Great thanks to those of you sharing your questions! Keep 'em coming!
If NLA is using a church campus for classes, does that mean there will be a religious agenda or influences within our curriculum?
While we respect all beliefs, religions and practices, NLA is not affiliated with nor does it promote any religion.
Does NLA have an agenda?
Our agenda is simple. We treat others with kindness and respect, embrace and celebrate our differences, support each other at all times and give back to the community through service projects.
How is NLA addressing Covid-19?
We will be taking every precaution that is recommended by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the CDE (California Department of Education). The well-being of our NLA families is of utmost importance to us.
What will the BLOCK schedule look like and will the students have sufficient time to learn all of the necessary material?
Our schedule actually provides substantially MORE instructional time than a traditional "every day" schedule. With less time wasted transitioning between classes and wrapping up the end of the class period, NLA students receive 180 minutes of instruction per class each week (science, English literature, Spanish, history & electives) and roughly 270 for math.
Why have longer but fewer class periods? This allows for more in depth coverage of topics, time for more activities/projects/games and extended test taking time for those who need it.
How is this not a 4 day per week program? In most middle schools, students take one or two electives spread throughout the week. We choose to offer them on one day instead. This allows us to provide many more classes than we'd be able to otherwise. (See enrichment classes)
Is NLA still planning on hosting enrichment classes now that they have an in person campus?
YES! The feedback we have received from our families regarding NLA's enrichment classes has been overwhelmingly positive!
As many of you know, our enrichment classes are designed to teach a variety of skills, promote physical activity, have fun and connect our students with their NLA community. We are still working on the official schedule but are planning to host 2 enrichment days per month online and the other 2 in-person. This will allow for the variety of classes we offer. Cooking classes for example are better taken from home while arts/crafts classes are better suited for an in-person setting.
*Note: We will be teaching math as well as well as providing teacher support on our enrichment days - unless we are on a field trip.
Will classes be offered online or in person?
Both! 😋 While the majority of our students will be attending in-person, we will make online learning available to those who choose to stay home, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to better integrate them into the live classroom environment.
For the students who choose to learn from home, will the setup be any different from this year's distance learning?
Yes. We are investing in new technology that allows the distance learning students to be much more a part of the live classroom setting.
Our family loves to travel. May we use the distance learning option just when we are out of town?
Of course. If we've learned nothing else during this last year it's that flexibility is a must and family time is everything. That's one of the many reasons we decided to keep distance learning an option. So many of our families took advantage of the opportunity this year; we weren't ready to give up the freedom DL offers.
You may also want to travel but not connect to school during your special family time. No worries. We will provide the missed work beforehand and or after your trip; your child may submit after returning.
Is NLA offering a summer camp/program and when can we expect details?
We are working on the plans now. We are likely going to offer a 3-week session at the beginning of summer (June) and a separate 2-week session toward the end of summer (August). Additionally, we will offer one on one online tutoring for math and writing for those interested. Details forthcoming.
If Covid permits, we may also offer an outings camp (AKA Trips Camp) where we go on one fun field trip after another for 5-6 consecutive days. As we enter summer, we will have a better idea if our state is healthy enough to open the venues we typically visit during our "trips" camps.
How do you know your students are being prepared for high school?
Our team of middle school teachers boasts roughly 100 years of teaching experience, ~70 of those in middle school. Our program leaves students fully prepared, confident and successful in their transition to high school - both public and private.
Did any of your NLA students apply to private high schools and if so, how did you help them in the application process?
About 70% of our 8th grade students applied to local private school in the East Bay this year. We held a number of meetings where the heads of admissions and current high school students visited with our families in order to share what each campus offers as well as the admissions process. We have developed a lovely relationship with the heads of admissions, who have been nothing but supportive throughout the process. We carefully follow each school's requirements and adhere to all deadlines. Lastly, of course, both NLA's administration and teachers write recommendations for each student. * ALL of our students who applied to private high schools were accepted. (De la Salle High School, Carondelet High School, Bentley High School, and Stanford Online High School.
Will there be uniforms at NLA?
Yes! We are excited to offer a variety of uniforms from which to choose. Say goodbye to the morning stress of deciding what to wear! Don't worry - there will be periodic opportunities for free dress.
Does NLA offer any clubs or leadership opportunities?
Yes. We host three clubs, all set up so that any student may be a part of any or all of them. No need to try out or apply in hopes of being selected. If you are interested - you're in. Currently we have Yearbook, Community Service and Spirit Squad.
YES! The feedback we have received from our families regarding NLA's enrichment classes has been overwhelmingly positive!
As many of you know, our enrichment classes are designed to teach a variety of skills, promote physical activity, have fun and connect our students with their NLA community. We are still working on the official schedule but are planning to host 2 enrichment days per month online and the other 2 in-person. This will allow for the variety of classes we offer. Cooking classes for example are better taken from home while arts/crafts classes are better suited for an in-person setting.
*Note: We will be teaching math as well as well as providing teacher support on our enrichment days - unless we are on a field trip.
Will classes be offered online or in person?
Both! 😋 While the majority of our students will be attending in-person, we will make online learning available to those who choose to stay home, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to better integrate them into the live classroom environment.
For the students who choose to learn from home, will the setup be any different from this year's distance learning?
Yes. We are investing in new technology that allows the distance learning students to be much more a part of the live classroom setting.
Our family loves to travel. May we use the distance learning option just when we are out of town?
Of course. If we've learned nothing else during this last year it's that flexibility is a must and family time is everything. That's one of the many reasons we decided to keep distance learning an option. So many of our families took advantage of the opportunity this year; we weren't ready to give up the freedom DL offers.
You may also want to travel but not connect to school during your special family time. No worries. We will provide the missed work beforehand and or after your trip; your child may submit after returning.
Is NLA offering a summer camp/program and when can we expect details?
We are working on the plans now. We are likely going to offer a 3-week session at the beginning of summer (June) and a separate 2-week session toward the end of summer (August). Additionally, we will offer one on one online tutoring for math and writing for those interested. Details forthcoming.
If Covid permits, we may also offer an outings camp (AKA Trips Camp) where we go on one fun field trip after another for 5-6 consecutive days. As we enter summer, we will have a better idea if our state is healthy enough to open the venues we typically visit during our "trips" camps.
How do you know your students are being prepared for high school?
Our team of middle school teachers boasts roughly 100 years of teaching experience, ~70 of those in middle school. Our program leaves students fully prepared, confident and successful in their transition to high school - both public and private.
Did any of your NLA students apply to private high schools and if so, how did you help them in the application process?
About 70% of our 8th grade students applied to local private school in the East Bay this year. We held a number of meetings where the heads of admissions and current high school students visited with our families in order to share what each campus offers as well as the admissions process. We have developed a lovely relationship with the heads of admissions, who have been nothing but supportive throughout the process. We carefully follow each school's requirements and adhere to all deadlines. Lastly, of course, both NLA's administration and teachers write recommendations for each student. * ALL of our students who applied to private high schools were accepted. (De la Salle High School, Carondelet High School, Bentley High School, and Stanford Online High School.
Will there be uniforms at NLA?
Yes! We are excited to offer a variety of uniforms from which to choose. Say goodbye to the morning stress of deciding what to wear! Don't worry - there will be periodic opportunities for free dress.
Does NLA offer any clubs or leadership opportunities?
Yes. We host three clubs, all set up so that any student may be a part of any or all of them. No need to try out or apply in hopes of being selected. If you are interested - you're in. Currently we have Yearbook, Community Service and Spirit Squad.
As more questions come in, we will
add them to our Q & A page. Stay tuned!
Noble Learning Academy
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