WELCOME 12:55 pm Zoom Opens Zoom link is in reminder email Nueva Middle School 1:00-1:10 pm Welcome and Remarks Virtual Taryn Grogan, Director of Admissions Juliana Fitts, Associate Director of Admissions Program Preview Lee Fertig, Head of School Karen Tiegel, Interim Middle School Division Head

1:10-1:40 pm 1st Session Ruby Room: Japanese with Yoko November 8, 2020 Sapphire Room: Student Panel Afternoon Session Emerald Room: Science with Tom 1:40-2:05 pm 2nd Session Ruby Room: Student Panel Sapphire Room: Science with Tom Middle School Emerald Room: Japanese with Yoko Agenda 2:05-2:30 pm 3rd Session Ruby Room: Science with Tom Sapphire Room: Japanese with Yoko Emerald Room: Student Panel

Thank you for your interest in The Nueva School! Admissions Office|[email protected]|650-350-4528 Middle School Program Preview Faculty and Staff Presenters

Lee Fertig, Head of School Lee brings to Nueva extensive experience as a leader from some of the best and most diverse public and independent schools in the United States, Africa, South America, and Europe. He is a mission-driven leader who embraces and organizes innovation in the service of learning. He cares deeply about the growth of each student and teacher. After double majoring in math and psychology at Oberlin, Lee began his career in education as a math teacher at the Fieldston School in New York City. Intrigued by the possibilities in international education, he quickly took on his first leadership role as an Upper School principal in Ethiopia, followed by work as an upper school principal at the American School of Rio de Janeiro. After four years conducting doctoral work in educational policy and administration, and teaching at the University of Minnesota, headships followed at a magnet school in Minneapolis designed to voluntarily integrate students, the American School of Barcelona, the Graded School in Sao Paulo, and the International School of Brussels. For the past decade, Lee has trained heads of international schools at the highly respected Principals’ Training Center, where he teaches courses titled “Creating an Effective School” and “Leadership and Team Dynamics.

Karen Tiegel, Interim Middle School Division Head Karen has stepped into her position as Interim Middle School Head after 11 years of teaching at the Middle School. She has taught at schools in Taiwan, Switzerland, and Massachusetts. Karen also developed curriculum at the Stanford Project for International and Cross-cultural Education (SPICE) on topics including Taiwanese sovereignty, Japanese art, and world geography. She holds a master’s degree from Stanford University. At Nueva, Karen has worked in admissions, helped to reshape the Middle School schedule, and has co-led a CAIS re-accreditation. She’s a huge Nueva Mavericks fan who occasionally leads the crowds in the Nueva wave! Karen is also a Nueva parent. Her twins will be sophomores this year and her oldest child is an alumnus. Karen loves hiking, zentangling, quilting, Zumba, and reading young adult fiction. Middle School Program Preview English Lesson Presenters

Tom McFadden, Science Teacher & Advisor Tom has been making educational science music videos for students for the last ten years, from Stanford University to the University of Otago in New Zealand. In his eighth year teaching 8th grade biology at Nueva, Tom has become passionate about interdisciplinary connections in curriculum design, working with other 8th grade teachers to build projects that integrate deep questions from the humanities: from the ethics of genetic modification to the future of food security. On the side, Tom works on his YouTube channel (Science With Tom) which also features Nueva students performing in videos they produce in his elective class, the “Science Rap Academy.”

Program Preview Lesson: We will explore the age-old question, “Does it float?” Students will use their scientific skills to explore some of the characteristics (and nutritional consequences) of Coke and Diet Coke. Middle School Program Preview History Lesson Presenters

Yoko Sase, MS and US Japanese Teacher Yoko joined Nueva in 2014 from Seattle where she was a certified High School Japanese teacher. Since 2019, Yoko has taught Japanese in two divisions - and she loves the dynamics of the Middle School as well as the Upper School at Nueva. She received her BA in English Literature and teaching credentials both in Middle School and High School from Miyagi Gakuin Women’s College and her MS in Applied Linguistics from Ohio University, where she received an “Outstanding Language Teacher Award” from the department of Linguistics. Yoko is passionate about bringing students hands-on learning experiences where students learn how to communicate with confidence and make “onigiri”. In her spare time, she devotes her time with her family, as well as, manages a non-profit organization based in San Carlos where she is a president who bridges the sister city relationship between San Carlos and .

