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The New Century School

United States, Baltimore

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish, Mandarin
Fees $11,830 - 17,200
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 2007
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, Mandarin
Strengths Languages, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

The New Century School is an independent private school in Fell's Point, Baltimore, offering a Montessori-based, bespoke program for preschool through middle school. Preschool remains Montessori, while elementary and middle grades blend Montessori-inspired approaches with inquiry-based learning, small mixed-age classrooms, and project-based instruction. The curriculum centers on English, Spanish and Mandarin, with complete language immersion for preschoolers and partial immersion after age three, fostering lasting multilingual competence. The campus emphasizes hands-on exploration across STEM, the arts, and global studies, supported by an on-site greenhouse program whose produce feeds the school lunch. Facilities include a gymnasium and a dedicated performance space, plus an outdoor playground and an Imagination Playground. Lunch is served on site with vegetarian and nut-free options, reflecting locally sourced or organic choices where possible. After-school ECAs run 3:45–4:45 and cover language, arts, wellness, and design, with middle-school students invited to assist younger learners. Curiosity and collaboration define TNCS.

The New Century School, 724 South Ann St., Baltimore, MD 21231

The Essentials

The New Century School has instruction in English, Spanish, Mandarin.

Location

The New Century School is located in Fell's Point, Baltimore, Maryland. The main address is 724 South Ann Street, Baltimore, MD 21231. The school occupies historic buildings in Fell's Point and serves families in Baltimore.

Stages

Students range from 2 years old through 8th grade. The school provides preschool, elementary, and middle school divisions.

Type

Independent private school.

School day structure

School day begins at 8:30 am for Kindergarten through 8th grade and 8:45 am for preschool, with dismissal at 3:30 pm (preschool has a half-day option). Before Care runs 7:30 am–8:30 am; After Care runs 3:30 pm–6:00 pm, with a car line for regular drop-off and pick-up.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

The New Century School is a day school with before- and after-care programs. Before Care runs 7:30 am–8:30 am; After Care runs 3:45 pm–6:00 pm.

Food Options

All TNCS lunches are vegetarian and nut-free and are served daily. Menus reflect local produce and are adapted seasonally, with two portion sizes available: Regular and Large. Lunch pricing is 20 lunches per month at $148 (regular) or $170 (large); or $9 per day (regular) or $10 per day (large).

Governance and Ownership

Independent private school.
Fees

Annual tuition at The New Century School ranges from USD 11,830 to USD 17,200 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Submit applications through the school's online admissions portal (Blackbaud / MySchoolApp). Citation: .
- Financial aid applications are processed through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment and require a small application fee charged by FACTS. Citation: .

Tuition fees by program (2026–2027 academic year)

- Preschool — Full day (8:45 am–3:30 pm): USD 16,900 per year. Citation: .
- Preschool — Half day (8:45 am–12:30 pm): USD 11,830 per year. Citation: .
- Kindergarten (8:30 am–3:30 pm): USD 17,200 per year; associated published fee USD 400. Citation: .
- Grades 1–8 (8:30 am–3:30 pm): USD 17,900 per year; associated published fee USD 450. Citation: .

How tuition is billed and payment terms

- Tuition and most school charges are administered through the FACTS tuition-management system; families enroll in FACTS for invoicing and installment plans. Citation: .
- Payment-plan options are available through FACTS; families may choose an installment schedule through that system and will be billed through FACTS. Citation: .
- Incidentals (for example, school lunch, field trips, extracurricular activities, extended care) are billed separately and processed through FACTS or the school's designated registration platforms. Citation: .

Billing schedule details and timing (program-specific where published)

- Extended programs and ECAs (extra-curricular activities) are billed with due dates prior to each session; ECAs are billed with a due date three weeks before the start of each session. Citation: .
- Summer programs: payment-in-full or installment options are available when registering; monthly payment plans for summer programs have published cut-off dates and all payment plans must be completed by the school's stated deadlines for that program year. Citation: .

Boarding fees

- The New Century School is a day school serving preschool through grade 8 and does not offer boarding programs; therefore no boarding fees apply. Citation: .

