Nova High School

Nova has my 5th child now; it's been 6 years since I've posted. I feel this outstanding and flexible school should be defended. First, please note that students are NOT routinely graduated. Check their SAT scores; they are among the highest in the state. One of my 5 was shown the gate for not attending class. Yes, you CAN get kicked out of Nova, but they will try to engage the student first. OSPI awarded ONE school in all of WA state the lang. arts award...NOVA. There's a reason for this. Before that child leaves school to start forging checks or burglarizing your house and car, they try to work with them, find their interests and passions, and build a curriculum (but real work) around that topic if it's what it takes to keep them in school. This is not a slacker school, but it is also not sink-or-swim. Students see the faculty and administration (outstanding!) as part of "we", not "us" vs. "them". This is especially critical for very bright students with power issues. This is how drop-outs turn in to high-scorers. And this is why my children and I love Nova.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an add-on to the last comment This school is really fantastic, its the only alternative school in Seattle so we better keep it loved as much as possible. Thats my review, please consider visiting Nova if your looking for schools. You won't be disappointed. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! One thing that has changed that I notice this site didn't change.
--Submitted by a student

Nova empowers students to find their own voice. The grading system does not allow a student to fall through the cracks- if you don't "pass" the class then you don't get full credit. This system makes sure students comprehend the subject before moving on. There is a culture of mutual respect and a true diverse community. Our student finds the curriculum stimulating and engaging. The teachers are extremely supportive and caring- they love teaching. This is our second year at Nova and our family feels accepted and included. There is a huge amount of parent involvement. Their new building is slowly transforming to represent the current Nova students.
--Submitted by a parent

Because it is original school, where true learning and discovery take place.
--Submitted by a parent

This alternative high school is student-focused and student-led. Its curriculum integrates writing, arts, and social justice and creates a safe environment for students 'outside the box' who prosper under a non-traditional learning plan. The teachers are devoted to the students and the school, which has been a part of the Seattle school district for decades. The students leave this school knowing that they have been valued as individuals and how to think about more than just themselves. It has literally renewed the lives of many young adults who thought they would never find a society to believe in and belong to.
--Submitted by a parent

the students who excel at this school are the kind of students who would excel anywhere. It has nothing to do with this school. It is, ironically, one of the most elitist, insular environments I have ever come across. The strident, suspicious of all outsider attitude of the staff should be a clue to the real nature of this school. It is an hypocrisy.
--Submitted by a parent

What it ultimately comes down to is your child. It doesn't matter what you are good at or what you want, what matters most is the best possible learning environment for your child. My son is testament to that. I could never learn how he does and don't really understand the Nova Project program, but I believe in it because it works for him. I doubt it will work for our daughter, she seems more traditional like me. I'm very grateful there is a program like Nova for my son. Otherwise, he would probably never graduate HS and he has very high prospects for college.
--Submitted by a parent

i think the only possible way to know nova ir rght for you is to go to a average school like center or ballard , and if that works for you , stay there . nova is a school for students who do not excel at normal boring schools . am a sophomore who went to the center school , and i m very shocked when i was looking at this website to see that center has a higher rating . just because nova is not in the best location and the people are not clean cut and wealthy do s not mean it is a bad school , and it hurts me to see that the world is still based on materialistic thoughts .
--Submitted by a parent

As a Nova graduate, I would recommend this school to any student who is committed to learning. The teachers were motivated and didn't seem to be waiting for their retirement. I received one-on-one assistance in math. I was able to learn about government by participating in student committees, and about economics by helping with the lunch program. There was a mutual respect between teachers and students, which seemed to lead to students behaving well on their own. I stay in contact with several Nova graduates, and they are all successful in their adult life.
--Submitted by a former student

I would think carefully about sending a young person to this school. Many of the teachers are quite good, decent people. The philosophy of the school and curriculum may sound wonderful, but in practice I see immature, bored students hanging out and accomplishing nothing. One should always be suspicious of schools that are tolerant of any and all behavior and schools that have an unusually high amount of 'super seniors' That is, seniors who take extra years to graduate for no other reason than not to be bothered to grow up and get and join the adult world
--Submitted by a parent