Writing &
Research Center

FPO

Welcome to the San Mateo Campus Writing & Research Center

As the name suggests, this Upper School learning hub emphasizes the practices of writing and research, as well as providing thoughtfully curated fiction, nonfiction, and reference collections. We empower students to be strong, discerning researchers in any post-secondary context, and we help every student develop a clear, confident writing voice. More broadly, the WRC nourishes our community’s culture of curiosity. Our friendly, two-story space welcomes students with comfortable places to read, study, or collaborate with their classmates.

Research Skills and Resources

The world of research opens up to our students as they embark on their interdisciplinary studies at the Upper School. Our research librarian works closely with faculty to build our collections of digital and print resources, ensuring our students have both broad and deep access to the information they need. While creating a library for our students and faculty, our staff selects resources focused on the division’s specific curricula and special projects. These options include:

  • Nonfiction and reference materials, including specialized encyclopedias, primary and secondary sources, magazines, and newspapers

  • On- and off-campus access to 20 academic databases, offering thousands of articles from scholarly journals, as well as court cases, historical documents, and more

  • Access to e-books and audiobooks via OverDrive

Our librarian joins classes to coach students in research skills and also works extensively with students in one-on-one meetings during their course projects, guiding them in research strategies, source evaluation, and citation.

Writing & Research Center Team

Jennifer Paull - WRC Director
Jennifer Perry - Middle School and Upper School Writing Teacher and Advisor

Writing Support

Individualized coaching is a signature of the WRC’s writing program. Students can meet one-on-one with a writing specialist at any stage of their writing to review their ideas and drafts for any academic or creative project.

Whether reviewing a research paper, a piece of fiction, or a college application essay, students consider both the work at hand and their overall writing process. With their coaches, students strengthen their writing’s clarity, argument, and structure; refine their tone and voice; and learn new techniques to match their writing needs. Our writing specialists also offer in-classroom student workshops and consultations to faculty.

Peer Tutoring

The WRC hosts the Upper School’s peer-tutoring program, an initiative that exemplifies Nueva’s culture of collaborative learning.

Students apply to train as peer tutors; then selected applicants spend several weeks discussing and practicing their coaching skills before offering one-on-one appointments with their fellow students. The program began with student support in math and writing, and now also offers help in Mandarin and computer science. Students from any Upper School grade can book a session with a peer tutor.

This type of academic support supplements the work a student may do with their teachers and the WRC staff — students may feel more comfortable talking with a fellow student. Peer tutors, meanwhile, pick up new coaching techniques, which often dovetail with their SEL skills, and gain experience with different learning styles. Throughout the academic year, peer tutors have regular check-ins to discuss their practice.

 

Special Programs and Events

We regularly participate in local and national events that promote our culture of reading. Examples of past programs include:

  • Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
  • Poetry readings
  • Creative writing during National Novel Writing Month in connection with NaNoWriMo
  • Banned Books Week in cooperation with the American Library Association
  • Author visits
  • Summer reading 

Nueva News

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.

Upper School Trips in 60 Photos

Upper School trips at Nueva are about more than just where students go—they are about who students become along the way. This spring, students had plenty of opportunities to put that philosophy into action. From April 3 to 10, Upper Schoolers took part in 20 different trips across the globe. Take a look at the photos to see some of the incredible moments from these adventures.

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.