Nueva is an independent PreK–12 school where gifted learners discover and develop their passions, and learn to make choices that positively and profoundly impact the world.

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Nueva News

Nueva’s Vienna

Slow down you crazy child, you’re so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you’re so smart tell me why are you still so afraid?
Where’s the fire what’s the hurry about, you better cool it off before you burn it out
You got so much to do and only so many hours in a day

Living Authentically: A Community of Love

I’ve thought about this long and hard. How do you summarize four years in six minutes? Well, if you didn’t know, I’m a debater, and let's see… I think I brought my timer... In true debate fashion, time starts now. 

The Power of a Simple Hello

I’m so honored to get the chance to speak with you all this afternoon, an afternoon of laughter and tears and bittersweet hugs. I think it’s natural when something ends to think about where it began; I’m sure we’re all doing that right now in one way or another.

This I Believe

One of the goals of eleventh grade social-emotional learning is simplifying complex ideas, or, as [teachers] say, “clarifying muddy water.” A more surprising goal of the year-long class  is “muddying those that seem clear.”

Middle School Trips in 18 Photos

In May, Middle School students embarked on grade-specific journeys that tied directly into their curriculum, offering them opportunities to engage with history, ecology, and culture in a tangible and lasting way.

Lower School Trips in 12 Photos

This May, students in first through fourth grades embarked on overnight adventures across the greater Bay Area. From a first grade overnight to increasingly adventurous trips in second through fourth grades, each experience provides students opportunities to explore the world beyond campus, deepens SEL skills, and creates lasting memories.

Mavericks Making Waves: May 2025

Mavericks Making Waves is our latest roundup of exceptional student and faculty accomplishments and activities happening beyond Nueva's walls. In this edition, Mavericks are recognized for achievements in athletics, the arts, writing, debate, and scientific research.

In Few Words, a World

This spring, creative writing students and a visiting poet explored how careful attention—and brevity—can reveal deeper truths about the world around us. Through flash nonfiction, poetry, and quiet observation, they examined how even the smallest moments can hold meaning.

Video: 8th Grade Quest Night

On April 9, the Hillsborough campus came alive as 8th graders showcased the results of their yearlong Quest projects—a milestone in their middle school journey. Formerly known as Recital, Quest Night invites family, friends, and faculty to engage with students as they present the projects they've nurtured since 7th grade. From building planes to composing music, designing apps, and learning new skills, each project reflects months of curiosity, creativity, and perseverance. Guided by I-Lab teacher Michelle Grau and supported by mentors and advisors, students shared not just what they created, but the stories behind their work—the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the surprises along the way.

Lee Fertig

Head of School

"Nueva is more than just a school for gifted learners. It’s more than just a place where students focus on design thinking and social emotional learning. It’s a beloved community, inclusive and compassionate, collectively embracing diverse perspectives and empowering everyone to make choices that benefit the world."
 

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The Nueva School is a member of many professional organizations and associations. We believe we become better because of our connections to and within these groups. The Nueva School is jointly accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). We are also members of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the Association of Independent Schools for Gifted Students (AISGS)*, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CAIS), the Independent School Data Exchange (INDEX),  the California Independent Schools Business Officers Association (CAL-ISBOA), and the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS).


*Nueva is proud to be a founding member of the Association of Independent Schools for Gifted Students (AISGS).

The Nueva School admits students of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of these factors in the administration of its educational policies, financial award programs, or athletic and other school programs.