Personalizing high school experiences since 2009
Enrollment & Registration
Reserving a seat at New Roots is easy with our online enrollment system.
The 2025 Lottery Date is April 1st.
EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
A public high school journey, personalized
for the unique learning styles of each student.
New Roots is a small public high school with a big mission located in the heart of downtown Ithaca. Open to any student eligible for high school in our wider region, our tuition-free college and life preparatory program engages students in learning actively, thinking critically, and solving real world problems creatively and collaboratively, developing the knowledge and skills to turn 21st century challenges into opportunities.
Going to New Roots changed my outlook on going to school. The curriculum is full of hands-on activities and so many extraordinary opportunities. New Roots is a life experience that is unlike any other.
~ NRCS Alum ~
“Inspired by the values of the first people who were stewards of this land, New Roots expresses the core value of respect for self, respect for others, and respect for the environment into all that we learn and do.”
Tina Nilsen-Hodges
—
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL
HOW WE DO IT
WE WALK THE TALK
New Roots students succeed in finding a life path and purpose through our award-winning program.
National & Local Awards
- 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School Award
- 2021 NYS Department of Education Green Ribbon School Award
- Top 10 Green School in the US
- 2019 Best of Green Schools Award via Green Schools National Network
- #1 Youth Project 2017 People's Choice Signs of Sustainability Award
- First school in the US certified as a Human Rights Friendly School
- Top Green High School Award from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
- NYS Master Teacher (David Streib)
QUESTIONS?
LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR GOALS
Finding the right learning environment for high school is an important decision and we can help. Click below to schedule a conversation to explore if New Roots is right for your family.
We look forward to meeting you!