New Village Academy is a public school of choice within AACPS so any student going into grades 9-12 who lives in Anne Arundel County can attend. Our first-year enrollment will 170 students (increasing each year until we serve 270 students in Year 4).   Immigration status does not affect admission to New Village Academy. We welcome families of all backgrounds, languages, religions, identities, shapes and sizes. 

We offer the same school meals as other public schools, provided by AACPS, using the same lunch numbers.  Students can, of course, also bring their own lunch.  In our intended location at Annapolis Mall, after a student’s first three months, students who have demonstrated that they are ready for the responsibility of representing NVA in the Mall can earn the privilege of “Food Court Fridays,” as long as they demonstrate excellent conduct in the Mall and return to class on time.

Yes! We have a school nurse and a full-time school counselor. Additional services are provided by consultants or by our community partners.  After our first year, we plan to share our space in the Mall with a School-Based Health Center and to provide wraparound physical and mental health services, as well as student internships and shared community action projects!  

NVA students earn credit differently than in traditional high schools, working toward mastery of academic, personal, career, and life skills, as demonstrated in their portfolios, not by just doing “seat time” in classes for a semester (and too often being passed along without actually learning).  Students are more accountable to mastering each “Competency” or skill, but can do it in a variety of ways:  through blended learning, whole class teacher-led learning, internships and apprenticeships, online coursework (though we are NOT a virtual school), afterschool programs, and college coursework for dual credit – earning high school credit and college credit at the same time.  Many students will start in structured class settings and build their capacity for self-directed learning over time. 

Because we are a part of AACPS, we have developed a conversion system so that their portfolio-based Competency scoring earns them credits that look much the same on their external-facing transcripts and transfer to other school districts or other AACPS schools seamlessly.  Our diploma is recognized by AACPS and by colleges and universities just like any other public high school diploma. 

Yes, of course! Every public school, including charters, is bound by law to meet the IEP provisions of each student enrolled.  At New Village Academy, our personalized learning model allows for students with a diversity of learning styles to thrive and we will have certified special education teachers working with students with IEPs as needed.   Because we are a small school, some students with intensive or complex needs may find they have access to more comprehensive programming in a larger school with more capacity to provide specialized services.  Our staff and the AACPS Special Education Team will work with individual families to support them with all the information they need to make the best choice for their student’s particular needs.  

Yes! Lots! Because we have access to public transportation, a more flexible schedule, and “the City of Annapolis as our classroom,” students will be out in the real world, often on a weekly basis, collaborating with local government, doing community service projects, job shadowing, and, once they show readiness, independently working in internships or apprenticeships and community college courses.  

We are leveraging the amazing arts community of Annapolis, including a partnership with Maryland Hall, for artist residencies embedded in our Community Action projects.  We will have student clubs, physical education, and a variety of activities at school, both during and after the school day AND we will use “Annapolis as our Classroom” to provide a whole city’s-worth of exciting programs and opportunities.

We will have some sports teams, based on student interest, but will not have as many teams, or be as competitive in sports as some high schools because of our size and location.  We also actively facilitate student-athlete participation in community sports teams. 

Families are expected to be much MORE engaged at New Village than in traditional high schools. Every student’s enrollment starts with a Family Home Visit by their Crew leader and another NVA staff member to begin building the strong relationships that create a supportive team for each young person.  Families know their child’s Crew leader well and communicate regularly.  Parents are key members of their student’s Navigation Team, meeting 3-4 times a year to hear their student present their work portfolio, ask questions that challenge and support, and help them establish goals for the next quarter and for their future.  Family members are also expected to attend Celebrations of Learning and Gateway Ceremonies- where students present and celebrate their learning and growth.

Yes!  We have in-person “Discover NVA!” Events each month during the School Year at the Discoveries Library in Annapolis Mall. We are also hosting tables at Annapolis area events throughout the year. Follow us on social media (@NewVillageAnnapolis) and join our mailing list here to stay up to date on events.   You are also welcome to call or text (410-216-4626) or email us at info@newvillageacademy.org any time!