In the fall of 1993, high school administrators and the senior administrative staff met together to discuss the changing needs of the student population, particularly among increasing  numbers of disruptive students. Out of this discussion came the recommendation from the Superintendent that an alternative education program be developed to begin during the 1994-1995 school year. During the summer of 1994, the Director of Special Projects  assembled a committee of representatives from a wide variety of school, county, and community groups to assist in planning. The New Directions program is the result of the collaborative effort put forth by the entire Arlington community. The first group of students opened the program on March 20, 1995.