Warning: Your child might actually love middle school.
There's a certain spark you feel when you walk through our halls.
Maybe it's the sixth grader asking a philosophical "what if?" at lunch. Or the eighth graders debating science ethics before heading to orchestra practice. It might be the sound of Spanish lines (or songs!) being rehearsed. Or the sudden burst of laughter from the corner where students are practicing their spoken word presentation.
Our students don't just sit and learn. They move, ask, build, stretch, stumble, and try again.
At NOVA, learning is loud, expressive, vibrant, and real. We believe middle school should be a place where students figure out who they are while they dig deep into how the world works. It's not always easy (they're growing a lot!), but they're doing it in a place that feels safe, ensures they feel seen, and prepares them for the next steps out into the world.
NOVA: The Essentials
We are the only independent school in the South Puget Sound with a full-time program specifically designed for gifted and highly capable children in 6th to 8th grade.
Our families hail from Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Tacoma, Shelton, Aberdeen, Chehalis, and throughout the South Sound. They’ve determined our intentionally designed program is worth the commute. (We do try and make it easier by providing a carpool map each year!)
Our alumni launch to become scientists, video game designers, scientists, teachers, engineers…and even an opera singer (one, so far). We offer an unparalleled highly capable education and a life-long advantage for our graduates.
- NOVA is located in Olympia, WA just outside downtown, in a predominately residential neighborhood.
- We have been educating highly capable students since our founding in 1992.
- We intentionally keep our classrooms small with a maximum of 18 students.
- Faculty members bring together a wealth of varied knowledge and experience and receive continuing professional training.
Our Mission
Fostering the joyful pursuit of intellectual, social, and emotional expansion through a challenging curriculum that nourishes highly capable students to develop identity, self-empowerment, and community.
Our Vision
Inspiring lifelong learning for a more compassionate, engaged world.
Our Values
Connection, Commitment, Intention, and Joy
FAQ
What's the difference between highly capable and gifted?
In Washington state, “highly capable” and “gifted” are often used interchangeably and can describe students who demonstrate or show potential for significantly advanced academic performance compared to peers. We tend to use “highly capable” more at NOVA because we believe it encompasses the whole child, taking into consideration their social and emotional characteristics. You can read more about our philosophy on our [webpage. link coming soon!]
Is there bus or van transportation at NOVA?
At this time, we are not able to offer transportation. We hand out an interactive carpool map in the summer before each upcoming school year so you can find families nearby and rideshare.
Does NOVA offer Before and After School Care?
We are open for BeforeS 8-8:25AM and AfterS 3:30-5PM. No sign up is required and there's no extra cost! Your child can drop in as needed to fit your schedule.
Can students use their personal laptops, tablets, and mobile devices?
We are a one-to-one school and each student receives a Chromebook for use on campus and at home during the school year. When approved by faculty, students may use a Kindle or other reading tablet during school hours for language arts assignments. Mobile devices are not permitted for use during school hours.
Are there parent and family-oriented activities at NOVA?
We offer free virtual learning opportunities for parents through ParentEd Talks throughout the school year as well as organize family activities such as ice skating, game night, and picnics.
What lunch options are available?
While we do not have a dedicated and staffed cafeteria, we offer a lunch space with microwaves, utensils, and access to hot water. We also provide the optional opportunity to have ready-to-eat lunches delivered to your child at school twice a week. Subs, burritos, and pizza are some popular options. Lunch sign ups are circulated through our bulletin and you may select what works best for your child.
Does NOVA offer any accommodations to students?
Yes! We offer:
- Use of assistive technology for tests, projects, note taking, and daily assignments
- Ability to use immersive reading with the addition of digital texts or audiobooks
- Strategic seating
- Grading for understanding of standards with help on mechanics
- Extended time on written assessments
- Use of calculator as appropriate
- Taking tests in an alternate setting
- Enrollment in Successful Study Habits class as needed
- Support with social interactions
- Use of noise cancelling headphones
Accommodations we do not offer at NOVA include:
- An intensive therapeutic environment
- Auxiliary aids such as recorded course materials, interpreters, Braille, etc.
- Any programming that could fundamentally alter our mission
- A staff member to follow or support an individual student
- Use of personal music during class or work times
NOVA is proud to be accredited by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS).
An eight-year accreditation cycle requires NOVA to define and reflect on its program and governance, and be in a continuous state of improvement. NWAIS holds high standards focused on six essential school characteristics: Commitment to the Public Good; Effective Governance and Operations; Physical Location or Place; Primary Focus of Academic Education; Commitment to Best Interests of Children; Commitment to Non-Discrimination as reflected in the NWAIS statement.
Explore Our Curriculum
