Our Schools

NYC Outward Bound Schools operates a growing network of Expeditionary Learning schools in partnership with the NYC Department of Education. Our college-preparatory schools bring demanding academics, community and character to NYC public schools in all five boroughs, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, are challenged and supported to accomplish more than they ever thought possible.

Our schools utilize the Expeditionary Learning school model, which is rooted in the principles and practices of Outward Bound, and support the development of student character and good citizenship while also fostering a culture of achievement. While each school is unique, all share common features including active, real-world learning that is often community- or service-based; a rigorous and interdisciplinary academic curriculum; longer class periods; membership in an advisory program called crew; and team-building adventures outside the classroom. All incoming students enjoy a three- to five-day backpacking orientation aimed at fostering group cohesion, communication skills, perseverance and the setting and meeting of goals.

Another hallmark of our schools is the breadth and quality of the professional development and other supports we provide to teachers and principals. Unlike teachers at most public schools, ours are continually supported through Expeditionary Learning’s renowned professional development program, which brings regional and national opportunities to every teacher and principal in our network as well as continual, on-site support. Principals are additionally engaged in sharing best practices with one another through our expanding Principal Leadership Program.

 “NYC Outward Bound is…defying the lie, defying the myth, defying the stereotypes about what children can and cannot do.”
—Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education

“NYC Outward Bound, we think the world of you. We think you are outstanding: all the energy, all the work and the vision that you have -- but more importantly, your partnership with the Department of Education will allow our students to grow and prosper and be successful adults.”                                                                                                     -NYC Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott

“When you walk through the NYC Outward Bound schools, you really do get the sense that these kids are working with very high expectations, that they really are being pushed and prepared for college in all the ways possible.”
—Adam Tucker, Senior Program Officer, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

“Outward Bound’s involvement with the creation of new schools has had a direct impact of the success of our students. I appreciate your support as we build on our vision for public education: that all students will be given the tools they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.”
—Joel Klein, former Chancellor, NYC Department of Education