New Tuition-Free High School Opens at Annapolis Mall

Annapolis, MD – New Village Academy, a tuition-free public charter high school, is set to open its doors on August 25th, transforming a former Lord & Taylor department store space within the Annapolis Mall. The school aims to offer a less traditional approach to high schoolEducation.

Innovative Learning Environment

The school's design prioritizes collaboration and flexibility. Principal and Executive Director Romey Pittman explained, "We didn't want desks in rows. We didn't want classrooms sealed off, so we have lots of open space here." The campus features open work areas, restaurant-style booths for small group work, and individual study spaces designed to resemble a college library.

Curriculum Focused on Real-World Problems

New Village Academy’s curriculum centers around addressing real-world problems within the Annapolis community. Students will utilize these issues to develop crucial skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. As Pittman stated, "Instead of saying we're all sitting here in rows in science class, we're going out to understand why there is flooding in downtown Annapolis and what are we doing about it."

Student Empowerment and Community Engagement

The school’s model emphasizes student control over their Education and exploration of individual interests. Math and STEM teacher Latoya Mitchell highlighted the opportunity for teachers to build stronger relationships with students and their families, noting, "That's one of the things that I was missing in a traditional classroom, was not having the time to really connect with students." Students will also participate in internships and community projects, connecting their learning to potential careers and local issues. New Village Academy is open to students in grades nine through 12 residing in Anne Arundel County and plans to eventually serve approximately 270 students.