New Directions Secondary School is a Bronx-based transfer high school designed for students who’ve had a difficult time with school – and who still want to graduate from it and move forward in the next part of their life.
Whether a student is behind on credits, disconnected from school, or balancing life responsibilities, we provide a supportive environment for students who need structure, support, and the flexibility to succeed with grace and empathy.
Enrollment Process
We conduct intake interviews on a rolling basis, July through March. All April, May and June conversations are for the following school year. If you are interested in attending or referring a student to our school, complete an online application. You will be asked to submit the most recent RISA (attendance) report, any high school transcripts, and a copy of the student’s IEP, if they have one.
We will review your completed application and make a determination on next steps. For students ready to move forward, we will schedule a 20-minute intake interview (in-person) to discuss academic goals. These interviews include time with our social worker and guidance counselor.
Both the student and parent/guardian must be present for the intake interview.
Please note, these intake interviews serve as our first opportunity to build a successful relationship with students and families.
We are a relationship-driven and community-focused school, dedicated to empowering students to thrive on their own.
Community Partners
At New Directions Secondary School, we support students ages 14-20 who:
Are behind on credits or out of school
We help students catch up and move forward without judgment or wasted time.
Struggle to excel in traditional high school
We pair students with a staff mentor who helps them stay on track.
Want to graduate but need extra support
We offer real support for students balancing school with real-life responsibilities
What We Offer Students at NDSS
🧭 Success Mentorship
Every student is matched with a staff mentor who helps them stay on track – academically, emotionally, and personally.
💼 Learn to Work Program
We offer paid internships and certification training to help students prepare for life after graduation (First Aid / CPR, Childcare, OSHA 10/30, Automotive Services, Security Guard, among others).
Job site placements include the New York Botanical Garden, NYC Council Member Althea Stevens, BronxWorks, Emolior Academy, among others.
Seminars to help prepare you for the workforce and improve your marketable skills.
🗓️ Traditional DOE Calendar
We are not a trimester school, which means more consistency and smoother transitions.
📱 Structure + Accountability
Phones are collected every morning to minimize distractions.
We call home if students aren’t on time.
Staff follow up daily…because we care and we show it.
🎉 Incentives + Culture
Trips, giveaways, and school-wide events.
On-site pantry and community support.
Active Instagram showcasing school life & student wins.
📘 Academic & Personal Growth
ENL Class with Ms. Florence, for students and family.
Healthy Relationships, Youth Rights in the Workplace and College Readiness with PACT.
Incentives for Academic Achievement & Attendance with Work Plus.
Girls Inc. & Boys to Men for Leadership Development.
Cornell Healthy Cooking & Wellness Classes.
🥗 Health & Wellness Support
Monthly Fresh Produce Drop-offs Grassroots Grocery.
Grab & Go Food Pantry powered by Stop & Shop.
Outpatient Referrals + Stress Management Workshops with Housing Solutions.
FREE Winter Coats, Prom, and Suits/Dresses for Graduation with New York Cares & Bronx Sigma’s.
