“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” This quote embodies the philosophy of The New School of Northern Virginia. Here, learning transcends traditional methods. Let’s step inside this unique educational environment.
The New School of Northern Virginia, simply known as “The New School”, is an independent private school in Fairfax, Virginia. It serves students in grades 6 through 12. Founded in 1989 by John Potter, the school started in Vienna, Virginia with just 14 students. In 1993, it moved to its current Fairfax City location. Today, The New School of Northern Virginia comprises four buildings. They include the main office with the gym, media center, and black box theatre. There are also two academic buildings and a science center.
The New School of Northern Virginia is small by design. Its aim is to allow students to independently own their education. There are only 120 students and 26 teachers and staff. Everyone operates on a first-name basis, fostering a more personal connection.
What makes The New School of Northern Virginia truly distinctive? Its teaching style revolves around essential questions and critical thinking. The focus is always on student-centered learning. Forget traditional grading. Teachers here use authentic assessment tools. Portfolios, exhibitions, performances, projects, presentations, and essays evaluate academic growth.
Academics at The New School of Northern Virginia are college-preparatory. Students are trained in traditional subjects like English, science, and math. But the school also emphasizes essential skill categories crucial for college and the professional world. These skills are divided into inward and outward-looking categories. Inward skills include self-awareness, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Outward skills focus on information literacy, communication, and social responsibility.
Students even choose their own classes at The New School of Northern Virginia. Rather than “9th Grade English” or “10th grade Chemistry,” the school offers topic-based courses. Imagine learning about Food Chemistry or Post-Modern American Literature.
A key component is the portfolio. Students compile projects and papers demonstrating their understanding of essential skills. Each year, students present their portfolios to a committee. This includes their advisor, parents, and a faculty member. Passing the junior-year review is crucial for seniors to begin their Senior Exhibition.
The New School of Northern Virginia also welcomes international students. The English for Speakers of Other Languages Program supports those with lower English proficiency. All first-year international students attend a two-week orientation. This program introduces them to the school, its schedule, and the staff. They also undergo English assessments to determine their language level.
Beyond academics, The New School of Northern Virginia thrives in arts and drama. The school has an artist-in-residence, Alexis Nolasco. Jonathan Rushbrook directs the theater program. The John Swayze black box theater, completed in 2007, enables larger and more elaborate student productions.
Student life at The New School of Northern Virginia is vibrant. Interested in a topic? You can easily start a club. The student-teacher dynamic is collegial. Students often address teachers by their first names. The New School also has four varsity sports teams.
The New School of Northern Virginia was recognized as one of the Washington area’s top 10 schools by The Washington Post in 2005. It continues to uphold its commitment to student-centered learning. The New School empowers students to take ownership of their education. It prepares them not just for college, but for life.