Other costs and commonly billed items

- Published supplemental/fees column for K and Grades 1–8: K has a published fee of USD 400; Grades 1–8 have a published fee of USD 450 (these are additional to tuition). Citation: .
- Extended care and before/after-school options are billed separately; summer program add-on examples include before care (typically listed as USD 35–40 per week), after care (USD 60–70 per week), and lunch add-ons (example USD 40 per week) for summer sessions. Those add-on amounts are published for summer programs and similar extended-care options are billed separately during the school year. Citation: .
- Field trips, extracurricular activities, and school lunch are billed separately through FACTS or the school's designated registration platforms. Citation: .
- Sibling discount: a sibling discount is offered for families with more than one child enrolled; specific discount amounts are managed through admissions/FACTS. Citation: .

Refund and withdrawal terms (as published for specific programs)

- Summer programs: cancellations or withdrawals made before the school's published deadline for that summer session are subject to a published withdrawal fee (examples: cancellations/withdrawals before May 20 may be subject to up to 50% of tuition; no refunds are issued after the published deadline for that session). Citation: .
- ECAs and certain after-care services: published sliding-scale refund rules apply (example for the van pick-up after-care program: more than 4 weeks before a quarter start — full refund minus USD 100 cancellation fee; 2–4 weeks — 50% refund; less than 2 weeks — no refund). Citation: .
- There are no refunds for missed sessions due to student illness, absence, inclement weather, or unplanned school closures for listed programs. Citation: .

Fee payment options and how payments are accepted

- Primary payment and billing are handled through FACTS (online tuition and incidentals management). Citation: .
- For camps and other short-term programs, families may pay by credit card via the school's registration platforms; TNCS families are sometimes able to route payments through their FACTS accounts when registering for certain programs. Citation: .
- The school's billing office can be contacted at billing@thenewcenturyschool.com for account questions and FACTS support. Citation: .

Summary note (concise)

- Published annual tuition for 2026–2027: Preschool full day USD 16,900; Preschool half day USD 11,830; Kindergarten USD 17,200 (fee USD 400); Grades 1–8 USD 17,900 (fee USD 450). Payment is managed through FACTS; supplemental programs and incidentals (extended care, lunch, field trips, extracurriculars, summer add-ons) are billed separately with program-specific pricing and refund rules. Citation: .
Academics

The New Century School teaches Montessori Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum

Inquiry-based learning is the cornerstone of TNCS's academic program. Class sizes are intentionally small in mixed-age classrooms, with individualized instruction through project-based learning and guided discovery. The curriculum spans modern world languages (English, Spanish, Mandarin), the arts, STEM, and global studies.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes in mixed-age classrooms; individualized instruction.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

TNCS emphasizes social-emotional learning as part of its invisible curriculum. The core values are Compassion, Courage, Respect, and Service. Biweekly student assemblies discuss how these values apply in daily life, and restorative circles are used in classrooms to support communication and repair relationships. A staff member leads the social-emotional learning program and coordinates with service-learning and student support across divisions. The school treats belonging, kindness, and responsible behavior as essential components of the whole-child approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

TNCS teaches three languages: English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. From age 2, students are taught by native Spanish and Mandarin Chinese speakers. Students learn to speak, read, and write in both Spanish and Mandarin, and they interact in all three languages inside and outside the classroom. In language learning, the curriculum follows ACTFL standards and emphasizes the 5 Cs: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. Language curricula are designed to be immersive and active, with cultural exposure such as cooking, singing, dancing, and games to support real-world use of the languages.

Mental Wellbeing

TNCS supports mental wellbeing through its social-emotional learning program and a whole-child approach. A Wellness Team, including an epidemiologist and clinicians, provides health guidance and supports safety policies to help reduce anxiety and protect wellbeing. SEL initiatives foster belonging, empathy, and respectful interactions across divisions. Teachers and staff integrate social-emotional development with service-learning and community engagement to build resilience. When health concerns arise, TNCS communicates clearly with families to support students' wellbeing and continuity of learning.

