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Hill Education Center

Mission Statement

Welcome to NOVA Independent Study

A teacher wearing a mask sits on an exercise ball and points to a whiteboard while talking to a student.

NOVA Mission Statement

NOVA Independent Study offers an alternative, flexible educational experience for students in grades  6–12, incorporating academic excellence and social/emotional support. NOVA’s inclusive approach aims to instill a sense of belonging and nurture a love of learning.

NUSD Vision Statement

NUSD will provide an innovative and personalized learning experience for every student in a caring and supportive environment to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful and productive citizens.

NUSD Graduate Profile

  • A blue gear with the word 'CHARACTER' around a compass with a heart on the needle.

    Character

    • Possesses strong values and takes appropriate action
    • Models integrity and honesty
    • Respects others

  • A gold gear with the word 'Communicator' and an icon of people in a speech bubble.

    Communicator

    • Listens actively
    • Expresses thoughts and ideas clearly
    • Supports claims and ideas with valid evidence
    • Engages an audience appropriately
    • Willingness to engage in difficult conversations

  • An orange gear with a checklist icon inside, labeled 'Conscientious Learner'.

    Conscientious Learner

    • Sets and monitors goals for continuous growth
    • Manages time effectively
    • Embraces challenges with a growth mindset
    • Advocates for self and takes responsibility for learning
    • Practices self-reflection and self-regulation

  • A purple, six-pointed star-shaped seal with the words 'Culturally Competent' around the edge and a globe held in two hands in the center.

    Culturally Competent

    • Engages in ongoing cultural self-awareness
    • Understands global worldviews
    • Takes action to contribute positively to the local, national, and/or global community
    • Seeks and considers multiple perspectives

  • A green gear with the word 'Collaborator' and a symbol of four hands clasped together.

    Collaborator

    • Contributes to the success of a team
    • Takes ownership for responsibilities within a team
    • Maintains a positive and empathetic attitude

  • A pink gear with a lightbulb and question mark inside, with the words 'Critical Thinker' around it.

    Critical Thinker

    • Uses evidence and reasoning to guide decision making
    • Analyzes digital and print sources to determine validity and biases
    • Synthesizes existing and new knowledge to generate creative solutions and ideas
    • Recognizes multiple ways of solving problems

At NOVA We Aim to Develop

A Culture of Excellence:

Students will:

  • Apply technology in various forms to effectively communicate.
  • recognize and develop the steps needed to achieve personal, academic, and career goals.
  • Analyze problems from multiple perspectives and apply solutions to real-world situations.
  • Understand that both success and failure are important parts of the learning process.

A Culture of Competence:

Students will:

  • Self-assess data to chart progress and set goals for the future.
  • Identify and communicate learning barriers and academic/social-emotional areas of need.
  • Be creative, critical thinkers who are striving to develop social responsibility and interpersonal skills.
  • Work on actively developing a growth mindset.

A Culture of Caring:

Students will:

  • Communicate with the teacher(s) through multiple formats. 
  • Become aware of opportunities to participate in the school community, including leadership roles and student activities.
  • Acknowledge the importance of being both an ally and an advocate.
  • Develop interpersonal skills for building healthy relationships.