Thank you 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.
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 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 greater variety than we'd be able to otherwise. These enrichment classes are designed to teach a variety of skills, promote physical activity, have fun and connect our students with their NLA community.
Will classes be offered online or in person?
BOTH! While the majority of our students will be attending in-person, we make online learning available to those who choose to stay home, are sick or traveling - utilizing state-of-the-art technology to better integrate them into the live classroom environment.
For the students who choose to learn from home, how will it be different that the traditional Zoom classes?
We have invested in new technology that allows the distance learning students to be much more a part of the live classroom setting. Our cameras capture 360° panoramic view of the classroom as well as sound. Instead of the online student only viewing the teacher or whiteboard, the student can see and hear the entire class. Conversely, the entire class sees and interacts with the student on our large monitors.
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 these last few years 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 take advantage of the opportunity to travel in the off season.
You may also want to travel but not connect to school during your special family time. No worries. We will provide the work beforehand and/or after your trip; your child may submit after returning.
How do you know your students are being prepared for high school?
Our team of middle school teachers boasts over 100 years of teaching experience, ~80 of those in middle school. Our program leaves students fully prepared, confident and successful in their transition to high school - both public and private.
Have any of your NLA students applied to private high schools and if so, how did you help them in the application process?
Each year, a number of our 8th grade students apply to local private schools in the East Bay. We have developed a lovely relationship with several 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. * Among the schools our graduates have been accepted are De la Salle High School, Carondelet High School, Bentley Upper School, The Athenian 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.
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.
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 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 greater variety than we'd be able to otherwise. These enrichment classes are designed to teach a variety of skills, promote physical activity, have fun and connect our students with their NLA community.
Will classes be offered online or in person?
BOTH! While the majority of our students will be attending in-person, we make online learning available to those who choose to stay home, are sick or traveling - utilizing state-of-the-art technology to better integrate them into the live classroom environment.
For the students who choose to learn from home, how will it be different that the traditional Zoom classes?
We have invested in new technology that allows the distance learning students to be much more a part of the live classroom setting. Our cameras capture 360° panoramic view of the classroom as well as sound. Instead of the online student only viewing the teacher or whiteboard, the student can see and hear the entire class. Conversely, the entire class sees and interacts with the student on our large monitors.
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 these last few years 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 take advantage of the opportunity to travel in the off season.
You may also want to travel but not connect to school during your special family time. No worries. We will provide the work beforehand and/or after your trip; your child may submit after returning.
How do you know your students are being prepared for high school?
Our team of middle school teachers boasts over 100 years of teaching experience, ~80 of those in middle school. Our program leaves students fully prepared, confident and successful in their transition to high school - both public and private.
Have any of your NLA students applied to private high schools and if so, how did you help them in the application process?
Each year, a number of our 8th grade students apply to local private schools in the East Bay. We have developed a lovely relationship with several 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. * Among the schools our graduates have been accepted are De la Salle High School, Carondelet High School, Bentley Upper School, The Athenian 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!
add them to our Q & A page. Stay tuned!
Noble Learning Academy
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