The New Community School believes that an adolescent's academic success develops best in an honest, trusting environment that permits growth as an individual, increased self-knowledge, self-respect, and respect for the uniqueness and value of others. To that end, The New Community School deliberately shapes its environment, educational programs and student activities to help students succeed and become confident individuals. The results from this deliberate approach are students who are independent thinkers, problem solvers, effective communicators, and cooperative contributors to their school community and the broader community in which they live.

TNCS offers a lively schedule of student activities in conjunction with its athletic, elective, advising, assembly and academic programs. Our Student Activities Program involves students and faculty cooperating in special events like Field Day, Halloween Costume Contests, Holiday Breakfast, special dinners and dances; adventures such as hikes, fishing trips, a ski trip, climbing and ropes course challenges, a Junior-Senior excursion away from Richmond, and a visit to a theme park; and various course-specific field trips.

Weekly assemblies in the middle and upper schools maintain communication in the school community and provide opportunities for non-traditional educational experiences, particularly related to community service and character development. Students nominate and elect grade representatives to their Student Advisory Board. They also contribute to the life of the school through their involvement in yearbook, middle school newspaper, drama productions, club and committee membership, and interscholastic sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball and golf.