FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOICE: New Roots Charter School adds a 6th-8th grade middle school; award-winning high school continues.
ITHACA, NY – September 29, 2025
New Roots Charter School adds a 6th – 8th grade Montessori-inspired middle school program to its award-winning charter high school, a member of the Green Schools National Network. The historic Clinton House in downtown Ithaca is buzzing with excitement as the 2025-26 school year begins.
As part of a successful charter renewal granted by SUNY in February of 2025, the tuition-free public high school added 50 students in 6th – 8th grade this September. The Montessori-inspired program has drawn experienced teachers from our area, and welcomed new teachers as well. Sue and Mitch, parents of 7th grader Owen, share that, “Owen has been so much happier going to and coming home from school. We are excited about the differentiated learning opportunities. We appreciate the thorough communication about all the things from New Roots. We are so grateful to have found this program.”
The award-winning high school program continues, with dedicated faculty rising to leadership as the school grows. David Streib, New York State Master Teacher, Knowles Science Teaching Fellow, recipient of a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms award, and beloved science teacher for over a decade at New Roots is serving as the Academic Dean for the high school. “David’s quiet leadership as a faculty member has been a driving force in our success as a school for fifteen years. I am thrilled that he has stepped into this role of providing teachers with inspiration, support and leadership in the areas of curriculum and instruction as New Roots grows!” said Tina Nilsen-Hodges, founding Principal and Superintendent.
About New Roots Charter School
Established in 2009, New Roots Charter School is a small, tuition-free public school with a big mission, located in the heart of downtown Ithaca. Open to any student eligible for grades 6-12 in our wider region, our college and life preparatory program engages students in learning actively, thinking critically, and solving problems creatively and collaboratively, developing the knowledge and skills to be 21st century solutionaries for a sustainable future. Small school, bright future!
Visit the website to learn more, schedule a tour, or come to an Open House. www.newrootsschool.org
New Roots Charter School
Katie Church
607-882-9220 ext. 207
communityengagement@newrootsschool.org
@newrootsschool