All-School Photo October 2007

The Blacksburg New School was founded in 1971 by a group of parents who wanted to have
a direct influence on their children's education. They created a program that recognizes each child as unique and that offers a rigorous curriculum in an open and flexible atmosphere, emphasizing academic excellence while encouraging individual interests. Even after 30 years of existence, the Blacksburg New School is "new" in the sense that it continues to grow and to evolve with the changing configuration of parents, teachers, and children.

The New School offers a strong academic curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade in language arts, math, social studies, and science. Enrichment programs include art, physical education, Spanish, and music. BNS is accredited by the Virginia Independent Schools Association, which is governed by the Virginia Council for Private Education. An individualized curriculum is tailored to each student's level of maturity and learning ability. The maximum enrollment is limited to 85 students per year and the average student/teacher ratio is 12 to 1. BNS also offers a state-licensed After School Program for students.

The transition from the Blacksburg New School to the public school environment presents no problems. One need only look at the newspaper-published lists of students making all As and Bs at the area schools to see that former New School students are well represented. Benefits go far beyond the academic, however. After attending BNS, the children carry with them a lasting sense of confidence, social ease, and self-discipline that serves them well in all situations - from academics to athletics.