Doing High School Differently.
Next STEP High is a collaborative program grounded in the values and mission of Tree Street Youth and Lewiston High School. Next STEP serves the diverse student population of Lewiston, ME and works to re-engage off-track or disengaged students with their education by empowering them to make an impact on their world. Located in the former Longley Elementary School across from Tree Street Youth, students and staff co-create a dynamic learning environment to meet high expectations within a culture of mutual respect that honors unique identities, life experiences, and aspirations. All students graduate with a Lewiston High School diploma.
Mission: Next STEP exists to serve the socioeconomic, racial, and culturally diverse population of Lewiston, by offering intensive academic and social emotional support in order to empower students to make an impact on themselves and the world around them. Students and staff work in a dynamic learning environment to meet high expectations within a culture of mutual respect that honors unique identities, life experiences and aspirations.
Vision: To influence district-wide practices based on the principles and models of Next STEP that ensure relevant learning experiences, community dialogue around social justice, and unique social-emotional support through community partnership.
Graduates from Next Step High since its first year in 2019
Pilot year of Next Step High
Youth-Led Design
Next Step has a responsive school framework grounded in 3 primary findings:
Students yearned desperately for real-life relevancy in what they were learning at school;
Students wanted to explore the complexities of justice and engage in community building across lines of difference;
Students had significant social-emotional needs and needed unique, collaborative supports to ensure that they could remain focused and engaged in school.
Meet the Team
Lanyha Spearman
Restorative Anchor at Next STEP
Max Bullett
Future Foundations Program Anchor
Meet the Team
