The Schools team studies the interplay between the essential characteristics of effective schools in order document and implement the practices and structures that lead to positive student outcomes.

Building and sustaining dynamic, community-based schools requires engaging all stakeholders – students, parents, teachers, administrators and partner organizations – in an inclusive and reflective planning and implementation process. New Visions’ Schools programs guide and support these schools throughout their development, nurturing practices that lead to student success.

Facilities and Design

School facilities have emerged as a key policy challenge for New Visions--where to locate new schools, and how to provide top-notch facilities once schools are sited. We are working towards the development of environments that support inquiry-based teaching and learning, community involvement, the unique theme of schools, and the ability of a school to be autonomous and develop its own individual identity and culture.

New Century High Schools Initiative

The New Century High Schools Initiative (NCHSI) engages communities in the process of developing and sustaining small personalized high schools that offer academically rigorous educational opportunities for all students.

New Visions Small Schools

New Visions offers grants, retreats and networking opportunities to 34 pioneering small schools in New York City, helping them serve as local, state and national models for K-12 excellence.