- Santa Ana Campus
- Events
- Aeries Portal
- Board Agenda
- LCAP
In 2003, Renée Lancaster and her father, Dr. Donald Verleur, an educator and school psychologist, set out to transform an education system that had failed too many students, leaving them overlooked, underestimated, and without hope. They believed education should open doors, not close them.
With the support of Olive Crest, a remarkable organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth, NOVA Academy Early College High School was born. From the start, its founders had a bold vision: to create a school that not only prepared students academically but also empowered them to believe in their potential and future success. This vision was built on early college access, holistic support, and a strong sense of family.
In 2005, NOVA Academy welcomed its first class of just 11 students—young people who had come from foster care and group homes.
Today, NOVA Academy serves over 500 students across campuses in Santa Ana and Coachella, CA. Through a supportive yet academically rigorous environment, NOVA Academy equips students from diverse backgrounds with skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in college, career, and beyond.
Enjoy a few memories from our celebration on February 26. Thank you to everyone who commemorated this special occasion with us.
The help NOVA Academy gave me was excellent, especially with my son who has autism. They met with me periodically and were able to develop plans that helped my son be successful after high school.
NOVA Academy equipped me with the opportunities and resources crucial for a smoother transition from high school to college. I am grateful to NOVA, crediting them to this day, for shaping the student I've become.
My experience here has been amazing as the atmosphere is always lively. I got the chance to start my own Chess Club within the campus while actively participating in other clubs.
One of the things I like most about NOVA is that the teachers really take care of knowing what the students' goals are and helping them achieve them, and if they have any kind of problems, they give them the necessary support.
I was welcomed into NOVA Academy with open arms and I just hope that after I graduate and am in college, the school never changes. This school and all the friends and teachers I’ve met here will always be in my heart, memories, and mind.
The Early College program helped me discover my career interest at an early age through dual enrollment. I now attend UCI where I currently major in Biological Sciences, debt-free!
The relationships I've built with the teachers and classmates have been unforgettable. I am proudly a part of the Mariachi program. I expected to learn guitar after high school, but NOVA introduced an amazing music program and helped us learn it.
Our senior will graduate with an associate degree in addition to her high school diploma. NOVA Academy truly offers the best of both worlds - a private-level education alongside the affordability of a public institution.
I love this school, especially the support from my teachers and friends. Everyone is so helpful and supportive and this school provides lots of opportunities for education and learning.
I have made many friends, learned so much, and made great memories. The environment is just right; it is a good size campus which allows for participating in sports and clubs, making the experience absolutely wonderful.
Copyright © 2025 NOVA Academy. All Rights Reserved. EIN 32-0079174
