Virtual Open House
Integral Parts of Nova
Nova High School is an innovator in non-traditional education. The "Integral Parts of Nova" section of the Virtual Open House is a compilation of written explanations and statements from students about how Nova works, and all of our systems and methods that are unique to an ALE education. Please explore this section to learn about Nova's COOR and Coordinating system, Competency system, Committees, College and Career at Nova, and more!
If you haven't already seen this video about Nova, check it out!
It's a beautiful showcase of the Nova education and community, and is a great place to start your exploration of how Nova works!
(Seriously, it's been known to make a Nova student or two cry ;) )
COOR and Coordinators
One of the most important parts of Nova's alternative education is the COOR and Coordinating system, which is a key part of individualizing every student's education.
Read the document below to learn more about how Nova's COOR and Coordinating system works!
"With coordinating, I got introduced to everything about Nova! The community, how the classes work. There was just so much to learn about Nova and coordinating made it so much easier from a typical comprehensive middle school to a school that is free-flowing with a structure that works with the students.
This is just one of a million reasons I ended up falling in love with Nova. "
-- Nova Student
“All teachers are coordinators at Nova. It is much more than an advisory or homeroom at a traditional school. To be a coordinator is a swirl of teaching, listening, mentoring and advocating. Just a couple weeks ago, I had a 1.5-hour coor conversation with a student in which we discussed their academic goals for the semester, their social relationships with fellow students, created a plan to find a new job, and established re-connection with mental health therapists we’ve partnered with. Coordinating is a big part of how we build these strong relationships over years.”
--Akil, Teacher and Coordinator
"Coor has allowed me to get to know the whole student, not just their academics. It also gives students an opportunity to get to know me.
My COOR is my most favorite activity. Every year we have a BBQ and that is the highlight of my year. That probably won’t happen this year. My students mean the world to me. If I didn’t have bills to pay, I would do this job for free."
-- Nova Teacher and Coordinator
Competency System
The competency system at The Nova Project is the backbone of the Nova education. Read the documents below for an explanation of Nova's alternative grading system/non-graded system (and how it's so much more)!
“I finally feel like I am getting what I want out of my education and respected as an individual that learns in my own way. Nova also takes the fear out of "failing" because we don't have traditional grades and tests. I have pushed myself so much more than I ever did at traditional school at Nova.”
-- Nova Student
"The [competency based] system has been an interesting thing to live with, and transition to coming from a traditional school.
The competency-based system at Nova has greatly helped both me as a student, but also me as an individual. My understanding of learning, as well as my mental health, have honestly never been better. At my mainstream middle school, I was constantly working towards an A or trying to get past a 93% so I didn’t have to worry about my grades slipping. But at Nova, you get to grow and pass through a system that isn’t binding or limiting you. "
-- Nova Student
“When I came to Nova, the freedom I felt from not having grades was overwhelming at first, but then I realized how incredible it was. I was always so scared of getting a bad grade that I never wanted to risk any kind of failure, and therefore never ended up taking chances on my own interests and creativity. Nova gave me the freedom to learn through inquiry, and be as creative with my education as I want to be. More than that, it taught me that failure isn’t something to be afraid of, but rather an incredibly powerful tool for learning.”
-- Nova Student
What kinds of classes are offered at Nova?
Now that you've got a better idea of Nova's grading system and approach to education, check out the document below about the kinds of classes offered at Nova!
“The teachers are very open with their students and make you feel safe to be yourself to not be perfect. The flexible assignments leave a lot of room for creativity. The classes are very respectful environments for everyone.”
-- Nova Student
“I love Nova because of the flexibility when it comes to learning. YOUR learning at Nova is for YOU. Along with needing to meet certain requirements, you get to decide what classes you want to take. If you are doing other things outside of school like music, writing, etc, you can incorporate that within school and get credit for it as well.”
-- Nova Student
What is the block schedule?
The Nova project operates on a block schedule where every class meets for 85 minutes, and each individual class will meet either on M/W or T/TH, and alternate every Friday (5 full classes every two weeks). Please check out the example schedule we’ve posted to get a better idea of what a student’s weekly schedule can look like.
How do students sign up for classes?
If you are interested in exploring the classes and committees offered in any given semester, please take a look at our course catalog: http://nova.tinysis.org
Otherwise, check out the document below that explains how students sign up for classes every semester!
Committees
Alongside classes, all Nova students participate in committees.
There are two kinds of committees at Nova: Governing and Activity.
Governing Committees are made up of a group of students, plus one or two teachers, through which students help run the school. As a democratically run school, students have equal say to teachers and staff in decisions about how the school runs, like Budget or Hiring and Review. To learn more about how Nova runs on committees, please go look at the section of the Virtual Open House called “Governing Committees”.
The other kinds of committees at Nova are Activity Committees. Read the PDF below for an explanation and some examples of Activity Committees,
College and Career at Nova
One of the most common questions we get is "Do Nova students get into college?". Read the document below to learn more about the college and career supports and opportunities available to Nova students!
“When I consider a career path that isn’t a four year college, I am met with support. I mentioned I might want to be a tattoo artist once, my coordinator Brian, offered to help make a workshop about women owned small business, and to even find someone with experience doing that (since tattoo artists often are self employed, or own tattoo shops). At any other school I would not be given that opportunity. If you just want to graduate they will support you, if you want to go to medical school they will help you set up for that future. You can actually do what YOU want here. “
-- Nova Student
“I’m applying to college this year, and the support I’ve gotten at Nova is incredible. I never thought that I would get so much support from my high school through the application process. I’ve had support through figuring out what college I want to go to, all the way through writing my application essays. My coordinator and teachers really care about helping me find and get into a college that will fit my needs and goals.”
-- Nova Student
“Nova had given me so many opportunities i know i would not have gotten at another school. they are committed to helping any student no matter their end goal, whether that is just to graduate or if they wanna go all the way to medical school. I don't feel forced to choose a traditional (and expensive) 4 year college if that is not something i can do. our teachers are so talented and completely over qualified. our animation teacher, Stefan, is a super talented animator and artist. they are so supportive and know so many cool artists who are able to live off of there art. from what I've been told, i didn't think that was even a possibility. I have been able to juggle home life, mental health, and school. nova is great”
-- Nova Student