Academics

FPO

Nueva students learn by doing. They construct knowledge through hands-on engagement. As experts in project-based learning, Nueva teachers guide authentic and purposeful investigations that enable discovery while building the skills students need to be successful and to feel a sense of interconnectedness and belonging.

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.

Lower School

Grades PreK–4

Our Lower School is a haven for young gifted learners. Our intellectually engaging and creative program incorporates the powerful and joyful elements of early education: deep investigation, inquiry, play, kindness, gratitude, friendship, community, and essential connections to the outdoors.

Middle School

Grades 5–8

The Middle School years are a time of excitement, in which students find their voice and discover how they can make an impact on the world. Teachers use projects, trips, and activities and clubs to make the middle school experience rich with academic and elective experiences.

Upper School

Grades 9–12

At the Upper School, the students’ experience is at the center of everything we do. We nourish their love of learning by providing each student unparalleled opportunity to chart their own pathway through high school. 

Nueva's hallmark programs feature:

Nueva's culture honors and embraces:

  • Spirit of inquiry
  • Integrity
  • Gratitude
  • Diversity of perspectives
  • Community and connectedness
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Equity and inclusion

Learn More About Our Campuses

Lower, Middle, & Upper School News

Highlights from the Middle School Musical: "Frozen Jr."

This past weekend, Nueva’s middle school students brought the magic of Frozen Jr. to life on the GCC Stage at our Hillsborough Campus. Featuring beloved songs, vibrant costumes, and heartfelt performances, the production captured the spirit of Anna and Elsa’s journey of love, courage, and self-discovery. Enjoy highlights from this enchanting show and celebrate the incredible work of our student performers.

Spring Coffeehouse: A Celebration of Courage, Creativity, and Community

On Friday evening, the San Mateo campus’ Writing and Research Center (WRC) was transformed into an intimate live music venue, complete with string lights, layered rugs, and cozy seating. It was standing room only as students, faculty, staff, and families gathered to support performers at the biannual arts event.