Program Preview Lession: In today’s world language mini-lesson, we will be exploring the world of Haiku. We will examine how the minimalism approach of Haiku expands such depth, wonder, and perception of the human world. (650) 350-4600 [email protected] www.nuevaschool.org At a Glance

Grades PreK–12 SINCE 1967, Nueva has offered an innovative and award- winning learning experience specifically designed to meet Current Enrollment the needs of gifted learners. By creating an inspirational 952 Total Enrollment community-based environment, Nueva seeks to unlock the passions, purpose, and potential in each student while 216 Lower (PreK–4) inspiring a lifelong love of learning. 299 Middle (5–8) Our unique constructivist program directs intellectual 437 Upper (9–12) growth and development through integrated curricula, guided by experienced faculty with subject-area expertise. 587 Students of Color

Faculty & Staff Locations Tuition

234 Faculty and Staff Hillsborough Campus (PreK-8) Approximately $30,000–$52,000 6565 Skyline Blvd. depending on grade Full-time Faculty 128 Hillsborough, CA 94010 DETAILS AT WWW.NUEVASCHOOL.ORG/ADMISSIONS 69 Full-time Staff San Mateo Campus (9-12) Grants & Financial Awards 68% Faculty with 131 E. 28th Ave. advanced degrees San Mateo, CA 94403 Over $5.5 million annually Student-to-Faculty Ratio Notably Nueva 13 2 Gifted Education PSAL Championships CCS Championships 6:1 Social-Emotional Learning Design Thinking Global Citizenship Class Size Grades 2–12 gain hands-on Inquiry-Based Programs experience and learning on 15–18 culminating trips that span 4 Distinguished Faculty continents!

Transportation Athletics OVER Basketball Cross-Country 130 GRADUATES 55% Diving ATTENDING Flag Football 96 DIFFERENT ELECTIVES travel by Caltrain INSTITUIONS Lacrosse Member of the Central Soccer Coast Section, with Language Instruction Swimming teams competing in the Private School Athletic Japanese League (PSAL) and West 33% Track & Field Spanish Bay Athletic League travel by Nueva buses (WBAL) Mandarin Middle School Curriculum Since Nueva’s founding, our community has offered an innovative and award-winning learning experience specifically designed to meet the needs of gifted learners. Nueva is a PreK–12 school, committed to unlocking the passions, purpose, and potential in each student, while inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

Register for an Admissions Event To learn more or inquire about the admissions Virtual Program Previews process for prospective students, please visit Select weekends in the fall us online at nuevaschool.org. Parent Tours Admissions Team Visit the campus virtually on select days and [email protected] times, 9:30 – 11:00 am 650-350-4528

Accreditation and Recognition Highlights

INNOVATIVE LEARNING CONFERENCE Western Three-time Recognized as Winner of Appointed an Co-founder of Host of the Association of Association of winner of the an Apple the American Ashoka the Common Innovative Independent Schools (WASC) US Department Distinguished Institute of Changemaker Ground Learning Schools (CAIS) of Education Program Architects School Speaker Series Conference National Award for Blue Ribbon School Award Design and Sustainability

Overall School Facts & Figures 952 62% 87 $5.5 million 100% 55% Students Students ZIP Codes Financial Awards Four-Year College National Merit Enrolled of Color Represented Granted Acceptance Rate Recognition Classes of 2017-20 Class of 2019 Curriculum and Program At Nueva, learning is authentic, complex, and intellectually rigorous. Students do real work as authors, artists, inventors, explorers, athletes, and mathematicians. Giving students choice, autonomy, and high expectations for growth, we harness intrinsic motivation as the engine for academic excellence. Through an interdisciplinary and inquiry-based program, students discover and master foundational skills in traditional academic disciplines while learning to grapple with the unknown, embrace multiple perspectives, and create novel solutions. Students explicitly develop social and emotional skills that promote self-confidence, emotional intelligence, positive communication, and collaboration. Our students are empowered to be themselves, to embrace learning fully, and to contribute to the community as stewards and change makers.

