Student
Experience
Nueva students learn by doing. They construct knowledge through hands-on engagement. As experts in project-based learning, teachers guide authentic and purposeful investigations that enable discovery while building the skills students need to be successful.
View Program Offerings
Lower School
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, friendship, community, and essential connections to the outdoors.
Middle School
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
9–12
At the Nueva 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. With support from advisors, students select from more than 100 electives that satisfy graduation requirements and allow them to dive deeply into exciting subjects.
Learn More About Our Campuses
Cross-Divisional Information and Offerings
Academies and Electives
In both academies and electives, an abundance of choices for students range across subject areas, from math, science, technology, art, sports, drama, singing, writing, music, and humanities to even crafts and games!
Learn about Middle School Academies and Electives, or visit the Upper School Electives Offerings.
Nueva Quest
Nueva Quest gives students the unique opportunity to pursue their own interests throughout their four years of high school. Students may elect to pursue one field of study over four years or to frame and complete a series of different Quests, each taking one or more years. Quest is an opportunity for students to practice Design Thinking in action by crafting personal in-depth inquiry in a self-selected area of evolving passion or pursuing deep questions.
Enrichment Classes
Nueva Afterschool Enrichment is available to all San Francisco Bay Area K-8 students. Taught by a mix of Nueva faculty and Bay Area specialists, Nueva Enrichment offers students the opportunity to take a deep dive into a specialized area of study. During Enrichment, students pursue an activity they are passionate about outside of school hours.
No previous experience is required to join any of Nueva's Enrichment classes. We welcome both curious beginners and students with pre-established passion!
Nueva Extended Care
Nueva News
![Learning by Doing Guides Partnership between Kindergarten and Middle School Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576086453/nuevaschoolorg/vxndwykmwo3fibijyjvw/IMG_2409-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576086453/nuevaschoolorg/vxndwykmwo3fibijyjvw/IMG_2409-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1576086453/nuevaschoolorg/vxndwykmwo3fibijyjvw/IMG_2409-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1576086453/nuevaschoolorg/vxndwykmwo3fibijyjvw/IMG_2409-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1576086453/nuevaschoolorg/vxndwykmwo3fibijyjvw/IMG_2409-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1576086453/nuevaschoolorg/vxndwykmwo3fibijyjvw/IMG_2409-2.jpg","width":2200}])
When kindergarten teachers Paul Knight, Rashida Blade, and Shelly Whittet saw an opportunity to celebrate the Chinese language, culture, and identity, they reached out to Middle School Mandarin teacher Ting Zhang.
![Grade 1 is Grateful!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1574201915/nuevaschoolorg/trmhaeuyikq9momqrl8h/IMG_4290.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1574201915/nuevaschoolorg/trmhaeuyikq9momqrl8h/IMG_4290.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1574201915/nuevaschoolorg/trmhaeuyikq9momqrl8h/IMG_4290.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1574201915/nuevaschoolorg/trmhaeuyikq9momqrl8h/IMG_4290.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1574201915/nuevaschoolorg/trmhaeuyikq9momqrl8h/IMG_4290.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1574201915/nuevaschoolorg/trmhaeuyikq9momqrl8h/IMG_4290.jpg","width":2200}])
In this time of Thanksgiving, first graders are building on their social-emotional learning (SEL) by taking on a 21-day gratitude journal challenge.
![Members of Nueva's operations and kitchen staff]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1570578289/nuevaschoolorg/xsymkkxpumz9tvijz9og/DSC08539.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1570578289/nuevaschoolorg/xsymkkxpumz9tvijz9og/DSC08539.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1570578289/nuevaschoolorg/xsymkkxpumz9tvijz9og/DSC08539.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1570578289/nuevaschoolorg/xsymkkxpumz9tvijz9og/DSC08539.jpg","width":1000}])
Lower School students explore the true meaning of community by meeting the people of Nueva who work beyond the classroom. At the same time, they learn the tenants of being kind, courageous, and engaged.
