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Welcome to NOVA Independent Study
NOVA is an innovative independent study option for students to learn in a setting other than the traditional classroom.
NOVA Independent Study is an innovative educational option for students in grades 6–12 who thrive outside the traditional classroom setting. Designed for families seeking flexibility and a personalized learning experience, NOVA empowers students to take control of their education while receiving strong academic support.
At NOVA, students receive a dynamic and future-focused learning environment built on passion, inspiration, inquiry, and personalization. NOVA encourages students to explore their interests, engage in meaningful learning, and prepare for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Through community partnerships and real-world learning experiences, students are connected to opportunities that support life readiness and career exploration.
Each student meets weekly one-on-one with a dedicated teacher, either in person or online, to receive personalized guidance and instruction. Middle school students participate in daily check-in Zoom sessions to promote consistency and connection in addition to their weekly one-on-one meetings. Students enrolled in Algebra 1 and Geometry attend direct instruction math classes twice a week in addition to their regular teacher meetings.
NOVA offers a wide range of courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes for high school students, to ensure academic rigor and college preparation. Students currently enrolled in another NUSD school may also co-enroll in up to two courses at their school of residence, with approval from both sites, allowing for a truly customized educational experience.
Our Mission
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.
Our Vision
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’S GRADUATE PROFILE- CHARACTER, COMMUNICATOR, CONSCIENTIOUS LEARNER, CULTURALLY COMPETENT, COLLABORATOR, CRITICAL THINKING
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.
Our Goals
GOAL #1 – NOVA Independent Study will expand the multi-tiered system of behavioral, academic, and social-emotional supports (MTSS) to maximize resources and ensure sufficient support to all students especially focusing on providing supports for Special Education Students, Hispanic students and socio-economically disadvantaged students.partner with students, families, staff, and community members to address the unique learning needs of each student and to create meaningful and engaging opportunities for each child.
GOAL # 2 - NOVA Independent Study will ensure an inclusive culturally responsive and safe learning environment that supoorts all students by expanding social-emotional and behavioral supports.that each student meets or exceeds appropriate expectations relative to intellectual growth, physical development and social emotional well-being.
GOAL #3 -NOVA Independent Study will establish a culture of caring, sense of belonging and inclusivity by promoting meaningful positive student and family engagement.
Welcome from our Principal
About Our Principal
As I begin my 24th year in NUSD and my 19th year as the administrator of Alternative Education in Novato, I am filled with excitement as our District continues to emphasize our three goals:
- Relationships
- Belonging
- Growth
With a continued focus on the Graduate Profile—21st Century Learning and the 6 Cs — our teachers are committed to fostering the growth of the whole student. We value not only academic content but also a broad range of skills that contribute to competitiveness in a global economy, healthy lifestyles, and the development of well-informed, productive citizens.
At the Hill Education Center, every staff member across all programs is passionate about education and deeply believes in the success of every student. Each senior is expected to complete a Project-Based Learning (PBL) presentation and will have the opportunity to showcase their work to our community.
We believe that a strong home/school partnership is essential to a positive educational experience. Parents play a vital role by ensuring their students are well-rested and understand that school is primarily a place for learning. Our responsibility is to provide a safe, supportive environment, identify and nurture each student’s strengths, and address any concerns so that all of our students can thrive.
Hill Education Center offers a variety of enrichment programs for students. One of the most comprehensive is Bridges, designed for students interested in developing soft skills, taking college courses, and earning credits toward certification in a chosen vocation. For more information about Bridges, please contact the front office to learn more about the application process.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in ensuring that all students are prepared for post-secondary education and beyond. I look forward to another successful school year.
Warm regards,
Dr. Kessa Early
Phone: 415-897-7653
Upcoming Events
View the full calendar to see all the exciting events we have happening in the next few weeks and months!
District Details
[PLACEHOLDER CONTENT] Located in the northern part of Golden County, we serve approximately 10,000 students in grades kindergarten through 12, and employs about 1,800 faculty and staff. Our campuses are some of the finest educational institutions in the state.
Renowned for their exceptional academic performance, consistently exceeding state standards, and earning top accolades for their achievements, each of our schools boasts state-of-the-art facilities, having been recently built or renovated to provide the best learning environment for our students.
School Info
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Independent Study for Middle School Students:
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Strategic Plan
A comprehensive roadmap designed to guide our district towards excellence in education over the next five years, our plan reflects our unwavering commitment to academic achievement, innovation, and community engagement. By exceeding state standards and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment, we aim to empower every student to reach their full potential. This strategic plan outlines our goals, strategies, and actions to ensure that Mountain SD remains at the forefront of educational excellence, preparing our students for success in a rapidly changing world.