NEW DESIGN MIDDLE SCHOOL

New Design Middle School (NDMS), located in the Manhattanville neighborhood of West Harlem, is a public school serving grades 6–8 that emphasizes a project-based, design-oriented approach to learning. Unlike traditional middle school models, NDMS integrates "design thinking" into its daily curriculum, encouraging students to solve real-world problems through creativity, collaboration, and iterative feedback. The school fosters a community-focused environment that prioritizes student voice, aiming to help adolescents navigate their development by applying design principles to both their academic work and their personal growth.

The school is noted for its commitment to social-emotional learning and its "small school" culture, which allows for closer relationships between students and faculty. By leveraging its location in New York City, NDMS frequently utilizes the city as a classroom, providing students with opportunities to engage with local organizations and professional designers. The school's philosophy is rooted in the belief that students are more successful when they are empowered to take ownership of their education, making it a popular choice for families looking for an alternative to conventional, test-heavy middle school environments.