Rigorous Academic Programs
New Century School (NCS) implements various quality programs that provide a foundation for our students to thrive and prepare them for 21st century college and careers. NCS creates instructional plans, policies, practices, and structures that support quality teaching and learning. To accomplish quality instruction, New Century School engages teachers in sustained professional development throughout the year. Emphasis in the core curriculum is undertaken so that all students master core academic subjects, solve problems and use technology to expand creativity. We incorporate a STEM curriculum into academics at many levels.
New Century School (NCS) is committed to helping all students maximize their academic potential and succeed in school. At New Century School, we provide opportunities for students to receive a learning experience, in a conducive, nurturing environment that helps instill confidence and a love of learning. NCS has high standards and high expectations, and coupled with small class size, this allows for intensive and rigorous instruction.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Programs
Students benefit from a rigorous, well-rounded STEM curriculum with a multi-disciplinary instructional approach, including the following: Computational Thinking; Inquiry-Based Learning; Engineering & Robotics, Blended Learning, coding, and 3D design. Students and instructors have access to the latest devices and resources including but not limited to iPads, Smartboards, 3D printers and virtual labs.
College & Career Preparation
New Century School is determined for every one of our students to strive towards their futures with goals and dreams, and the knowledge on how to make their dreams come true. We believe that further education will be even more vital for the success of our students as adults than it was for previous generations. We are committed to making sure our students are on track for college and 21st century careers.
New Century School is aware of College and career readiness in the 21st century, where in addition to the academic skills and behavioral knowledge, digital literacy and technology demand drives the economy and the workforce of the future. As a STEM school our teachers are trained in Challenge based learning to incorporate STEM curriculum across disciplines. The methods to teach basic coding to all grade levels, and how to incorporate 3D printing across curriculum are being emphasized.
11th Grade Students have access to PSEO and are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. You can find information about PSEO here: https://education.mn.gov/mde/fam/dual/pseo/
Multi-Lingual (ML) Program
New Century staff and faculty had on-going training on diversity and cultural issues, so that all staff receive training to work with diverse populations in culturally respectful ways. Working with students and families in their native languages is one way to do this, as well as maintaining high expectations for academic English fluency. New Century School provides culturally and linguistically responsive education. Special education instruction and attention to ML students and their families is provided through both classroom and external programs.
All staff are trained to use the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) model in teaching students with limited English proficiency. We also incorporate the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) concept to help students with academic language and academic development. All students in grade one and up who speak a language at home other than English take WIDA. The test items are written from the model performance indicators of WIDA’s five English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards: Social & Instructional Language, Language of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. We have bilingual teacher assistants in the classroom that provided students with one-to-one and small group instructional support. There are various technology resources to help students with language and academic development.
Special Education Program
New Century School provides a positive environment for students with special needs to learn and grow. We are an inclusive program that caters to the individual needs of each child. While we provided school-based programs and resources, we also work with outside agencies and individuals in creating quality learning experience for all students.
Service Learning
New Century School sees its mission as broader than just education. Our goal is to raise responsible citizens who give back as much as they take from society. Therefore, we also focus on service learning, with emphasis on environmental education, particularly on the three “Rs” of reducing, recycling and reusing. We plan to take leadership in creating a healthy environment and planet.
Extended Year Programs
New Century School’s afterschool and summer programs provide students with opportunities for academic and personal growth. Academic support resources such as academic tutoring and enrichment, as well as other activities are available for interested students.