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

Snapshots: Lower School
Snapshots: Lower School

On a rainy Tuesday afternoon, students embraced the cozy weather in their favorite jammies for Pajama Day. The Lower School classrooms buzzed with activity, filled with the sounds of questions, songs, and collaborative learning.

Nueva to Nihon: Lessons from the Japanese Exchange Trip
Nueva to Nihon: Lessons from the Japanese Exchange Trip

In his reflection on the Upper School exchange trip to Japan, Jackson H. ’26 shares how ten days of cultural immersion transformed his initial worries into lasting memories. From exploring Kyoto’s historic sites and experiencing the structured rigor of Japanese schools to finding common ground with his homestay family, he reflects on both the differences and shared experiences between cultures. The trip concluded with a visit to Hiroshima, where meeting an atomic bomb survivor left a profound impact, reinforcing the importance of remembrance and the ongoing pursuit of peace.

Mavericks Making Waves: February 2025
Mavericks Making Waves: February 2025

Mavericks Making Waves is our latest roundup of exceptional student and faculty accomplishments and activities happening beyond Nueva's walls. In this edition, you'll find stories of students excelling in national competitions, faculty breaking new ground in their fields, and Mavericks making meaningful contributions in academics, athletics, the arts, and beyond.

Five Questions for...Lisa Daniels, Middle School Spanish Teacher
Five Questions for...Lisa Daniels, Middle School Spanish Teacher

Lisa Daniels’ passion for the Spanish language began as a child while living in close proximity to the Mexican border in San Diego, hearing norteño and mariachi music in the air. Being raised by a Jamaican mother who immigrated to the United States and a Black man from the American South, Lisa’s biculturalism has made her appreciate bilingualism, saying that “learning another language is like getting a dual experience of the world.” Get to know her as part of our "Five Questions For" series.

Reflection on Taiwan Exchange Program
Reflection on Taiwan Exchange Program

In January 2025, Nueva hosted six students from WeGo Private Senior High School for five days. Peter Wang, the lead teacher from WeGo who accompanied the students, expressed immense gratitude for Nueva’s warm welcome and meticulous arrangements. During his visit, he wrote and shared a reflection with the Nueva community.

State of Nueva Presentation Highlights Institutional Growth
State of Nueva Presentation Highlights Institutional Growth

On January 16 and 17, Head of School Lee Fertig the State of Nueva, an in-depth look at the school’s progress through three key areas: external metrics, internal strategic initiatives, and community impact. Following the presentation, a panel of community members—representing students, parents, faculty, and alumni—were given the opportunity to reflect and respond to what they heard.

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.