The New School stresses the concept of student as worker, teacher as coach. By this, we mean that the student must take responsibility for his/her education by working hard, while the teacher’s role is to guide the student in the learning process. Just as the athletic coach advises, cheers, urges, and listens to the athlete—yet cannot run the race—so the teacher helps the student do the work for him or herself.
The academic policies and guidelines of The New School are designed to serve four purposes:
To ensure that students take responsibility for their education.
To ensure that students develop the Essential Skills deemed necessary for graduation.
To ensure that parents and teachers are aware of the student’s educational needs and are providing appropriate assistance.
To establish and maintain standards of academic excellence at The New School.
In order to graduate from The New School, students must demonstrate through their class work, portfolio, exhibitions and Senior requirements that they are proficient at using the Essential Skills. Please read Senior Exhibitions for further details.
A student must complete the requirements for each course successfully in order to earn credit. No credit will be given for a final grade lower than a C- in any course. However, the effect of a D on a student’s GPA continues to be less detrimental than that of an F.
The only Pass/Fail graded classes in the high school are PE and Study Skills. Pass/Fail classes do not contribute to GPA.
HS students present four exhibitions a year, one each quarter. All Morning Module courses require the completion of an exhibition.
High School students are expected to collaborate with their teachers. If a student is having problems with a course, he/she needs to talk directly with the teacher about it. If direct collaboration does not solve the student’s difficulties, discussions with his/her advisor, and/or with the High School Director may be necessary.
If a student is in danger of failing a class, a high school teacher will notify the student’s parents. If a student is in danger of exceeding the absence limit, the student’s teachers and advisor will notify the parents. (See Absence Policy)
Report cards are emailed home quarterly, within three weeks of the end of courses. Students and parents may access student grades throughout the school year by logging on to PowerSchool.
To graduate, all seniors must complete the required credit hours, have a successful junior portfolio review, and complete a quality Senior Exhibition.
No student may participate in graduation ceremonies owing more than one credit, or having not successfully completed the senior exhibition, and such a student will not receive a signed diploma until he or she has completed the requirements. Seniors who are short of credits should have an action plan in place by graduation day that will permit them to complete their course work by the end of the summer.