Curriculum at The New School is guided by the multiple intelligence theories of Howard Gardner. Gardner posits that there are eight (recently expanded from seven) distinctly recognizable intelligences that different people utilize. These are (in no particular order):

• Musical
• Kinesthetic
• Interpersonal
• Intrapersonal
• Logical/Mathematical
• Linguistic
• Spatial
• Naturalistic

Traditional schooling places an undue emphasis on the logical/mathematical and linguistic intelligences, often neglecting other abilities. In developing the IQ test early this century, Benet devised an instrument that was successful at predicting the scholastic success of children, but in a school system that relied primarily on the logical and linguistic intelligences. Clearly, there are those who succeed in life without the sole use of these intelligences: visual artists, whose spatial and kinesthetic abilities must be well-honed, or entrepeneurs, whose interpersonal skills may be their forte. Howard Gardner performed extensive research and reviews to identify which specific intelligences people use.

The New School incorporates MI theory at all grade levels. While several schools have used an MI approach in elementary grades, The New School considers itself pioneering in applying MI ideas in upper grades.