New Schools Initiative

The new small schools offer additional high quality educational options to all students in New York City based on the principles of academic rigor, personalization, and partnerships:

1. Academic rigor : Students are provided with a clear definition of the knowledge and skills they must attain, and classes are designed to ensure that all students are held to high standards and graduate prepared for success in college and in life.

2. Personalization : The schools enroll approximately 500 or fewer students, enabling teachers and principals to support the needs of all students.

3. Partnerships : The majority of schools collaborate with an Intermediary organization (such as a university, youth development agency, non-profit, or educational organization). These partners bring educational resources to schools, enabling both increased quality and scale. In addition, local partnerships with community organizations, cultural institutions, and businesses strengthen the connection between the schools and the communities they serve.

For more information on the New Schools Initiative, please click on the links below.

Informational flyer on the New Schools Initiative in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Bengali, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Urdu  


Click here for a list of the new schools opening in September 2008