History

New Harmony School is the heart of a historic community whose roots go deep into the past of progressive education in America. A Utopian community founded here in 1824 attracted innovative intellectuals who believed that education should be available free to all social classes. New Harmony, a frontier community along the banks of the Wabash, was the site of one of the first kindergartens, vocational schools, women's discussion groups, US Geological surveys and public lending libraries on our country. With this rich historical heritage, the K-12 school is a focal point of the community. The present school located at 1000 East Street has been in use since 1987. Situated adjacent to Murphy Park, teachers use the park as an outdoor education classroom, exercise facility or for recreational fun on the Playtopia playground. The small school, with annual enrollment around 200, provides a public facility where students can get individual attention usually associated with private schools. This is a school that can take its entire high school to Washington, D.C. every four years for the Inauguration.

Academics and Activities

New Harmony offers curriculum ranging from Preschool to high school. In the elementary wing, there is one classroom for per grade, a library, and a computer lab. The Junior High/High School wing includes classrooms, a computer lab, science lab, and library. Shared facilities in a commons area include the art and music rooms, cafeteria, distance education lab with teleconference equipment, and gymnasium. A full athletic program offers baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, cheerleading, and golf.

Academic competitions also provide students with challenges. Students can participate in the local spelling bee, National Geographic Society geography bee, Young Authors Conference book writing, Math-a-thon, and Academic Bowl Competition. Older students enjoy ISSMA Music Competitions, an annual mock trial, and participation the Envirothon team which took first place this year.

Service to the Community

An acclaimed extracurricular is the work of the Ribeyre Gymnasium Restoration Group. Local students have adopted the project and they have sough many resources to make the renovation a reality. The gym is currently being utilized as a community center servicing the residents of the town of New Harmony. This facility includes a walking track and houses educational services severely needed by all kinds of groups, leaders and supporters.