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...The New School was founded by educators and families in 1988, starting with 12 children.
Its predecessor was the Syracuse Institute for Enabling Education, an alternative elementary school in Syracuse from 1970-1986, started by Robert Newman, professor in the School of Education at Syracuse University. Both schools were influenced by the theories of Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Rogers.
Structure
Teachers, and parents (and the children too) are viewed as a collaborative community, which forms and manages the school.
While teachers develop and implement the academic aspects of the school, a primary value of The New School is active participation by families, who enhance the sense of community by working together, contributing time and talent in the classroom, on committees, and at school events. Family members are welcome to visit or to work with students in collaboration with teachers. Afternoon Investigations are a favorite time for parents to share in creative and challenging projects of exploration with the children.
Parents get the individual attention they need. Teachers are available to take parents’ suggestions and to discuss any concerns relating to their child.
Curriculum design starts with observation of the individual child. Children’s learning from and collaborating with peers is highly valued; the program is structured to engender mentoring, negotiating, exploring ideas and materials together and communicating constructively.
An Executive Board is elected among the parents.
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.
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.
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!
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.