Ithaca, NY — On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the State University of New York awarded New Roots Charter School a charter renewal for a fifth charter term without conditions.
“We are deeply honored to have received the SUNY Board of Trustees’ Committee on Charter Schools’ highest possible endorsement with this unanimous vote,” said Tina Nilsen-Hodges, the lead applicant on the original charter application who has served as the school’s Principal and Superintendent since its inception.
Established in 2008, the school is currently in its 16th year of operation in the Clinton House in downtown Ithaca. The charter renewal includes authorization for the school to expand programming to serve students in grades 6-8.
The charter renewal comes as the school celebrates the establishment of EarthForce, a green careers program designed to engage youth in learning the skills and knowledge to be leaders in the growing green economy in areas such as green energy, ecological restoration, regenerative agriculture, and entrepreneurialism. Funded by Tompkins County and the Park Foundation, EarthForce provides New Roots students and those in the wider community with the knowledge and skills to be leaders in this critical field.
“Our commitment is that every New Roots graduate will leave high school with college acceptance, college credit, and a resume that will earn them a living wage position after high school in a field of their choice,” said Kris Erickson, College and Career Program Coordinator. “We are excited to report that to date the 40 members of our senior class have been accepted at 63 different colleges and universities, and have been awarded over $1.3 million in scholarships.” In the Fall 2024 semester, over 50% of New Roots students in grades 9-12 earned college credits for one or more courses.
“We are honored to have earned the opportunity to continue inspiring young people to discover and unleash their unique power and potential, to dream big and work hard to make their visions for themselves and their community a reality,” said Nilsen-Hodges.
New Roots has received numerous awards and grants for its environmental programming, including the United States Department of Education’s Green Ribbon School award. The award recognizes schools that reduce environmental impact and costs; improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and, provide effective environmental and sustainability education. Projects such as Kestrel Perch Farm at EcoVillage at Ithaca and the Cayuga Wetlands Restoration Project at Stewart Park have attracted national recognition and funding from both public and private sources, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
In a letter of support for the renewal of the charter, City of Ithaca Director of Sustainability Rebecca Evans noted, “In June 2019, the City of Ithaca Common Council unanimously adopted the Ithaca Green New Deal . . . this initiative was catalyzed, in part, by civic engagement on behalf of New Roots Charter School students, positively altering the trajectory of the City’s economy and climate footprint into the future. Since 2019, the City of Ithaca and New Roots have collaborated on multiple projects and programming, including environmental literacy training, urban planning course modules, and introductions to workforce development opportunities.”
Tina Nilsen-Hodges says the school’s mission and vision align with the larger goals of the State University of New York. “The promise of SUNY, the largest state college and university system in the world, is to be a visionary change agent, empowering New Yorkers to innovate and create a wellspring of knowledge and momentum that advances communities, New York, and the world,” said Nilsen-Hodges. “Our school’s mission is part of this forward-looking vision of service to our great state. We are so proud to be part of the SUNY system, and honored to have another charter term to continue this good work on behalf of our students and community.”
In lieu of a press conference, school leaders are available for interviews with media representatives. Interviews can be coordinated by contacting Michael Mazza at mmazza@newootsschool.org or 607.882.9220 x207.
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New Roots Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school serving grades 9-12 that is open to any young person who is eligible to attend high school in New York State. Offering a private school education at a public school price (free to students!), young people prepare for lives of passion and purpose as they prepare to create and embrace new 21st century life opportunities through career and college preparation. Visit newrootsschool.org to learn more.