Admissions
Admissions Process
The school Administrator, Tamara Breed, would be delighted to meet with you for a parent tour while school is in session, to talk about how The New School might work for your child and your family. It’s helpful to see how a slice of the morning functions in our unique environment, and to discuss how the curriculum you will be observing plays out.
Following the parent visit, child visits (a half day, followed by a full day) may be scheduled. A half day allows time for the child to get familiar with the school without being overwhelmed by a long day, and returning for the full day feels safe and comfortable.
Teachers plan curriculum for the visitor as a participant, rather than an observer, scheduling the child in paired and small group activities and projects. The child gets a sense of what it would be like to attend The New School, while teachers note strengths, needs, interests, and preferred learning style, in thinking of curriculum design for that student. Admissions decisions are made by teachers, in consultation with the Education Consultant and the Administrator as needed, as they consider the current composition of the school and how to best meet the needs of all students.
To begin the process or learn more, submit an inquiry form, or contact Tamara Breed:
nsadmin@newschoolsyracuse.org
teachers@newschoolsyracuse.org
(315) 475-6453
Tuition
Tuition for 2025-2026 is $13,500 for all grade levels. Many families at The New School choose a ten-payments plan. An initial Deposit of 10% of the total is due with the Enrollment Contract. Three grants of $2,000 are available, one for an incoming family, and one for a returning family, based solely on need. The school offers a 15% reduction in tuition for a sibling attending the same year.
Teachers and Staff
Each member of The New School’s staff brings a different perspective and passion while sharing a common philosophy about how children learn.
Other adults join us in the classroom, including teacher assistants, parent volunteers, retired teachers, work study students from Syracuse University and student-teachers from LeMoyne and Syracuse University.
Mary Cunningham
Educational Consultant
One of the school’s founders, Mary has been instrumental in maintaining the school’s philosophy and purpose since 1988. Prior to The New School’s founding, Mary taught for 10 years at Syracuse Institute for Enabling Education, a model on which The New School was created.
Miranda Hine
Miranda began with The New School in 1999. Previously Miranda was a Reading/Learning Disabilities Specialist for SU’s Stars Program and taught as an adjunct in SU’s Department of Visual Communication. Miranda holds an MS in Reading Education, and a BS in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education.
Rebecca Dwyer
Rebecca started teaching at The New School in the fall of 1998. She has a BA dual-degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education. Her MA in Elementary Education is from LeMoyne. After a hiatus from 2007-2010, Rebecca returned to The New School.
Kathy Downing
Kathy Downing joined the teaching staff in 2012, after many years at Dr King. She has continued to teach Suzuki violin and viola through her career.
Kendra Harper
Kendra has been working with children for her whole adult life. She started working at Jowonio School with typical children and children with special needs. At Jowonio she gained experience supporting children with different learning styles and abilities. She then worked at the Syracuse University Early Education Center. There she had extensive experience with project based learning and the philosophy of Reggio Emilia. She is honored to be part of the New School!
Tamara Breed
School Administrator
Tamara Breed, as administrator, takes care of the ten thousand things, is a permanent member of the Board, and serves as a liaison between families and teachers.
Jessica Fallon
Jessica Fallon began her teaching career at The New School in 2012. She carried The New School philosophies with her as she became a classroom teacher at the elementary level for seven years before happily returning to The New School. Jessica has a Bachelor’s degree in childhood education from SUNY Cortland where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in literacy.