The Nova Project

The Nova Project, also simply known as Nova, is a small public alternative high school in Seattle, Washington, in the Seattle Public School District. Nova is a social justice oriented school that embraces differences and self-expression. Its aim is to be a "democratically governed learning community of broadly educated, creative, and independent thinkers who work collaboratively and demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility."[1]

The Nova Project
Location
2410 E. Cherry St.
Seattle, Washington 98122
Information
TypeAlternative, Public
Established1970
PrincipalEyva Winet
Faculty25
Enrollment250 Students
Information(206) 252-3500
Websitehttps://novahs.seattleschools.org
The former Horace Mann School, site of Nova for most of its history.

About

Nova was founded by a group of students, parents and teachers in 1970.[2] The curriculum is multidisciplinary and project-oriented, with an emphasis on individualized learning contracts,[3] internships and community service.[4] Nova functions through student-run, teacher-supported committees that decide school budgeting, the hiring and review process of staff, discussion forums, orientation of new students, and cultural affairs.

The credit system is competency-based which means students receive either full, partial or no credit. Each student picks a teacher to be their coordinator to design a personal learning plan and graduate time. At Nova you do not need to graduate after the traditional number of years of high school in the United States which is four years. Some students graduate in as little as two years and other students take five or six. Nova classes include every grade (9-12). Class size varies but they tend to be quite small ranging from ten to twenty students. However, some classes can be smaller for example classes for students with special needs or lab based science classes. Nova students have the option of creating "independent contracts" with their teachers to earn credit for extracurricular projects and activities. It is common for Nova students to co-teach classes with their teachers, generating curriculum and building facilitation skills in line with Nova's student-led philosophy. Like other Seattle Public Schools students, Nova students may participate in the Running Start program and take classes at a local community college.

Nova is a safe space for students of all identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, religions, backgrounds and is an advocate for mental health awareness. Nova has worked on creating their own Teen Health Center specific for their students which is actively inclusive to their diverse demographics. There are many days dedicated for speakers and social justice work. Nova has Consent Day, Racial Justice Day, Gender Tea and much more.

Notable staff, alumni and former students


See also

References
  1. "School History - The Nova Project", http://www.novafolios.com/school-history
  2. Douglas, Loveless; Pamela, Sullivan; Katie, Dredger; Jim, Burns (2017-01-10). Deconstructing the Education-Industrial Complex in the Digital Age. IGI Global. ISBN 978-1-5225-2102-0.
  3. Weinstock, Chuck. Learning Contracts: Facilitating Academic Change (Report).
  4. Nathan, Joe; Febey, Karen (2001). Smaller, Safer, Saner, Successful Schools (Report). National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities at the National Institute of Building Sciences, 1090 Vermont Ave.

47°37′21″N 122°18′20″W

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