NEW SCHOOL

The New School was founded in 1989 by John Potter, an English-born educator and school leader, on the principle of what he called "ownership." Ownership is an approach to learning and self-awareness that invites students to be active participants in their education and school community. We give our students considerable choice in the direction of their work, and a voice within our community, because we know individuals are more invested, more self-motivated, happier, and grow more when they feel their work belongs to them and they are valued members of their community... The New School is small by design, with 120 students and 30 faculty members, all of whom are on a first name basis. We have an all-school meeting every day, and members of the community approach one another with mutual respect, goodwill, and trust... We are a small private school in Northern Virginia, serving grades 6-12. Our goal is for our students to genuinely and independently own their education.

Primary location: Fairfax United States