Elevation Feature:

NOVA Middle School: Elevation Feature Ep 4


Episode Description:

Welcome to the fourth episode of the Elevation Feature series on the Help One Hundred Schools Podcast, where we highlight exceptional private schools. In this episode, we explore NOVA Middle School, a unique institution in Olympia, Washington, dedicated to nurturing highly capable students in a supportive and inclusive environment. Join us as we delve into their inspiring story and innovative approach to education.

In This Episode:

Featured Guests:

  • Tiffany Price – Head of School, NOVA Middle School

“We make sure the middle school years are the transformative years, not the lost years.” – Tiffany Price

Host:

  • Karl Boehm – Founder of Help One Hundred Schools

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to NOVA Middle School:
Tiffany Price introduces NOVA Middle School, focusing on its mission to provide a safe and inclusive space for highly capable students. She discusses the school’s commitment to making the middle school years transformative and positive for students.

Why Families Choose NOVA:
Tiffany explains why parents choose NOVA for their gifted children, highlighting the school’s unique ability to support the emotional, social, and academic needs of middle school students. She shares testimonials from parents who credit NOVA with reigniting their children’s passion for learning and restoring their confidence.

Captivating School Story:
Discover the history of NOVA, founded in 1992 to fill a gap in the Olympia area for a school that challenges students academically while meeting their social and emotional needs. Tiffany shares how the school has grown while maintaining its commitment to fostering a close-knit, supportive community.

Unique Aspects of NOVA:
Tiffany describes the small, personalized environment at NOVA, where students and teachers develop strong relationships. She highlights the school’s unique programs, including class trips, clubs like the Aerospace and Rubik’s Cube clubs, and a focus on helping students find their “tribe.”

Mission and Vision:
Learn about NOVA’s mission to foster the joyful pursuit of intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Tiffany emphasizes the school’s vision to inspire lifelong learning for a more compassionate and engaged world, preparing students to be change-makers and leaders.

How to Learn More:
Tiffany provides information on how to learn more about NOVA Middle School, including their website and Facebook page. She outlines the three-part application process, which includes an online application, cognitive abilities testing, and a class visit.

At NOVA, every child is engaged, challenged, and motivated to learn in a way that works best for them.” – Tiffany Price

Call to Action:

If you’re inspired by today’s episode and want to learn more about NOVA Middle School, visit their website or follow them on Facebook. Consider scheduling a tour to see how NOVA can provide a nurturing and challenging environment for your highly capable student.

Closing Thoughts:

Join us as we continue to explore and support schools like NOVA Middle School, which offer unique and impactful educational experiences. Until next time, keep striving to be the change in education. Farewell for now.

[Introduction]

Karl Boehm:
Welcome, Tiffany Price! Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your school.

Tiffany Price:
Thanks so much, Karl. I really appreciate it. My name is Tiffany Price, and I’m the Head of School at NOVA Middle School, located in Olympia, Washington. We’re a middle school for grades six through eight, serving highly capable students. Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where all students can thrive.

[Why Families Choose NOVA Middle School]

Karl Boehm:
Fantastic! Why do families choose your school for their students?

Tiffany Price:
Parents come to us because they’re seeking a unique middle school experience for their gifted child. Middle school can be a challenging time with so much emotional, social, and cognitive growth happening. Families know that we fully support their child’s development during these critical years. Parents stay because they see we prioritize their child’s best interests. At NOVA, we turn what can be difficult years into transformative ones. I’ve heard from parents that, before NOVA, their child’s spirit was dampened by experiences at their previous school, but NOVA restored their brilliance in both mind and spirit. We focus on providing a nurturing space where highly capable students feel confident academically while also discovering who they are as individuals.

[Shortened Answer to Differentiate the School]

Karl Boehm:
That’s great! Would you give a shorter, more informal answer to that? Maybe just one sentence about how your school is different.

Tiffany Price:
Sure! Parents choose us because they want a transformative experience for their gifted students. We focus on making the middle school years truly positive and academically solid.

[Unique Aspects of NOVA Middle School]

Karl Boehm:
I love it! That answer had a very natural feel. Let’s talk about some of the unique aspects of NOVA Middle School that the world should know about.

Tiffany Price:
NOVA is the only highly capable private school in our area. Our small size is a significant advantage because it allows our teachers to build strong relationships with students. They get to know each child both as a student and as an individual. Our teachers bring their passions into the classroom, creating deep and engaging learning experiences every day. We consistently hear from parents that our students feel seen and heard. One thing parents often mention is how excited their kids are to come to school—no matter their age. We also focus heavily on creating a sense of belonging, especially during the critical middle school years. We believe in letting kids be themselves, which results in a vibrant and supportive community.

[Mission and Vision]

Karl Boehm:
That sounds wonderful. What is NOVA’s mission and vision?

Tiffany Price:
Our mission is to foster the joyful pursuit of intellectual, social, and emotional growth through a challenging curriculum that helps highly capable students develop identity, self-empowerment, and community. We encourage our students to use their voices and passions to become change-makers and leaders. Our vision is to inspire lifelong learning for a more compassionate and engaged world.

[Final Thoughts and How to Learn More]

Karl Boehm:
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your school?

Tiffany Price:
We’re a small school with 108 students and 18 staff members who know every child by name. We emphasize whole-child development through academic challenges, social-emotional learning, and opportunities like TED talks, capstone projects, and community service. Our goal is to help students become well-rounded individuals.

Karl Boehm:
That’s fantastic! How can someone learn more and apply?

Tiffany Price:
Our website, NovaSchool.org, has all the information, including details about our three-part application process. We also have an active Facebook page where families can stay updated.

[Closing]

Karl Boehm:
Thank you so much, Tiffany, for being part of our Elevation Initiative.

Tiffany Price:
Thank you, Karl! We appreciate the opportunity.

 

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