Academics

At The New LIFE School, we offer an engaging academic curriculum that is differentiated to meet the goals and needs of each student. We strive to bring each student, no matter their abilities, to meet the age/grade level material in all core subjects, such as Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies. In addition to core subjects, we offer exciting electives, such as culinary, art and journalism. By using a multi-sensory approach to learning, our teachers work hard to “knock down the walls” of the classroom and bring in real-life examples to make education come alive.

Our Curriculum

Through a modified curriculum, we are able to teach our students appropriate age/grade level material in subject areas such as Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies. The New LIFE School strives to utilize a multisensory approach, which will help students gain a better understanding of the concepts and ideas taught in the classroom.

The curriculum is adapted to ensure that each student is striving toward academic success in achieving New York State learning standards and/or alternative learning standards. Through the adoption and implementation of high quality curriculum products developed by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, Steck-Vaugn, Sussman, Pearson Educational, and the Preventing Academic Failure (PAF), our academic program emphasizes Reading, Phonics, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies as well as tools to prepare for New York State Testing. High School students will receive regular practice and preparation for New York State Regents Testing.

The New LIFE School will provide instruction according to the New York State Learning Standards. Students will be provided access to New York State testing at each identified grade level in accordance with the Federal No Child Left Behind Act. Testing modifications will be incorporated as identified in each student’s existing Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and made part of the daily instructional process.

In addition to academic competence, the New LIFE School enhances our students’ understanding and exposure to the arts through the implementation of regularly scheduled learning sessions. Students also learn about the importance of health and physical education through regular gym and health sessions. The New LIFE School recognizes the need to continually engage students in creative ways. This is achieved through innovative club activities, specialized counseling groups, and school-wide initiatives.

Throughout the year the academic program is additionally enhanced by field trips to academically-focused locations such as the Bronx Zoo, the New York Hall of Science, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Intrepid Sea/Air/Space Museum, the Museum for African Art, the American Museum of the Moving Image, and the American Museum of Natural History.

Students have the opportunity to play basketball and other sports informally, and plans are being made to develop formal team sports in the future.

The New LIFE School strives to encourage our students to make positive life choices. This is accomplished through our behavior modification program called Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). For each period of the school day, students accrue points based on their behavior. These points are tallied and used to participate in various incentive trips and activities. Students benefit from seeing that their positive choices have a direct effect on their daily activities.

Diplomas Offered

The New LIFE School offers many graduation options for students: Regents Diplomas, Local Diplomas, Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credentials, and Skills and Achievement Commencement Credentials. Students are provided with the full high school experience in our program, including a graduation ceremony, senior prom, senior trip and yearbook. The guidance counselor meets with students and families to review graduation requirements, determine effective academic interventions, and provides in-school career internship opportunities to begin exploring the world of work. The transitional coordinator meets with students and families to determine the appropriate post-secondary options by connecting students to colleges, vocational schools and career opportunities. Students can remain at the New LIFE School through the age of 21 years.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES

The Career Development Program (CDOS) is designed to provide every student with the opportunity to progress academically toward graduation while providing the work-based instruction necessary for students to develop the vital skills to advance in career fields of their choice. Students in CDOS follow the standard curriculum while focusing on hands-on skills to apply within real-world settings. Students will be able to earn certificates in vocational areas such as culinary arts, barbering, and technology. The CDOS staff works with students to clarify their academic and career goals and to ensure that each student builds the motivation and skills to achieve their goal of completing high school and entering the post-secondary placement of their choice.