every level of engagement. If there’s room to grow, it might be in creating even more intergenerational moments—spaces where families, alumni, faculty, and students can come together in a shared celebration of the school’s values. But even now, the sense of community is rich, authentic, and deeply fulfilling. In every way, The New School isn’t just a school—it’s a community that welcomes, uplifts, and involves families as an essential part of the educational journey. It’s a place where both students and parents feel they belong, and that’s a rare and beautiful thing.

(5) School Location

What stands out most about the surrounding neighborhood and community of The New School is how seamlessly it complements the school’s ethos of openness, creativity, and engagement. The area is vibrant yet welcoming, intellectually rich yet down-to-earth—a perfect extension of the values cultivated within the school walls. The neighborhood feels like a natural classroom in itself. With access to parks, cultural spaces, local businesses, and community events, students are not only encouraged—but empowered—to engage with the world beyond the campus in thoughtful and meaningful ways. The school is not an island; it is deeply embedded in the fabric of its surroundings, and students benefit tremendously from that connection. What we appreciate most is how The New School encourages students to see themselves as active citizens of their community. Whether through service learning, artistic collaborations, or interdisciplinary projects that involve neighborhood partners, students develop a real-world sense of responsibility and belonging. This connection to the broader environment enhances their education and grounds their growth in both awareness and empathy. Safety, accessibility, and a strong sense of community make it easy for families to feel at ease as their children venture just beyond school grounds. It’s common to see students walking to local cafes for a group project, participating in neighborhood clean-up days, or visiting nearby galleries and institutions that enhance their classroom learning. The synergy between the school and its neighborhood creates an atmosphere where learning is not confined to a building, but instead flows out into the world, and flows back in enriched. It’s a dynamic, inspiring, and highly beneficial relationship that reflects the school’s mission to educate curious, compassionate, and engaged young people.

(5) Admissions

To anyone considering applying to The New School, my greatest piece of advice is this: be authentic, be reflective, and trust the process. The admissions journey at The New School is not about checking boxes—it’s about discovering whether this remarkable community is the right environment for your child to thrive. From our first interaction, we were struck by how human and thoughtful the admissions process felt. Rather than feeling like we were being evaluated in a clinical or impersonal way, it felt like we were entering into a conversation, one rooted in curiosity, warmth, and mutual respect. The admissions officers were not just helpful; they were incredibly attuned to what makes each child and family unique. Their goal was clear: to ensure that each student admitted would feel a true sense of belonging and purpose at the school. While any admissions process has its moments of nervousness, I wouldn’t describe ours as stressful. On the contrary, the team’s responsiveness, clarity, and care made it feel like a guided journey rather than a test. We were encouraged to ask questions, to share honestly, and to reflect deeply about what we wanted for our child’s educational experience. That level of openness and transparency made all the difference. If there’s one suggestion for enhancement, it might be to create even more touchpoints—perhaps informal conversations with current parents or virtual glimpses into daily student life—because the strength of the school lies not only in its philosophy, but in the feel of the community. But even without that, the admissions process is thoughtfully designed and handled with integrity and grace. To prospective families: take your time, explore deeply, and share openly. If your child is a match for The New School, the process will feel like a beginning, not a hurdle. It certainly was for us, and we are grateful every day that we followed that path.