![The Nueva Email Account: A Rite of Passage for Third-Grade Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1570041983/nuevaschoolorg/tvwye5p4agrfj5llqdlo/digitalcitizens1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1570041983/nuevaschoolorg/tvwye5p4agrfj5llqdlo/digitalcitizens1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1570041983/nuevaschoolorg/tvwye5p4agrfj5llqdlo/digitalcitizens1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1570041983/nuevaschoolorg/tvwye5p4agrfj5llqdlo/digitalcitizens1.jpg","width":1020}])
Receiving an official Nueva email account is a hallmark of the third-grade experience—and the start of a critical conversation on responsible digital citizenship.
![Nueva PreK Scientists Learn the Periodic Table]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1559772667/nuevaschoolorg/abrdigqf0ky7auqecxtx/Periodic_Table_Crystal.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1559772667/nuevaschoolorg/abrdigqf0ky7auqecxtx/Periodic_Table_Crystal.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1559772667/nuevaschoolorg/abrdigqf0ky7auqecxtx/Periodic_Table_Crystal.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1559772667/nuevaschoolorg/abrdigqf0ky7auqecxtx/Periodic_Table_Crystal.jpg","width":1178}])
It all started with a question: “Why is the ocean so salty?” Which led to another question: “What is salt?” What could have ended there with a simple explanation turned into a months-long study this spring for the inquisitive four and five-year olds in the Nueva PreK class where they learned about the elements that make up our bodies and the world around us.
![students perform play]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1558464535/nuevaschoolorg/p0ft9yvzylalpah36kbo/thumbnail-K-play.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1558464535/nuevaschoolorg/p0ft9yvzylalpah36kbo/thumbnail-K-play.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1558464535/nuevaschoolorg/p0ft9yvzylalpah36kbo/thumbnail-K-play.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1558464535/nuevaschoolorg/p0ft9yvzylalpah36kbo/thumbnail-K-play.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1558464535/nuevaschoolorg/p0ft9yvzylalpah36kbo/thumbnail-K-play.png","width":1332}])
In “Ocean Plastic Paradise,” sea animals navigate the perils of a habitat overrun with discarded plastic. Written and performed by Laraine Ray’s Kindergarten class, the film is the culmination of months examining the effects of plastic pollution in the sea.
![The Lower School students' colorful chandelier twinkles, reflecting light and illuminating their different patterns and spira]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1550017647/nuevaschoolorg/wcv8onmj2pdvvox8xvsg/chandelier.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1550017647/nuevaschoolorg/wcv8onmj2pdvvox8xvsg/chandelier.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1550017647/nuevaschoolorg/wcv8onmj2pdvvox8xvsg/chandelier.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1550017647/nuevaschoolorg/wcv8onmj2pdvvox8xvsg/chandelier.png","width":938}])
Inspired by a recent visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit in Seattle, Washington, Nueva PreK Teacher Claire Wasserman-Rogers introduced her class to three-dimensional glass art by artist Dale Chihuly, an American sculptor who creates vibrantly beautiful installations and environmental artwork.
![Hour of Code aims to broaden participation across gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1544720894/nuevaschoolorg/z5qakhjvph11qelsxjpx/DSC00090copy.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1544720894/nuevaschoolorg/z5qakhjvph11qelsxjpx/DSC00090copy.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1544720894/nuevaschoolorg/z5qakhjvph11qelsxjpx/DSC00090copy.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1544720894/nuevaschoolorg/z5qakhjvph11qelsxjpx/DSC00090copy.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1544720894/nuevaschoolorg/z5qakhjvph11qelsxjpx/DSC00090copy.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1544720894/nuevaschoolorg/z5qakhjvph11qelsxjpx/DSC00090copy.jpg","width":2200}])
As part of the worldwide Computer Science Education Week,* the Hour of Code – deemed by Nueva Interim I-Lab Director Angi Chau as a “Celebration of Coding” – aims to broaden participation across gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups to show that computer science can be fun, creative, and accessible for all ages regardless of background.
![Lower School Art Teacher Reenie Charriere leads a group of Nueva students through SFMOMA]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1529706696/nuevaschoolorg/kbko4z2pcas7vsjjbzsy/00_HERO_Donna_DSC00738_245px.jpg","width":245}])
Nearly 150 Nueva community members came together to enjoy contemporary art at San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) on Saturday, March 10. Families attended a special weekend tour with Lower School Art Specialist Reenie Charrière, a practicing artist and former museum educator who guided them through the retrospective entitled Robert Rauschenberg: Erasing the Rules.