About

In 1999, two public school teachers, Ted Hamory and Stephanie Lee, began working to gather support for a new school in downtown Long Beach, California. They led a group of parents and educators who were concerned about the state of public education and who were equally dedicated to providing a high quality, free and public educational alternative. The New City School opened its doors in August of 2000 to eighty students in grades K-3 with the goal of becoming a model for urban K-8 learning in the 21st century. In five and one half years, the founders of the New City School have transformed their hopeful “pitch” into a vibrant, successful school that now serves 190 children. The student body has grown steadily, one grade each year, and the school will complete its original charter plan by graduating the first class of eighth graders in June 2006.

The dual-language (English/Spanish) immersion, community and arts-focused program have collectively developed a strong, positive reputation in the city of Long Beach and beyond. For example, NCS was recognized in 2004 by the Long Beach City Council for its outstanding community service, while monthly visitation days and popular performing arts events attract many visitors, prospective parents, community leaders, and future students. The popularity of the New City School has resulted in a waiting list that has more children than there are enrolled in the school. Several professors from nearby universities send their student teachers and volunteers to train with NCS master teachers, and several have taught their classes at the beautiful NCS site so that their teacher candidates can be exposed to the program as well as the staff and teachers who make it a reality each day.

The New City School has achieved so much in its first six years. The school has grown from a wish into a model for academic learning, community engagement and teaching the value of cultural, linguistic, and intellectual diversity. The staff, Board of Directors, and parents (with support from the LBUSD, the city, and many other supporters) have developed an innovative curriculum, renovated an abandoned building, and created a center for ongoing teacher support and professional development. As evidence of its success and validation of its concept, the New City School Charter was renewed in December 2004 by the Long Beach Unified School District with overwhelming support from their Board and hundreds of community members.