Safeguarding

Students are signed in and out, and only people listed on the Emergency Form may pick up a child. The Emergency Form is updated annually to reflect current contact information. Health forms and medical authorizations are required for health conditions and medications. If a child becomes ill, the parent is notified and the child must be picked up; a fever-free period of 24 hours is required before returning to school, and a doctor's note is required after recovery. Discipline policies emphasize safety, with expectations to Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful, and consequences can include counseling or removal from trips or school activities for serious or repeated incidents. Incidents are communicated to parents as part of maintaining a safe school environment.
Parent Experience

History

Patterson Park Montessori was founded in 2007 in Baltimore's Patterson Park neighborhood. In 2010, it became The New Century School and expanded to include kindergarten and elementary students. We moved to Fell's Point to the former Mother Seton Academy and St. Stanislaus church buildings on South Ann Street. Preschool remains Montessori, while elementary and middle school are Montessori-inspired. The school emphasizes language acquisition, teaching Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, with complete immersion for preschoolers and partial immersion after age 3.

Community

TNCS emphasizes a community of students, families, and staff. We celebrate 15 years of learning, community, and shared experiences in 2026. It highlights world cultures and language acquisition, as well as art and music instruction, and observes cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year and Black History Month. News and announcements feature ongoing community activities and a range of celebrations that invite family involvement.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

TNCS supports a parent organization historically known as the Parent Council, which was renamed Family Partnership and linked with the volunteering arm. Families contribute 10 hours of volunteer service per school year, across activities such as classroom support, event setup, presentations, country or profession profiles, and fundraising. Volunteer opportunities are posted regularly and include professional services, chaperoning trips, and other school-related roles. The TNCS community also hosts social events for families, including potlucks, school picnics, musical performances, back-to-school nights, information nights, and Town Hall meetings, with opportunities for family members to participate in classroom presentations, cultural sharing, or other activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

TNCS is located in Fell's Point, Baltimore, on an urban campus two blocks from the harbor. The campus includes an outdoor playground used for before-care free play and during holiday camps. A multipurpose room supports arts and crafts during the day. TNCS runs an on-site greenhouse program; every student spends time in the greenhouse, which grows produce used in school lunches. The school offers on-site lunch with vegetarian and nut-free menus, locally sourced or organic when possible. Historically, the campus expanded to include a gymnasium and a dedicated performance space in 2012, with Gerstung gym equipment and the Imagination Playground added in 2013.

Sports Facilities

TNCS has a gymnasium and a dedicated performance space. The gymnasium uses Gerstung gym equipment and a performance space for events. There is an outdoor playground that supports free play and physical activity. Summer programs also use the campus facilities including the playground and gym equipment.

Academic Facilities

TNCS emphasizes inquiry-based learning with an integrated arts emphasis. Students learn English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese and engage in all three languages inside and outside the classroom. Classrooms are mixed-aged and designed for individualized instruction with project-based learning. STEM, global studies, and the arts are central components of the curriculum. Preschool language immersion and Montessori elements complement the program.

Extra Curricular Facilities

TNCS offers a range of extracurricular activities after the school day, with ECAs running from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm on school days and rotating quarterly. Examples include Spanish Immersion: Song & Dance, Warriors of Wellness, Brick Masters, Paint-tastic, Tippi Toes Ballet, Knight School, Eco Crafters, and Art-tastic. Middle school students can volunteer in ECAs to support younger learners. Registration is managed on the TNCS website with quarterly schedules and checkout.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The New Century School offers ECAs such as Brick Masters (engineering with foam blocks and LEGO) for ages 4 through 3rd grade, Time Travelers (weekly journeys to the past through stories and hands‑on activities), and Design Lab (design challenges across architecture, fashion, and problem solving for K–5th grade). ECAs run after school from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm and rotate quarterly.

Arts & Creative

Paint-tastic! (K–5th Grade) and Art-tastic! (Age 4–2nd Grade) provide hands‑on visual art experiences, while Art of Puppetry and Studio Art: Miniature Worlds expand creativity through making and storytelling. Spanish Immersion: Art & Creativity and Chinese Art & Culture offer language‑inspired artistic exploration; Nature Studio and Yarn-tastic! further blend art with the outdoors and craft making.

