About New Heights is the Seacoasts largest, most comprehensive out-of-school program for young people between the ages of 11 to 18 ( those entering 6th grade to those in 12th. ) Our over arching mission is to help teens make a successful transition to adulthood. We do this by providing teens with health-related opportunities and programs that foster respect for themselves, others, and the environment. New Heights offers fun, healthy, challenging, safe activities for middle and high school students after school, during school vacations and during the summer. New Heights Teen Center is located at the Community Campus in Portsmouth and is free and open to all teens. New Heights was founded in 1987 and since that time, our professional staff has seen again and again the powerful difference a few kind words, a smile, and an open ear can provide for young people struggling to survive the rigors of adolescence. Research shows that habits formed in middle school ( whether healthy or unhealthy ) have a large influence on continuing lifestyle choices during high school and college. We hope to positively influence as many youth as possible about making smart, informed decision.