The NOVA Experience
Beyond the academics
There is more to a good education than developing the intellect. Many other
activities take place at NOVA School, each designed with a purpose that
directly supports our mission. These activities not only expose our students
to a wide range of experiences, but also build teamwork, community and
a sense of belonging that is so vital during the middle school years.
Camp Colman
Our school year begins with an all school one night retreat to
Camp Colman on Longbranch peninsula. New 6th grader students are quickly
incorporated into the community, while the “rising” 7th and
8th graders quickly learn to take on new leadership roles. Students participate
in challenge course activities, cabin skits, and recreational activities
designed to meld the entire school into a cohesive team.
Extra-curricular activities
NOVA students choose from a variety of well-attended extra-curricular programs. Anyone who wants to participate in any of our activities are encouraged to do so. After-school activities are sponsored by parents or teachers and vary depending on interest.
Current extra-curricular activities include:
- Fall Cross Country team
- Winter Basketball
- Spring Soccer
- Student council
- MathCounts
- Spring Play
Community Service
Students participate in community service throughout the school year. Seventh graders choose a local project and participate with a team in community service activities which are guided and tracked at school. The spirit of service is encouraged through out the NOVA experience. Students who choose to do so participate in local service projects on the Martin Luther King holiday.
Winterim Week
In mid-winter we take a hiatus from the rigors of the regular curriculum, and students spend a week in workshops of their own choosing. Artists-in-residence are hired for in-depth workshops while parents and staff provide a variety of choices for shorter term experiences. Winterim Week is one of the most popular weeks of our school year.
Spring Trips
Every spring, students travel together on a two or
three day trip in celebration of our school community and all the hard
work of the school year. Recent destinations have been Port Townsend,
WA. and Portland, OR. Eighth grade students participate in a 2-day camping
and bicycling trip on Lopez Island which is designed to celebrate their
rite of passage to high school.
8th Grade Project
It is an integral piece of the NOVA culture that all 8th graders complete a personal project of their own choosing during their final year. In May, each student presents the project to the entire NOVA community in celebration of his or her individual achievement. These projects are wide ranging in topic and are chosen based on the personal interests of the students.
Some examples...
- Building a wooden boat
- Forming a band and writing songs
- Creating a video of the school year
- Learning Japanese
- Pursuing journalism
- Constructing a tree house
- Training for a marathon
World of Work
Eighth graders also spend one week in mid-winter out in the business community, shadowing someone in their place of work.