At NOVA Academy, our rigorous yet nurturing learning environment emphasizes college and career readiness through an individualized approach to student success.
Our academic programming focuses on:
A-G Requirements
All students at NOVA Academy successfully complete A-G requirements to help support their admission to four-year universities. The A-G requirements are a sequence of high school courses that students must pass with a grade of C or better to be minimally eligible for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU). They represent the basic level of academic preparation that high school students should achieve to undertake university work.
Visible Learning
Visible Learning aims to make student learning as visible as possible. This means that all students should be able to see how their efforts are contributing to their education and fully recognize what is required to succeed academically. Through this approach, teachers focus less on “transmission” (how they are teaching) and more on “reception” (how well students are learning). Therefore, Visible Learning creates an environment of understanding as teachers self-evaluate and engage in dialogue directly with students to determine how they can improve instruction and student performance.
Studies have shown the positive effects of Visible Learning can be seen across all levels of education, from kindergarten to college. Students may experience increased motivation and desire to learn. They may also begin to feel more comfortable with their own abilities, which can lead to better performance in other areas of schoolwork. In addition, visible learners will undoubtedly develop a better understanding of the material, making it easier for them to apply their knowledge in other areas. This can be especially beneficial for students who are struggling with a particular subject or concept.
Moreover, students benefit from a teaching environment where they can express their ideas and opinions freely. The more they are able to participate in the classroom discussion, the more likely they will be to retain their knowledge and apply it later in life.
College Opportunity Program
Students at NOVA Academy begin taking college courses as early as 9th grade. NOVA Academy covers the cost of tuition, books, and fees so our students may enroll in these courses free of charge. This saves students both time and money, allowing many NOVA graduates to begin college as sophomores.
At NOVA Academy, students choose college pathways that align with their personal passions and career interests. These include, but are not limited to, a variety of professional fields in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Transportation to College of the Desert is provided as part of our students’ high school and college experience during the school day. Students may also take college courses facilitated by University of California, Irvine, on our campus.