Who We Are

Our School

The New School is a small, independent and not-for-profit K-8 located in Dewitt, NY, established to guide children’s development toward a lifelong enthusiasm for learning, active citizenship, skillful decision-making, and strong relationships.

Click here to read about the school's history and structure...

Our Students

Students learn best in a community where they know they are valued. Our students feel welcome and safe in the family of our school, an ideal environment for learning and growth. They are taught, supported, and cared for by nurturing adults and, in the multi-age setting, are able to find true peers regardless of age. Our student body is about 25, with two full-time and one 2/3 time teachers.

Click here to read about a typical New School day or check out these photos.

Teachers and Staff

Each member of The New School’s staff brings a different perspective and passion while sharing a common philosophy about how children learn.

maryc — **Mary Cunningham** is the school’s Educational Consultant. One of the school’s founders, Mary has been instrumental in maintaining the school’s philosophy and purpose since 1988. Prior to The New School’s founding, Mary taught for 10 years at Syracuse Institute for Enabling Education, a model on which The New School was created.

Other adults join us in the classroom, including teacher assistants, parent volunteers, retired teachers, work study students from Syracuse University and student-teachers from LeMoyne and Syracuse University.

Miranda280x289 — **Miranda Hine** began with The New School in 1999. Previously Miranda was a Reading/Learning Disabilities Specialist for SU’s Stars Program and taught as an adjunct in SU’s Department of Visual Communication. Miranda holds an MS in Reading Education, and a BS in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education.

Rebecca280x289 — **Rebecca Dwyer** started teaching at The New School in the fall of 1998. She has a BA dual-degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education. Her MA in Elementary Education is from LeMoyne. After a hiatus from 2007-2010, Rebecca returned to The New School.

downing — **Kathy Downing** joined the teaching staff in 2012, after many years at Dr King. She has continued to teach Suzuki violin and viola through her career.

Kendra Harper has been working with children for her whole adult life. She started working at Jowonio School with typical children and children with special needs. At Jowonio she gained experience supporting children with different learning styles and abilities. She then worked at the Syracuse University Early Education Center. There she had extensive experience with project based learning and the philosophy of Reggio Emilia. She is honored to be part of the New School!

Tamara280x289 — **Tamara Breed**, as administrator, takes care of the ten thousand things, is a permanent member of the Board, and serves as a liaison between families and teachers.

Jessica Fallon began her teaching career at The New School in 2012. She carried The New School philosophies with her as she became a classroom teacher at the elementary level for seven years before happily returning to The New School. Jessica has a Bachelor’s degree in childhood education from SUNY Cortland where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in literacy.