New Design Middle School

New Design Middle School, located in Manhattan, serves a small student body of approximately 93 students in grades 6-8. The school opened in 2011 with a focus on integrating design principles into its curriculum to foster academic, social, and emotional development. It serves a high-needs population, with nearly all students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and a significant percentage of English Language Learners and students with disabilities, both well above citywide averages. Academically, the school faces challenges, with ELA proficiency rates well below the citywide 25th percentile and Math proficiency at the citywide minimum. Despite these figures, the school aims to nurture a thirst for knowledge by offering advanced courses in subjects like Algebra, Living Environment science, and foreign languages. The school is highly regarded by families, earning an "Excellent" rating for relationships with families and receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback in parent surveys. Student sentiment regarding safety and school climate is mixed, with some concerns about bullying and physical altercations, though a majority of students report feeling safe in common areas. Beyond academics, New Design Middle School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including Virtual Reality, Art, Dance, and Robotics clubs, alongside basketball and football athletics. The school also provides enriching experiences such as field trips and financial literacy programs.