Academics

We know that our students are capable of success. We expect them to rise up to meet the challenge of our rigorous academic program. And they do.

Pursuit of Excellence

In the pursuit of excellence, New Designs prepares its students to succeed in a global, diverse, information-based, and technologically advanced society. We are committed to the development of a college-preparatory learning environment that enables students to receive a strong foundation in mathematics, science, technology, and the arts during their secondary school years.

Applicant Screening

We do not screen students academically prior to admission. We accept students on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit our Enrollment page to learn more.

Our Expectations

Every graduate of New Designs Charter Schools must:

• Earn a minimum of 245 credits
• Meet all the state of California graduation requirements
• Meet or exceed the A-G requirements of the University of California systems
• Complete a career major
• Complete a service learning and internship program prior to the end of the first semester of the senior year

Student Support

We want every student to succeed and offer the following support programs:

• Extended Learning Academy. ELA provides tutoring and academic support before and after school.
• Saturday School. We require all students to attend Saturday School at least two Saturday mornings per month.

Student Recognition

We recognize excellence and honor student achievement with weekly and monthly recognitions in each class and grade level. We also hold two National Honor Society induction ceremonies each school year and award outstanding academic progress with medals.

Practical Learning

We continue to make great progress in bringing together all of the elements of the New Designs educational program by simultaneously blurring the line between our academic and technical education programs. With the support of parents and community and business partnerships, we continuously strive to strengthen our educational standards and, ultimately, our students’ academic performance.

Integrated Curriculum

We frame our curriculum around answering questions and solving problems. Students address real-world issues by working in teams and studying questions and themes that cross multiple academic disciplines. The New Designs curriculum maximizes interactions between students and teachers and minimizes constraints on crossing lines between disciplines. 

Students work on integrated projects incorporating science, language, and social studies while building information technology skills. Projects may range from community studies to robotics to building a submarine. Through participation, students begin to learn and to apply different perspectives and methods of the sciences and other academic disciplines.