Nova Classical Academy

Nova is a niche school; it claims to be rigorous with an accelerated curriculum, and it delivers on that promise. I can't imagine how hard it is to hold to those expectations. The parents below who are upset should simply choose an easier school for their children. That is why Nova is a choice. Keep up the good work!
--Submitted by a parent

We've been at Nova for several years. We chose Nova for the academics but am so disappointed. They are a school of homework, homework, and more homework. They do nothing to teach the children the love of learning. I could not be more disappointed in Nova. Every year gets worse and worse. I can't tell you enough - please consider a different school. No parent should have the regret that I have. Even my own child can't wait to be out of Nova. The teachers lack compassion. The academics aren't worth what your child will lose in the long run. Please, save yourself the regret.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is now in 6th grade and has been at Nova since Kindergarten. I also will be removing my son from this school for 7th grade due to the overwhelming amount of homework and lack of support despite meetings upon meetings. Keep in mind that if it turns out your kid is not able to keep up with 11th/12th-grade level history readings in 6th grade, for instance, that there are no modifications for your child unless he receives a special-education test result that indicates he is "slow". My child tested at a 10th grade reading level and can't follow much of the readings, for instance. In any other school, he'd likely be an A student, but at Nova, get gets straight Ds and Fs despite 3-5 hours of homework per night. My son feels like a failure despite working hard. The nightly homework is so extensive that he can't find time to review for tests. He stays awake 1-2 hours past bedtime routinely to try to catch up in SIXTH GRADE. The most redeeming quality about Nova is that it's urban and exceptionally safe. Bullying is a minor problem. Parents are involved in the school. Your child will learn, but it might break their spirit and the essence of their childhood in the process.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is experiencing her first year at Nova, and I often wish I could repeat school simply to have her experience there. She is excited to tell us about her studies, and yes, she has real, substantive homework that challenges her. Perhaps best of all, I see the staff creating an atmosphere of excellence, where the children are accepted to build and maintain intellectual curiosity and fortitude.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family has been at Nova for 3 years now and we have had a wonderful experience. Both of my children are average students but are always excited about what they are learning and they are learning a lot. The teachers have been responsive when I have had questions or concerns. The administration has done a wonderful job in seeing the new campus project become a reality. No school is going to be perfect for everyone but we are very happy with our choice to move our kids here.
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school. I have one child in the upper school (8th) and one in the lower school (5th). First and foremost, this is an awesome curriculum. I love how art-music-history-literature all are tied together so that when students study literature from a time period, they also learn the music/art/history of that period. Every family has its own perspective on homework, but I'm going to be the contrarian: I don't think there's too much. My fifth-grader averages less than an hour a day, and the eighth-grader has about an hour and a half -- sometimes far less. Sure, when there's a project or research paper due, the older one might have a block of a couple hours working on research or rough drafts over the weekend, but she's learning interesting stuff and seems to enjoy it. In addition, I like that the athletic program is growing, with the varsity level sports (soccer and volleyball) this fall, and more to come. We have been very pleased with the choir program, drama club (for younger students) and fall and spring drama productions, which are really quite impressive.
--Submitted by a parent

Nova has worked out very well for our family. Some of our kids have had easier times than the others and some have had teacher conflicts but that is true of any school (or life- have you always liked your boss or co workers?) What I like about Nova is that they force my kids to do their best, at what ever level that is- NO SKATING BY. I feel like they offer support in the way of tutoring, although I can't deny it can be tough to keep up and I am still looking forward to the "final" version of this school when they work out some of the High School kinks
--Submitted by a parent

Several months ago I reviewed this school and gave a very positive rating. I am now discovering why some families are frustrated at Nova. We are trying to work with the school to change a class in our child's schedule. This has been going for weeks - since before school started. The administration doesn't seem to know what their policies are, they're ignoring state law, and stall on making decisions. They do not even have a set of posted graduation requirements. How on earth is a family supposed to navigate this process? On top of all this, our child is on the school bus for 2 ad 1/2 hours every day.
--Submitted by a parent

Nova is a rigorous school. The lower school is acceptable, however, I have not been happy with the upper school. Homework is a huge issue. With so much of it, the children do not have time for other activities. I find the teachers to be more strict than kind. The demerit/merit system is more punishment based and does not create a positive environment...it is more of a shame-based culture. Some teachers in the upper school are good (Ms. West is great!), but most are strict and heartless. My child has requested that he attend another school next year. I agree with him.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child was failing for almost a year. NOVA kept assuring us everything would be fine. A law known as Child Find states that schools have an obligation to take appropriate assessment steps when a child is suspected of having a disability. NOVA did not take these steps. NOVA finally agreed to evaluate our son, and stated that he did not have a disability. We were also informed that he would be held back the following year. We enrolled him in another school and found out that he has ADHD, Dyslexia and a Speech Language Impairment. Can you imagine propping up your test scores on the backs of disabled children?
--Submitted by a parent