New City School - Educational Approach

Educational Approach

In 1988, New City School began using the theory of multiple intelligences developed by psychologist Howard Gardner. Gardner’s theory suggests that the traditional definition of intelligence does not encompass the many areas of human ability. The eight intelligences Gardner identified are verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. New City School classrooms use teaching techniques that draw on a student’s natural strengths to present new material.

New City School was the second school to incorporate Multiple Intelligences theory in the classroom (after The Key School in Indianapolis). It has become a model for other schools seeking to employ the principles of Multiple Intelligences. The school has hosted four MI conferences, and 500-700 educators visit each year from around the world to observe the teaching techniques used at New City School. In 2007, visitors came from Mexico, Argentina, Australia, and six states in the U.S. The current principal is Thomas Hoerr who has published two books (The Art of School Leadership and Becoming A Multiple Intelligences School) and more than 60 articles on education and the implementation of Multiple Intelligences theory.

The 39 full-time faculty members have an average of 18 years of teaching experience and more than 50% hold advanced degrees. Specialists include Science, Spanish, Library, Music and Movement, Performing Arts, Computer Science, Physical Education, and Art. The Student-Teacher Ratio is 13 to 1. New City School is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).