The Nueva Middle School centers around three Signature Elements of the Middle School: areas of study: • Interdisciplinary studies and applied learning • STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math • Dynamic electives beginning in seventh grade • Global Perspectives in Humanities & the Arts • Competitive athletic teams and individualized options • Wellness, Resiliency & Applied Learning • Social-Emotional Learning program focused on resiliency and self-reliance Nueva’s hallmark programs feature: • Design engineering, computer science, art, • Project-based Learning and music • Social-Emotional Learning • Weekly interest-based classes offered in all grades • Design Thinking and Engineering • Literature discussion clubs • Global Citizenship • Curriculum-based, grade-level study trips • Differentiated Curricula • Eighth-grade Recital Projects for deep inquiry in Nueva’s PreK–12 culture honors and embraces: areas of interest • Spirit of inquiry and in-depth exploration • Grade-level Advisories build community and • Integrity support students • Diversity of perspectives Middle school students discover learning styles, • Community & connectedness develop strategies for time management and self- • Creativity & innovation reliance, and are well prepared academically, • Social justice, equity, & inclusion socially, and emotionally for the challenges of high Our unique constructivist program unleashes school. They are: intellectual growth and development through • Lifelong learners practical applications, experimental learning, • Creative problem solvers academic rigor, and deep inquiry, guided by expert • Ethical decision makers faculty with deep subject-area expertise. • Resilient and passionate individuals • Empathetic citizens of the world

Middle School Facts & Figures

299 5:1 57–82 16 70% 17% 33% 70% Students Student:Faculty Students Average Students Students Commute via Athletics Enrolled Ratio per Grade Class Size of Color Receiving Nueva Bus Participation Financial Awards CORE AREA OF FOCUS GRADE 5 GRADE 6 GRADE 7 GRADE 8

Science Earth Science Physics Chemistry Biology Technology & Design Thinking, Engineering, and Computer Science curriculum includes fabrication art, laser printing, Engineering robotics, and mobile app design STEM: Three levels of math are offered at each grade: Grade Level, Accelerated, Advanced Topics Science, Technology, Areas of focus include: Engineering • Systems of linear • Pythagorean theorem • Factoring • Exponents Mathematics equations • Inequalities • Quadractics • Symmetry & Math • Euclid’s elements • Triangles and • Linear functions • Counting, probability, • Quadratic functions quadrilaterals • Trigonometry and sets • Data analysis • Mathematical habits • Solid geometry of mind

Integrated writing and humanities curriculum Genre Studies in Writing Social Justice and over two years: American Literature and & Southwest Studies Year 1 — Globalization Writing Voice Humanities Year 2 — Silk Road

Global World Focus on oral proficiency, written language, and cultural understanding in Mandarin, Spanish, or Japanese Perspectives Languages in Humanities Cross-curricular weekly classes in visual arts and music. Visual arts include traditional and contemporary Art and music electives in various subject areas, & the Arts projects using a variety of media. Music classes Visual Arts & including technology, humanities, visual and include instrumental and vocal studies and ensemble Performing performing arts, science, history, and integrated performance. Genres range from country & western, Arts subject opportunities. blues, Motown, rock, folk, and jazz to the British invasion and its cultural impact on American music.

Social- Development of skills in the areas of self-awareness, social awareness, relationships, community building, Emotional and responsible decision-making. Units include puberty education, drug and alcohol awareness, and Learning nutrition. Recital Eighth graders pursue a year-long passion project under the guidance of a mentor with a focus on the Project process and management of the project.

