OVERVIEW

The New Century High Schools Initiative (NCHSI) is a groundbreaking program that is transforming underperforming New York City high schools into innovative campuses of community-based small schools. Since 2002, 86 New Century High Schools have opened their doors in three boroughs, offering public school students both choice and quality for their high school education. While each NCHS maintains its own unique mission, identity and educational approaches, they are united through a set of Ten Principles of Effective Schools. These characteristics include rigorous academics, innovative teaching, personalized and supportive learning environments, and partnerships with community organizations. Above all else, the New Century High Schools share a strong commitment to student excellence.

The NCHSI is a crucial component of New York City Department of Education’s mission to dramatically improve secondary education for the City’s students, and has been generously supported through a $70 million investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the Open Society Institute. New Visions for Public Schools manages the NCHSI in collaboration with the Department of Education, the United Federation of Teachers, and the Council of Supervisors and Administrators.

Goals and Indicators

The goal of the New Century High Schools Initiative is to provide New York City students with the vital skills, knowledge and opportunities necessary for their success in college and careers. We have set a key benchmark that all NCHS will graduate at least 80% of all students on time and maintain an attendance rate of at least 92%.

New Visions is also working with the Policy Studies Associates to track and report on other indicators of progress of the NCHSI. The reports look at signs of student performance including student attendance, engagement and attrition. It also reports on the NCHS’ progress in implementing the Ten Characteristics of Effective Schools.