The New School of Northern Virginia (also referred to simply as "The New School" or "NSNVA") is a small private school located in Fairfax, Virginia. As of the 2013-14 school year, the New School teaches approximately 150 students in grades 6-12.
History
The New School of Northern Virginia: An Introduction - John Potter, our Headmaster, describes the experience of being at the New School and what makes us unique.
The New School of Northern Virginia was founded in 1989 by John Potter. The school opened in Vienna, Virginia with 14 students in kindergarten through ninth grade. As of the start of the 2017-18 term, the school comprises three main buildings: two academic buildings and a science center.
In 1993, the school moved to their current location in Fairfax City.
In 2007, the school added additional facilities which include a gymnasium, black box theater, a library and art studio.
Philosophy
The New School's teaching and learning philosophies are derived mainly from Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences and the Coalition of Essential Schools with which it is affiliated. As a result, The New School is known for a teaching style based around essential questions and critical thinking, with a focus on student-centered learning.
Academics
The New School is a college-preparatory school that trains its students in the traditional academic disciplines (English, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, and Mathematics.) and skills essential categories for success in college and the professional world. These essential skill categories are a fundamental component of the school’s pedagogy and culture.
Inward Looking Skill Categories
Self Awareness & Management
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking & Analysis
Outward Looking Skill Categories
Information Literacy
Communicating Meaning
Social & Global Responsibility
Students at The New School choose their own classes. There are credit requirements and a course catalog. Rather than “9th Grade English†or “10th grade Chemistry,†the school has a variety of topic-based classes. Examples of course titles include Food Chemistry, and Post-Modern American Literature.
Portfolios
At the new school students are required to complete a portfolio that demonstrates the student’s understanding of the Essential Skills. The portfolio should contain some of the student’s projects, papers, and other school related items. These items are used to prove the student’s understanding of the twelve essential skills, as well as show what the student has learned and over the year and how he or she has grown as a person. Every year, the students of the New School will present their portfolios to a committee. This committee includes the student’s advisor and parents or guardians, and at least one other faculty member. Importantly, students must pass the junior-year review to obtain senior status and begin working on their Senior Exhibition.
International Program
The New School offers an ESOL Program for international students.This program is for students from other countries. The ESOL Program at The New School is designed for international students who are at a low level of English. All first year International Students must attend an orientation program for two weeks. Students may be exempted from the ESOL Program if the Students pass the English language proficiency test administered during the orientation program.
During The New School Orientation, new international students could practice English and learn the school rules. The New School International Orientation Program is a good opportunity to adjust to students’ new environment and hone their English skills. Mr. Culver Fortna is the International Program Director. He has teaching experience over 15 years. He holds a master's degree in Sociology and ESOL Certification. He has taught Sociology at James Madison University in Virginia and English at Kookmin University in Seoul, Korea.
Summer Program
The Summer Programs range from summer schools and activity based camps. These camps include digital arts, visual arts, and physics.
Arts and Drama
The New School is known for its art and drama departments. The Art Department is run by the school’s Artist-in-residence, Ted Ramsey. Steve Elm is the current theater director.
Before the completion of the John Swayze black box theater in 2007, The New School’s productions were very small and limited. The theater houses student and professional productions every year.
Elementary students participate annually in the Children's Shakespeare Festival at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
The Hub Theatre
In 2010, The Hub Theatre began their residency at The New School.
Student life
Clubs are easy to form and attend. If a student is interested in a topic, one can easily form a club and set up a schedule for meetings.
The student-teacher dynamic is unique at The New School. Students may refer to teachers by their first name: students and teachers are encouraged to interact as equals.
Sports
The school has four varsity sports teams: soccer, volleyball, basketball, and softball. The basketball team, the soccer team, the girls' volleyball, and softball teams compete with other local private schools.
Soccer
The soccer team won its first contest in the 2006-07 school year, and had an undefeated season in Fall 2009.
Basketball
The basketball team was established in 2008.
Softball
The Softball team was the only team in the specially created private school league to go completely undefeated in their first active year. Winning every game, leading with over 20 points against the other team, with four complete blowouts. The highest scoring game was a home game where The New School scored over 40 runs. The other team conceded at the beginning of the fourth inning. In 2011, The New School boasted yet another undefeated softball season even with three players in eighth grade. In 2012, the New School softball team lost their first game, ending the undefeated streak dating back to the team's inception. Nonetheless, the team went on to go 3-2 despite the graduation of many of its core players. In 2013, the team mirrored its 2012 record, only this time without any of the original 2010 team. 2014 proved to be the first year the team had a losing record, with the team finishing 2-3.
Awards
The New School of Northern Virginia was named one of the Washington area's top 10 schools by The Washington Post in April 2005.
References
External links
- New School of Northern Virginia website