What we teach at New City School is very much the same as what is taught at other independent elementary schools; how we teach is unique. Since 1988, the theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI), conceived by Harvard University Professor Howard Gardner, has been used as a tool for teaching and learning at New City School. This unique academic learning approach capitalizes on students’ strengths and creates a deep level of understanding that allows children to use what they’ve learned in new and different situations. New City School teachers create opportunities for children to learn and express what is learned through eight different intelligences: Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Naturalist and Spatial. It has been found that schools using Multiple Intelligences theory "commonly had a culture of hard work, respect, and caring; a faculty that collaborated and learned from each other; classrooms that engaged students through constrained but meaningful choices, and a sharp focus on enabling students to produce high quality work." - Mindy L. Kornhaber, University of Pennsylvania, "Psychometric Superiority? Check the Facts - Again"