About us
Our Mission
The New LIFE School is committed to fostering each individual student’s true potential to excel academically, socially and emotionally. We strive to educate students in time to make a difference by tailoring their academic experience to their specific needs. Our foremost goal is to ensure that the school fits the student, not the student to the school.
Our Philosophy
The New LIFE School opened its doors in 2006 with the mission to “educate students in time to make a difference.” The New LIFE School is committed to the growth and success of students in the New York City area who have struggled academically, behaviorally and emotionally in a mainstream school setting. Many students arrive at the New LIFE School having experienced feelings of failure, inadequacy, and frustration within their previous school setting. We believe that all students deserve the chance to have positive and successful school experience.
Through a caring, structured and therapeutic environment, we help our students gain confidence, learn valuable academic and life skills, and realize their true potential. We recognize that motivation to succeed in school is increased when students are truly engaged in their learning environment. At the New LIFE School, we have created a community that encourages students to establish goals and explore their passions, and pursue their unique interests.
Our dedicated staff works to ensure that each student’s individual needs are met through differentiated, hands-on and exciting learning opportunities. Students gain knowledge of their strengths, learn how to manage challenging situations and difficult emotions, and gain the ability to interact with their community in positive and productive ways.
The New LIFE School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin. Rights, privileges, programs, and activities are generally accorded or made available to the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic rights or the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and athletic, and other school-administered programs.
The New LIFE School is operated by Lutheran Social Services of New York (LSSNY). In keeping with the agency’s mission of “enabling people to reach their full potential,” the New LIFE School is honored with the special task of promoting the success of the young people in our care.
Our History
The New LIFE School opened its doors in 2006 with the mission to “educate students in time to make a difference.” The New LIFE School is committed to the growth and success of students in the New York City area who have struggled academically, behaviorally and emotionally in a mainstream school setting. Many students arrive at the New LIFE School having experienced feelings of failure, inadequacy, and frustration within their previous school setting. We believe that all students deserve the chance to have a positive and successful school experience. Through a caring, structured and therapeutic environment, we help our students gain confidence, learn valuable academic and life skills, and realize their true potential.
We recognize that motivation to succeed in school is increased when students are truly engaged in their learning environment. At the New LIFE School, we have created a community that encourages students to establish goals and explore their passions and pursue their unique interests. Our dedicated staff works to ensure that each student’s individual needs are met through differentiated, hands-on and exciting learning opportunities. Students gain knowledge of their strengths, learn how to manage challenging situations and difficult emotions, and gain the ability to interact with their community in positive and productive ways.
Therapeutic Environment
At the New LIFE School, we understand that our students require a therapeutic environment in which to thrive. We realize that the behavioral and emotional struggles of our students can impede their academic progress and feelings of confidence and self-worth; we are dedicated to providing our students with the clinical care and emotional support necessary for them to be successful. Our students often come to us with previous experiences of academic failure, trouble with peers and difficult life experiences. Our clinical team works with each student to address emotional, behavioral and social issues to help our students build the skills to be productive and positive members of their communities.
Our clinical team consists of:
• Social Workers
• Intensive Behavioral Therapist
• Speech/Language Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Behavioral Support Staff
• Clinical Director
Our Students
The New LIFE School takes great pride in our student body. Our students are ages 8-21 and in grades 3-12. They come from all 5 boroughs of New York City and bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a dynamic educational environment. Each of our students contributes their unique abilities, passions, and personalities to make the New LIFE School a positive and vibrant school setting.
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
A Word From Our Principal
Dear Family & Friends,
I am honored to be the Principal and Executive Director here at The New LIFE School. Our staff is committed to providing our students with an excellent education that will prepare them for their future. We pride ourselves on being a community that embraces everyone’s unique learning styles and makes everyone feel valued and appreciated. Here at The New LIFE School, we strive to help everyone reach their full potential.
As we continue to support our students in meeting the demands of the Common Core Learning Standards, we implement research-based programs that best fit the needs of our young scholars. Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) is one program we embrace to bring out the best in our school community.
We welcome you to visit us and become involved. It takes a village to raise our youth so let’s work together on educating our students in time to make a difference!
Christine Amodeo M.S. Ed, SBL
Executive Director/Principal
The New LIFE School
(646) 790-6455