Community Local community service projects focused on the Curricularly connected community service projects. Service environment. Wellness, Learning The Ashland Oregon Resiliency Crow Canyon Washington, DC, and Grade-level Shakespeare Festival , , or Japan Archeological Center Virginia & Applied Trips and the Great Outdoors Learning Robust program promoting social, emotional, and physical benefits of athletics, wellness, and healthy Physical competition. Engagement and enjoyment of lifelong fitness as a result of participation in team and individual Education & sports and physical education classes. Activites include volleyball, cross-country, golf, tennis, soccer, Athletics basketball, track and field, rock-climbing, and conditioning.

Clubs, Student-initiated clubs (e.g., Robotics, Debate, Future Problem Solving, Model UN, History Club, Writers Lit Club, Society, Gay-Straight Alliance, Genders & Sexualities, Social Justice League, Math Counts), Advisories, Academies & Lit Clubs, and Academies Advisory Sample Offerings

Electives Sample Electives Middle school electives allow students to deeply Groove Workshop Social Justice and Fashion explore interests in areas including visual and Mixed Media Art Engineering and Fabrication Debate performing arts, engineering, and science. These Rip, Tear, Crease: Virtual Escape Room Design Paper Arts Musical Theater Forensic Science classes meet twice weekly. Each student chooses Steel Drum Band Chemistry and Art four quarterly electives. Roots of Rhythm I-Lab Fabrication Creative Writing Model United Nations Robotics Art History Art Journaling Computer Programming Figment's Imaginarium Digital Photography Paper Engineering Wilderness Awareness

The Nueva School was highlighted by the Pulitzer Prize–winning and New York Times best-selling author Thomas Friedman in his book That Used to Be Us in the chapter “Average Is Over.” Athletics, Notably Nueva: Activites, The Nueva Experience and Clubs Athletics The Nueva School is committed to serving the Our robust athletics program, specific needs of gifted learners by providing an which fosters the social, emotional, environment where such students can grow and and physical benefits of healthy competition, thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. offers choices of team and individual sports. A large component of Nueva’s mission is offering a space for like-minded students to share an The middle school physical education program, explorative “learn by doing” academic experience which focuses on both physical fitness and that will challenge and stimulate their exceptional sports, consists of individual and team-building intellectual curiosity. activities that develop skills and confidence in a noncompetitive and nurturing environment. As a leader in the world of gifted education, Facilities include a multiuse blacktop court, a Nueva remains dedicated to engaging with sports field with a track and a baseball diamond, the gifted community through continued a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and a twenty- professional development of faculty and five-foot climbing wall. Our PE activities include staff, and partnerships with institutions like sports such as flag football, volleyball, basketball, the Stanford d.school. We offer programs for soccer, badminton, table tennis, street hockey, students, educators, and parents throughout paddle tennis/pickle ball, softball, and climbing. the year, including the Innovative Learning Conference and the Design Thinking Institute. Nueva is a member of the Central Coast Section. Teams compete in the Private School Athletic League Social-Emotional Learning (PSAL) and the West Bay Athletic League (WBAL). Nueva’s internationally recognized Social-

Middle school teams are coed, with the exception of basketball and Emotional Learning (SEL) program began as soccer. Self-Science when Nueva was founded in 1967.

Fall Winter Spring It is integral to our pedagogy and fundamental Cross-Country Basketball Track & Field to our commitment to nurture the whole student. Flag Football Soccer Tennis Middle school is an especially important time for Golf Volleyball Swimming students to participate in SEL. Class activities are designed to provide a balance of structure and Activities and Clubs self-exploration so students can practice active Exploring passions by inventing clubs to cultivate listening, empathy, and decision-making with peers new interests—risk-taking and resiliency at its in an environment where they are encouraged to core—is a Nueva extracurricular hallmark, rooted take risks and reflect on the learning process. in the cultivation of curiosity and engagement. Guided by professional faculty, and parent Design Thinking mentors, students design and lead clubs, with Nueva partnered with IDEO and Stanford’s representative offerings including: d.school to develop the first Design Thinking • Robotics • Debate program and Innovation Lab (I-Lab) specifically • Futures Problem • Writers’ Society for PreK–12 education. Students engage with Solving Program • Math Counts Design Thinking principles on a daily basis and (FPSPI) • Community Service across the curriculum, both in two dedicated • GSA • History Club I-Lab spaces and in their classrooms. Design • Model UN (MUN) • Science Club Thinking and engineering are taught, applied, and explored through real-life challenges with Gifted Education integrated projects in all disciplines of our Notably Nueva: The Nueva Experience

