Academic Insights
Learn more about the academic program at New Roots Charter School by exploring these handy links to some key resources and documents. Please reach out to staff members at any time with any additional questions you may have.
New Roots Program Profile
New Roots Charter School empowers young people as citizens and entrepreneurs to create just, democratic communities and thriving green economies that restore the natural world that sustains us.
Four Year Learning Sequence
New Roots is the first four-year high school program in the nation to teach Education for Sustainability (EfS) Standards sequentially through content and instructional practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many community members are curious about our one-of-a-kind program. Click below to see frequently asked questions and answers and please reach out to a member of our team to learn more.
EarthForce
Preparing Tompkins County youth for success by developing career ready leadership skills for climate justice and a growing green economy. Organized in partnership with leaders of Ithaca’s Green New Deal, and funded by the Tompkins County Recovery Grant.
YEM (Youth Entrepreneurship Market)
Inspiring entrepreneurial thinking through hands-on learning and connections to community, helping students realize the power of their ideas and their voices.
Farm Program
School farming projects have included “urban farming” with container and community gardens, and a larger “big farm” garden plot at the Kestrel Perch Berry Farm at EcoVillage at Ithaca just outside the city. Produce grown by students has been featured in our school lunch program, and donated to a local food bank.
Farm to School Meals
New Roots Farm to School Food Program features FREE breakfast and lunch daily for all students, specializing in healthy, unprocessed, whole foods, sourced from local and regional partners, emphasizing plant foods.
Ithaca's Original Farm to School Cafe
Neuroscience research shows us that there is a direct relationship between the food we eat and how effective we are as learners. At New Roots, Ithaca’s original Farm to School Cafe feeds students and staff daily (FREE) with healthy “teen-comfort” food sourced from local and regional farms.