The New School, Syracuse

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The New School, Syracuse A private, independent K-8, guiding children’s development toward a lifelong enthusiasm for learning, active citizenship, and skillful decision-making.

The New School is a small, independent and not-for-profit K-8, established in 1988 by parents and educators affiliated with Syracuse University to guide children’s development toward a lifelong enthusiasm for learning, active citizenship, and skillful decision-making. We recognize that children learn best in a community where they know they are valued. Parents and family members are active participants in their child’s learning, and in the life of the school. History of the School and Philosophical Roots:

The New School was founded by educators and families in 1988. Its predecessor was the Syracuse Institute for Enabling Education, an alternative elementary school in Syracuse from 1970-1986, started by Robert Newman, professor in the School of Education at Syracuse University. Both schools were influenced by the theories of Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Rogers. The school began with 12 children and has remained a small (around 30 students), intimate, family like setting. Parents wanted to create a school in which curriculum design starts with observation of the individual child. Founding families also recognized the value of children’s learning from and collaborating with peers; the program is structured to engender mentoring, negotiating, exploring ideas and materials together and communicating constructively. Teachers and students are partners in school life; teachers constantly mine children’s thinking and ideas to develop the next steps in their learning cycle.

Another awesome bike ride with Kathy Downing!
10/05/2026

Another awesome bike ride with Kathy Downing!

Last week we went on our first swimming field trip of the year to Southwest Community Center. The children thoroughly en...
10/03/2026

Last week we went on our first swimming field trip of the year to Southwest Community Center. The children thoroughly enjoyed jumping into the pool multiple times and diving for toys! A highlight of the day was when four children passed their swimming test for the first time which allowed them to swim independently in the roped off area. So exciting!

Investigations is one of the highlights of our day. Children have a list of activities they can choose from and last Mon...
10/03/2026

Investigations is one of the highlights of our day. Children have a list of activities they can choose from and last Monday one of the choices was a bike ride through the neighborhood. Here one of our teachers shared her love of bike riding with a group of four children. There was also a student led legacy, where a small group of children signed up to learn how to play Uno, Show ‘Em No Mercy from one of their peers. An alumni comes every Monday to share his passion for chess, and there were Legos and an opportunity to explore batteries, bulbs and circuits. Investigations is both our carrot and stick. Children can sign up for any one of these activities if they complete all their morning.

Join us!
09/24/2026

Join us!

We love helping our students explore the great outdoors! 🐸🌳🌞
09/15/2026

We love helping our students explore the great outdoors! 🐸🌳🌞

We love to chat and catch up with alumni!(Even if they just keep getting taller and taller…) 😊❤️✏️📚
09/13/2026

We love to chat and catch up with alumni!
(Even if they just keep getting taller and taller…) 😊❤️✏️📚

Celebrating an amazing teacher! What a wonderful evening.
09/12/2026

Celebrating an amazing teacher! What a wonderful evening.

Its a wrap. The seventh and last week of Discovery Camp ended with a week of Butterflies, Beetles, and Other Bugs! Thank...
09/06/2026

Its a wrap. The seventh and last week of Discovery Camp ended with a week of Butterflies, Beetles, and Other Bugs! Thank you Kathy Downing, Maddie, Aviva and Elijah for another wonderful week of fun in Thornden Park. If you would like to be notified next year send an email to [email protected]. The spots fill up quickly and information is typically sent in late February.

First Day back game playing!!
09/04/2026

First Day back game playing!!

Address

5205 Jamesville Road
Dewitt, NY
13214

Telephone

+13154756453

Website

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