curriculum—science, math, art, humanities, Upper School Graduation Requirements music, and more. English Language & Literature (4 years) Grade 9 and Grade 10 ELL, Grade 11 Integrated Armed with the mindsets and skills of Design American Studies, and one course/elective each Thinking, students are able to identify situations semester of Grade 12. where they can better the world—both local and global—and have the personal and collaborative Mathematics (3 years) All students must complete and/or show mastery tools and resolve to take action. of the topics in Nueva’s Math I–III program, including the choice of Advanced Topics courses. Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion An emphasis on social justice, equity, and inclusion Sciences (3 years) is a natural extension of Nueva’s mission to produce In Grades 9 and 10, students take Foundations of Science I: Chemistry and Foundations of Science ethical, empathetic, and engaged global citizens. Our II: Biology; then two semesters of Advanced program blends SEL and Design Thinking, pillars of Topics courses and/or a year of supervised the Nueva curriculum, with a profound commitment independent research. to engage authentically with the inequities and History, Social Sciences & Civics (3 years) injustices of the world around us. Nueva serves as Grade 9, Global History I; Grade 10, Global a courageous space that encourages students to History II; Grade 11, Integrated American Studies, including the choice of Advanced Topics recognize injustice, empowers them to envision a courses. more equitable society, and gives them the tools to create it. In doing so, they transform not only the World Languages (3 years) world, but also themselves. Three years of study (i.e., through Grade 11) in chosen language. Campus Community and Diversity Visual & Performing Arts (1 year or 2 semesters) As a community, we believe diversity is essential to Students must demonstrate proficiency in an arts our vision of educating our students to communicate area by completing two semester courses at the across differences and to make choices that benefit Intro and Advanced levels. the world. We acknowledge and celebrate the Interdisciplinary Studies (2 years) multitude of diverse backgrounds (economic, racial, Grade 9, Design with Impact; Grade 10, cultural, religious, familial structure, etc.) that our Interdisciplinary Studies of Science (ISOS). students, families, teachers, and staff represent. Athletics & Wellness (Yearly) Over fifty percent of our PreK–12 population are Two of three seasons each year of interscholastic team, club sport, or fitness classes. Interscholastic students of color, as defined by the National teams count as two seasons. Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Nueva attracts students from all over the Bay Area, Science of Mind (4 one-year courses) including the Peninsula, San Francisco, Marin, East Four years of study exploring topics ranging from self-awareness and empathy to reflective study and South Bay counties, as well as a myriad of of psychology and neuroscience. towns and cities in these surrounding areas. Nueva provides transportation for students traveling from Nueva Quest: Pursuit of In-Depth Mastery (4 years) Students can complete four one-year Quests, neighboring counties. or one or more multiyear Quests. More than $5.5 million need-based financial awards are offered each year to ensure greater economic access to Nueva. The Nueva School Please visit nuevaschool.org for the most recent information regarding Nueva’s Middle School. inspires a passion for lifelong learning, Thank you for your interest in The Nueva School! fosters social and emotional acuity, and develops the student’s imaginative mind. PreK–12

Lower & Middle Schools Upper School 6565 Skyline Boulevard 131 East 28th Avenue Hillsborough, CA 94010 San Mateo, CA 94403 650-350-4600 650-235-7100 nuevaschool.org | [email protected]