The New School of Northern Virginia (also referred to simply as "The New School") is an independent, private school serving grades 6-12 located in Fairfax, Virginia. Their goal is for their students to independently own their education. The New School is small by design, with 120 students and 26 teachers and staff, all of whom are on a first-name basis. History The New School of Northern Virginia was founded in 1989 by John Potter. The school opened in Vienna, Virginia with 14 students in kindergarten through ninth grade. As of 2020, the school comprises four buildings: the main office building featuring the gym, media center, black box theatre, and classrooms, two academic buildings, and a science center. In 1993, the school moved to its current location in Fairfax City. In 2007, the school added facilities including a gymnasium, black box theater, a library and art studio. Philosophy The New School is known for a teaching style based around essential questions and critical thinking, with a focus on student-centered learning. Teachers use tools of authentic assessment (portfolios, exhibitions, performances, projects, presentations, essays, and more) to evaluate the academic growth and achievement of each student. Academics The New School is a college-preparatory school that trains its students in the traditional academic disciplines (English, science, social studies, foreign language, and mathematics), and essential skill categories for success in college and the professional world. These essential skill categories are a fundamental component of the school's pedagogy and culture. Inward Looking Skill Categories Self Awareness & Management Problem Solving Critical Thinking & Analysis Outward Looking Skill Categories Information Literacy Communicating Meaning Social & Global Responsibility Students at The New School choose their own classes. There are credit requirements and a course catalog. Rather than “9th Grade English” or “10th grade Chemistry,” the school has a variety of topic-based classes. Examples of course titles include Food Chemistry and Post-Modern American Literature. Portfolios At The New School, students are required to complete a portfolio that demonstrates the student's understanding of the Essential Skills. The portfolio should contain some of the student's projects, papers, and other school related items. These items are used to prove the student's understanding of the twelve essential skills, as well as show what the student has learned over the year, and how they have grown as a person. Every year, the students of The New School will present their portfolios to a committee.