New Day Academy is a 6th-12th grade school modeled on a highly successful school in East Harlem. Our motto is: Educating One Student at a Time. Thus, we are founded on the belief that excellent teachers not only know their subjects well, but also know each and every student well. We believe that learning should be as individualized as possible for every child.
We teach a core college preparatory curriculum of Humanities, Math, and Science with additional classes in Art, but we also believe that there are many ways students learn and demonstrate their knowledge. We expect our students to become critical readers, writers, thinkers, and problem solvers. We provide a rigorous curriculum because our students are expected to pass the mandated regents exams and provide evidence of what they have learned by going through a portfolio process. Students are expected to complete a series of portfolio presentations that require them to present and defend their learning, which will ultimately prepare them for college and the world of work. The heart of our school is an advisory program; advisors get to know their students from both an academic and a personal perspective.
Our vision and mission is to instill the Habits of Mind, Habits of Work, Habits of Heart, and the Ten Common Principles from the Coalition of Essential Schools. Students are expected to think and answer questions such as: How do we know what we know? Whose viewpoint is this from? How does math connect in the real world? Who am I and why should I care? How does math connect in real life? Why does time matter? How can I be an active listener? Why is it important to think and reflect?
Highlights:
- Small class size and personal relationships among students, families, and teachers create an intimate, nurturing learning environment for our students.
- Common word we use in our school community is RESPECT, which begins with oneself. Students, faculty, staff, and family members understand learning begins with respect. There is a strong sense of community because we are committed to having a respectful learning community.
- Hands-on curriculum which engages the students
- The school hosts regularly scheduled family conferences.
- There is a rich and varied after-school program. There are also opportunities on Saturdays to receive additional academic support as well as engage in extra-curricular activities.
- Students in the high school will have the opportunity to take college courses and gain college credit in areas of special interest.
- PSAL boys and girls basketball team.
- Student Government which is actively involved with events which support students and families inside/outside our school community.
- Our school observes a uniform dress code.
We are dedicated to helping young people learn to use their minds well and become active members of our society. All students are expected to grapple with important issues, participate fully in the larger community as both citizens and workers, retain the skills and competencies in order to hold employment and live fulfilling lives.