FOUNDING A NEW SCHOOL DURING THESE UNCERTAIN DAYS MAY SEEM RISKY— even foolhardy. Yet there is no better time or greater need. Despite the herculean efforts of dedicated teachers across the nation and globe, the current pandemic has exposed fundamental shortcomings of our educational systems.
Over the past decades, disruptive technologies, changing demographics, and the competing forces of globalization and tribalism have transformed our world. We are preparing our students for jobs that do not exist yet and the ends of careers as we know them. The skills and habits of mind people need to thrive in this new era have changed, too. Yet, most schools are stuck in last century’s industrial model of schooling; our students sit in classrooms that look too much like they did for their parents and grandparents, learning from a curriculum that has evolved too little over the past several decades. We believe that this model of school does not prepare students well for this rapidly changing world. New England Innovation Academy (NEIA) does.
As a brand-new school, NEIA escapes the stubborn inertia of the old model. Our bold vision is to prepare the next generation of innovators to pursue their dreams and shape a better world.
With the freedom of a blank canvas, NEIA draws on data-driven research, best practices, and visionary experts to create a dynamic future-focused learning program. In modern maker spaces and learning labs, working alongside leading-edge faculty and in hands-on partnerships with local business and industry, we offer challenging, richly relevant environments. Through an IB-inspired program, a human-centered design approach, and real-world inclusion, we endeavor to develop culturally nimble global citizens who use a structured innovation process to make a difference in their communities.
We will empower young people to find their passion and potential, to solve problems creatively and collaboratively, and to become the next generation of innovators our world so desperately needs.
NEIA students will understand others, speak authentically, and do. In the process of their education, our students will develop a deep sense of empathy, respect, and responsibility, as well as the courage to be, in Gandhi’s words, the change they wish to see in the world.
NEIA seeks students from all reaches of life, around Marlborough, Massachusetts, and across the globe, to build a diverse, vibrant learning community. We seek students who want to take an active role in their education rather than having school done to them. We seek students and families who want more.
We’re re-imagining today’s school for tomorrow’s world. I invite you to learn more about New England Innovation Academy and join us in its creation.
Tom Woelper
Founding Head of School
J. THOMAS WOELPER
Founding, Head of School
Tom has a distinguished 31-year career in independent education, most recently as the Head of School of Far Hills Country Day School in New Jersey. Tom’s experience in education includes The Hotchkiss School, The Taft School, and Groton School.
