The Nueva School

Los Angeles, USA

Type of institution:

Private school
School

Age range:5+

Type of training:

Full-time
Part-time
Online

Language of instruction:

english

Year of foundation:1967

About the The Nueva School

Founded in 1967 by Karen Stone McCown with support from scientists and Nobel laureates, The Nueva School was created to serve gifted and talented students through a curriculum that emphasizes creativity, independent thinking, and social-emotional learning. Serving approximately 965 students from Pre-K through Grade 12, Nueva operates two campuses: Hillsborough (Lower and Middle School) and San Mateo (Upper School). Both are LEED Gold-certified campuses designed with sustainability in mind, including features such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and rainwater collection. Nueva’s educational philosophy centers on project-based learning, design thinking (in collaboration with Stanford d.School and IDEO), interdisciplinary instruction, and social-emotional learning (SEL), particularly through their unique “Self-Science” curriculum. The school has earned numerous honors, including the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Award, Apple Distinguished Program recognition, and designation as an Ashoka Changemaker School. It also organizes the Innovative Learning Conference and co-hosts the Common Ground Speaker Series. Nueva’s mission focuses on developing critical and creative thinking, problem-solving skills, empathy, and global citizenship.

Admission conditions in The Nueva School

Admissions are available for Pre-K through Grade 12. Pre-K–8 applicants must take an IQ test (WISC-V or WPPSI-IV) showing a gifted profile, while Upper School applicants are assessed on academic readiness, creativity, and character—IQ tests are not required at that level. Required Exams: Pre-K to Grade 8: WISC-V or WPPSI-IV (recommended IQ ≥ 130) Grades 9–12: No standardized test required; assessments based on holistic review. Minimum Age: Pre-K applicants must be at least 3 years and 10 months old by the start of school year. Older grade applicants follow standard U.S. school-age requirements. Application Process: Submit online application Pre-K–8 applicants schedule IQ testing through an approved psychologist Submit recommendation letters, school reports, and student essays/portfolio Financial aid applications are due via Clarity by early February Upper School interviews may be conducted Educational Qualifications: Grade-level readiness with age-appropriate academic records; Upper School applicants must show academic maturity, curiosity, and motivation. Required Documents: IQ test results (Pre-K–8) Student and parent questionnaires Transcripts and grade reports Teacher recommendations Essays or portfolio (especially for Upper School) Requirements for International Students: International applicants must provide English-translated records. Language tests are not required but a strong command of English is essential for success. I‑20 forms are available for F-1 visa processing. Financial Requirements: Annual tuition is approximately $63,720. Financial aid is available based on need. Applicants must provide documentation to determine aid eligibility. Application Deadlines: IQ testing and all required materials should be submitted well ahead of the application year. Financial aid deadline: typically February 4 (for Upper School). Testing or Interview: Pre-K–8: IQ test required Upper School: Optional interview, required essays, portfolio, and/or academic writing sample Experience or Qualifications: No work experience required. Upper School applicants must demonstrate academic preparedness and intellectual curiosity. Notification of Results: Decisions are communicated online after admissions committee review. Timelines vary depending on grade level.

Minimum rating for admission to The Nueva School

Pre-K–8 applicants should show IQ ≥ 130. Upper School is highly competitive, requiring strong academics, essays, and personal fit.

Prospects after completing studies in The Nueva School

Nueva graduates are admitted to top universities globally (Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, etc.). Students regularly win awards in science fairs, robotics competitions, writing contests, and more. Alumni are leaders in technology, science, arts, and global service. The school emphasizes global citizenship and social innovation.