New Design High School

New Design High School, located in the Seward Park Educational Campus on Manhattan's Lower East Side, is a small, design-focused public high school known for its supportive and inclusive community. The school emphasizes social-emotional learning and aims to guide students in designing their own lives, fostering independence and creativity. It offers a unique environment that includes a youth development shop, a coffee and design shop, and an event space. Parents consistently report high satisfaction, appreciating the personalized attention and positive atmosphere. The school boasts a strong 4-year graduation rate of 95%, which is well above the citywide median, and a college enrollment rate of 74.6%, also above the citywide median. Students have access to Advanced Placement courses and college-level partnerships, with a focus on preparing them for post-secondary success. While the school provides a rigorous academic pathway, some Regents exam pass rates, particularly in Algebra I and Earth/Space Sciences, are below citywide benchmarks, and some graduates may require additional preparation for college-level work. The school is recognized for its diverse range of electives in arts and design, including music production, digital photography, and fashion, and offers real-world experiences through initiatives like a student-run coffee shop and a design collective.