Cultural & Language

Spanish Immersion ECAs include Song & Dance, Sports, and Art & Creativity, plus Travels Through Latin America; Spanish Language Immersion: Viajes is also offered in summer camp. Chinese Art & Culture explores Chinese art and cultural traditions. These language‑rich ECAs run alongside other cultural activities to build multilingual competence.

Social & Hobbies

Time Travelers offers imaginative journeys into different historical periods through stories and crafts, fostering curiosity and collaboration. Tabletop Titans invites students to engage in collaborative, creative tabletop games that emphasize teamwork and storytelling.

Community & Service

Middle school students (6th–8th grade) are invited to volunteer in ECAs to support younger learners and earn service hours.

Leadership & Professional

The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is available for rising 7th–10th graders to gain hands‑on experience, develop professional skills, and earn service hours through camp roles and leadership activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Warriors of Wellness emphasizes movement, wellness education, basic self‑defense, yoga, and mindfulness; Yinjas combines mindfulness, yoga, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to build self‑awareness and resilience. Music Makers offers hands‑on music making and teamwork, and Parkour Camp focuses on movement, balance, and confidence through guided activity.
Languages

Language Provision

Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are the modern world languages taught; students learn to speak, read, and write in both languages; instruction is guided by the 5 Cs of language learning—Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.

Bilingual Teaching

Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are taught through bilingual instruction by native speakers from age 2 onward.

Immersion Programs

Dual-language instruction with curricula designed for absorption and active use of the target languages; content areas such as math and geography are taught in Spanish and Mandarin; instruction follows ACTFL standards.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Discover TNCS (In Person or Virtual): In a small-group session, learn about TNCS's academics, day-to-day life, and community. The session includes a guided tour and a Q&A. Register for a Session to participate. 2. 1:1 Personal Visit (Weekdays by Appointment): Obtain specific answers about your child's grade level, curriculum, extended care, and any other questions in a private meeting. Book Your Visit. 3. Apply Online: Less Than One Hour • No Fee. Ready to take the next step? Complete the online application at your convenience. We look forward to learning about your child. Start Application. 4. Admissions Inquiry: Not sure which option is best for your family? Submit a general Admissions Inquiry. 5. Admissions Promise: Inclusion and diversity are cornerstones of TNCS. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of admissions policy, educational policies, or any other program administered by the school. 6. Applying to TNCS: Find specific deadlines and other application details on the How to Apply page. Applications may be accepted midyear under our rolling admissions policy, and late applications will also be considered. 7. Quick Facts: TNCS is an independent private school with middle school (6th-8th), elementary (kindergarten-5th), and preschool (2 to 5-year-olds). The language program teaches Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. The preschool curriculum follows Montessori. Kindergarten, elementary, and middle school programs follow inquiry-based curricula.

Scholarships

Financial Aid and Scholarships: TNCS provides financial assistance to qualified Elementary and Middle School families; TNCS offers merit-based scholarships to Middle School students; TNCS also participates in the MSDE Child Care Scholarship Program to help eligible families pay for childcare and education. The school does not discriminate in admissions or programs. Financial Aid Overview: Families can apply for financial aid for Elementary and Middle School programs. We partner with FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment to analyze need; after submission, the Financial Aid Committee determines the level of assistance. A completed application must be submitted prior to consideration. Applying for Financial Aid: Step 1 - Submit your Application for Enrollment; Step 2 - Submit an Application to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment; Step 3 - Financial Aid Decision. What We Consider: The factors include number of children in the family; number of children attending tuition-charging schools; discretionary expenditures; annual retirement savings; and other relevant financial details. Middle School Scholarship Overview: TNCS offers a $500 renewable merit-based scholarship to Middle School students (6th-8th grade). Deadline to apply for the upcoming academic year is January 15. Step 1 - Apply to TNCS; Step 2 - Letter of Introduction; Step 3 - Letters of Recommendation; Step 4 - Interview. Scholarship awards are announced with the admissions decision. What We Consider for the Merit Scholarship: The student must be in 6th-8th grade, have a record of high academic achievement, and demonstrate a commitment to serve the community.
School Events
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