THRIVE Program

THRIVE Mission

The Nueva School believes that a strong transcultural learning environment, one that seeks out and invites multiple perspectives and lived experiences, enriches the education of all students. Developing and nurturing a diverse, pluralistic community, one in which every family feels as if they are seen, supported, and that they belong, is a top priority and the reason for the development of the THRIVE program.

What is THRIVE?

Nueva's THRIVE program is designed to remove the barriers to accessing the independent school experience, supporting and guiding historically underrepresented students and their families/caregivers in their independent school journey, from initial admission through graduation. To be invited to participate in THRIVE, students and families must identify as historically underrepresented, marginalized, and/or minoritized in the context of Nueva School and meet one (1) of the following criteria, or meet three (3) or more of the following criteria:

Student will be a first-generation college student upon graduation from the Upper School
Students who may need social-emotional and/or academic scaffolding and support as they transition to Nueva’s program
Families who need translation services
Families new to the independent school system
Families who receive 75%+ financial /tuition assistance
Students who are connected with community-based organizations (CBOs), for example: A Better Chance, Summer Bridge, Peninsula Bridge, SMART, to list just a few.

Pillars of Our Program

Identity: Celebrating and honoring the full student

Self-Advocacy & Leadership: Encouraging students to find and develop their voice and take the lead in their journey.

Family Educational Resources: Providing essential support for the student’s family’s learning and growth.

Independent School Navigation: Guiding students and their families through the independent school system with confidence and an increased sense of belonging.

How do we THRIVE?

While THRIVE will look and feel different in the lower, middle, and upper schools, students will consistently be provided the space, opportunity, and guidance in developing community-building skills, learning and implementing restorative practices in their daily lives, and academic support. Students and their families will also be part of a social, emotional, and academic ecosystem composed of administrations, teachers, learning specialists, classroom teachers, advisors, counselors, and program coordinators.

Lower School

In the Lower School, THRIVE focuses on identity and well-being development and developing leadership skills. Students receive support with acclimating to an independent school and parents and caregivers learn skills for effective communication within an independent school. The THRIVE coordinator also provides students with social-emotional support and serve as an advocate for THRIVE students within the school community. Individualized support is also offered as needed.

Middle School

In the Middle School, parents and caregivers are provided support for navigating the independent school system. Students receive increased academic support and tutoring, test-taking support, and skill-building for working within a collaborative group structure. Additionally, students are provided with time with their cohort and dedicated THRIVE courses. Eighth graders also receive support as they prepare to join the Upper School.

Upper School

In the Upper School, THRIVE continues to offer students academic and emotional support. Peer support and event programming increases and students receive financial literacy training. Off-campus experiences provide students exposure to education, social, and internship/vocational opportunities. Throughout their four years, THRIVE Upper School students also receive individualized college transition preparation.

IN THIS SECTION

In This Section

Jordan Mak '21

“THRIVE is an ever-expanding family that embraces the differences of each member and highlights the unique aspects that we have. It’s a space where we are able to have fun and also engage in difficult conversations about our identities, and how we can ensure that we are seen and heard at Nueva and in the world.”