Admissions
Frequently asked questions
Who goes to NOVA?
NOVA students come to us from all over the South Puget Sound area. Most come from public elementary schools representing 7 or 8 local school districts, but a few students come from other private schools and from home school situations. Many students have been previously identified by public school gifted programs; others have not had such experiences, but have functioned at the top of their classes.
What does “highly capable” mean? How do I know if this school is right for my son or daughter?
It is our mission to serve students who are functioning in the top 10 percentile nationally. Our selection process is designed to help match the appropriate students with our program, but parents should also observe the school in session, chat with the Director, discuss NOVA with their child's present teacher, and speak to parents of other NOVA students to be sure the match seems right.
What kind of diversity is at NOVA?
NOVA students are similar in their level of academic ability and in their parents' commitment to high quality education. Otherwise, those who come to NOVA are surprisingly diverse. It is our goal to have the NOVA School population reflect the ethnic and socio-economic diversity of our community. Twenty percent of our student population is on significant financial aid, which adds to our diversity. Diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, varied family structures, wide-ranging interests, divergent political and religious views, and varied personal belief systems are all valued at NOVA, and students are taught to respect these differences.
I know my child is capable of more challenging school work, but he/she has never been expected to do homework or to push beyond minimal expectations. Could the NOVA program be too difficult or too competitive?
NOVA School is definitely not for every child. Students are admitted based on their ability to thrive in a challenging, rigorous academic environment. We are aware, however, that not all bright students have experienced challenges in school. We expect a period of adjustment and are prepared to help each student become successful. It is important, therefore, that all students who choose to attend NOVA realize that they will be encouraged to work to their potential. Competition between students is not encouraged. Instead, individual students are encouraged to push themselves to meet their own potential.
How many students attend NOVA, and how large are the classes?
Approximately 100 students attend NOVA School. We feel that this school size ensures the personal atmosphere that is the hallmark of NOVA, yet affords the students sufficient variety in their social interactions. Class sizes normally are about 18 students.
My child wants to complete his or her 6th grade year at our elementary school. How might this affect the possibility of coming to NOVA?
The NOVA program is carefully designed as a three-year program. All of our subjects are taught with a full three-year, curriculum plan; therefore, students coming in the 7th grade might experience gaps in their preparation. The sixth grade year is designed to gradually prepare all of our 6th graders for the rigors of the Advanced Program. Sixth grade classes tend to be more closely guided. We work hard on developing the skills, habits, and attitudes required to truly be successful in 7th and 8th grade. Sixth grade is also a year of making new friends and forming social bonds before the stress of adolescence reaches its peak. Every year we do have a few 7th graders join the school. Most of these newcomers are eventually successful, but the transition is seldom as easy or smooth as it is for incoming 6th graders.
How much homework can we expect?
NOVA students will be asked to complete regular homework assignments in the Core subjects. They also will be working on longer-term projects that require work both at home and at school. We do not believe, however, that students should spend their entire evening doing homework. We believe in the value of extracurricular activities and family time. You can expect approximately one to two hours per night of homework, depending on the speed at which your child works. Older students may be asked to do more.
How is the school day structured?
The school day begins at 8:00 AM. Each student rotates from class to class in a six period day to receive instruction from different teachers. Most of the Core classes meet in the longer academic morning and most of the Specialist classes occur in the afternoon, but schedules vary from day to day. Students have a morning break and a half hour lunch period. The school day ends with a Closing Crew where students receive announcements and do chores to keep the building clean. Students are released at 2:35 PM.
Are parents and prospective students able to visit the school in session?
The best way for parents to get the most information about NOVA is to attend a Prospective Parents' Meeting and then come visit the school in session. We encourage parents to visit the classes during the school day; you may visit for as long or as briefly as you like. If you are unable to attend one of our meetings, you may, of course, still visit and meet with the Director if you so desire.
Students may also visit, and are encouraged to do so before committing to attend NOVA. This visit is usually for the morning from 8:00am-noon. Students are giving an age- appropriate “tour guide,” and they attend classes and participate. Some families choose to do this visit during the application process to determine if their child is sufficiently interested. Others choose to wait to see if their child is accepted before they do the visit.
To schedule visits, please call the school office.
I understand that some students receive a letter that says they are “waiting.” How does the Wait Pool work?
The Admission committee places the strongest candidates first. Students who are placed in our Wait Pool are qualified candidates, but have not been offered a position in the class because of limited space. Should a vacancy occur, the committee will look at all students in the wait pool equally and select an applicant who best complements the class of students in question. In a few cases, when there is very little standardized information in the student file, families are asked to submit a recommendation from an outside professional to determine whether or not the students is capable of the work at NOVA.