Open Letter to the Leadership of the New School of Lancaster

My daughters have attended the New School the past six years and have thrived there. I am grateful for the education that they have received. I am also profoundly concerned about the departure of so many teachers in such a short interval of time and by the lack of clear and open communication between the school administration and broader school community over the past two years. I am hopeful that we can work together to build upon the strengths of our community (students and teachers, administration, and board members) in ensuring the ongoing livelihood of our school.

Having had children in the primary program for five years, then taking a 2 1/2 year break, we were so grateful that our youngest was able to return to the early elementary program this January when he needed a change from public school. We have been surprised and saddened to find what was once our beloved school community in a very different place. New leadership obviously creates changes and new beginnings, meaning that transparency is even more critical in times of transition. We look forward to hearing what will be done to ensure that parents and teachers have a voice in the process.

We love the New School and have been saddened to hear about all of the changes since we left two years ago. Let us know how we can help.

As a parent of Nsol for 13 years my 2 children have thrived. My oldest is excelling in public school due to the excellent education and Montessori experience the teachers/staff provided. My youngest has one year left and I’m concerned for the academic experience he will have this year. The lack of communication the last 2 years and loss of staff have not fostered my confidence. I hope the board, administration and parents can find a positive way to work together for the current and future children and staff if Nsol.

We have been with the school for 10 years. We love this community and are so sad to see so many teachers leaving. We look forward to open collaboration and communication.

I am also concerned about the impact of changing the accreditation body for the school, and am very curious about why this change is considered to be necessary.

All 3 of our children have attended this institution with the last one having one more year to go. With the current atmosphere at the school, I am very concerned for the experience he will have in his final year and I am deeply concerned for the long term viability of the school. I am hopeful the community can work together to reignite the flame of the New School.

We just graduated an 8th grader and have another entering 7th. This school and its teachers have been like a family to us for nearly ten years and we are devasted to learn of recent departures . I know the Board and administration also care deeply for the school and want to see it succeed. I believe it is important to take a clear-eyed look at what has brought us here and how to make things better. I also believe that we can lean into the strength of this community and trust that we can move forward and rebuild.

I’ve been a NSoL parent for 8 years. There have certainly been pains and imperfections, but it has been apparent to me that ultimately the teachers, administration, and board have shared a deep commitment to the well-being of the children. As parents, we put so much trust in those who we choose to shepherd our children. Sadly, my trust has eroded to the point that I can’t imagine sending my toddler to NSoL with the current state of the school. Transparency and inclusion are paramount.

As a Primary parent of a rising Kindergartner, I support this effort to create an opportunity for improved communication and transparency.

Father of Sofia and Maddalena—two daughters who flourished in the best school/community that we could have imagined. Glad to help in any way we can.

We greatly value Montessori education and very much want to continue to be a part of this school community. We hope that together we can address current issues and move in a positive direction.

I have been a part of The New School community for over ten years, both as a parent and a former Primary teacher. Our school has remained special to so many because of the collaboration between parents, teachers, administrators, and board trustees; all working together to facilitate the unfolding of each child’s unique potential. My sincere hope is that we can return to these values, with transparency, and reaffirm a commitment to the thriving of all who have created this community.

I cherish this school! I’m a parent to 2 recent graduates and was honored to serve as a Trustee. I support a dynamic New School in which all members contribute to a culture of shared responsibility, collaboration and joy.

My daughter will be going into 4th grade. We have been at the NSoL since she was a toddler. We love the school, it's mission and mostly the teachers & the NSoL community!

I’ve been at the New School for many many years and have weathered lots of storms. Right now, the climate seems toxic and that breaks my heart; for the teachers, parents and most especially the kids. I’m hoping that we’re able to create an open dialogue and move forward in a positive way that benefits everyone.

I have watched over the past two years as the relationship between the student and parent community and the leadership of the school has foundered. I support this effort to stop the exodus of staff and ensure the vitality of the community of the NSOL.

I treasure the New School. It has been a wonderful place for my children to learn and grow. I am deeply saddened by the departure of many beloved teachers and hope this petition will mark a positive change in direction!

It is important to us that the board evaluate whether the current leaders and current leadership structure are the best to lead us forward. After losing so many excellent staff, we will need excellent instructional leadership and a focus on restoring trust. We experienced transition in our daughter’s class this year and feel that the school did not have an adequate plan in place or adequate communication with parents regarding staffing and how students’ needs were being met in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Our family has been at The New School for 13 years. I am saddened to see the teachers we know and love leave at an alarming rate. I hope that we will be able to work together to support our teachers and rebuild the New School community.