Common Questions
Why New Roots? Your Questions Answered Here!
Q: How do I enroll at New Roots?
A: You may submit an Enrollment Inquiry Form directly from our website (See blue "Enroll Now" button on our home page). Once we receive the form, we will respond to you within 24 hours. You may also call or stop in for a paper copy of the enrollment form.
Q: Are you still enrolling new students for the current school year?
A: We have a limited number of openings in grades 9-11 at this time. Based on last year's enrollment process, we anticipate having a waiting list for next year.
Q: Who are the students at New Roots?
A: New Roots is chartered by the State University of New York Board of Trustees; any New York State student is eligible to attend New Roots. Approximately 175 students attend New Roots; most come from within Tompkins County. If you live within 15 miles of Ithaca, your home school district will provide busing for you to get to New Roots. All students will have a school-provided T-CAT bus pass, as well.
Q: Do students take Regents tests?
A: Yes. Students take a core curriculum sequence of four years of science, math, Social Studies and English featuring interdisciplinary connections, problem-based learning and a global perspective. Students have the choice of learning French or Spanish as the foreign language requirement. Students graduate in four years with a Regents diploma and college credits. To graduate from New Roots Charter School, all students are required to demonstrate that they have met all 28 New York State Learning Standards. Through concurrent enrollment, some courses for juniors and seniors are designed to meet standards for Tompkins Cortland Community College. New Roots does not offer AP courses.
Q: What's the benefit of attending a small high school?
* Close relationships between students and faculty
* Individualized attention and learning plans
* Founding students' interests and needs drive the development of the school
* Opportunities for everyone to shine!
