Crew: Advisory home base, the anchor of the NVA school community –14 to15 students with one adult leader.

Skills Workshops: Students work on skills in Math, languages, and specific career credentials with flexible teacher instruction or independently to pass competency exams and prepare for college or career. Scheduled, interactive Math, Language, and Lit Labs also take place during this block.

Community Action Project Blocks: Students choose from a selection of project-based learning experiences built around real-world challenges each semester that match their interests and help them meet competency requirements.

WBL – Work-Based Learning (Internships): Students go directly to internship sites to learn through real-world career experiences. Younger students who have not yet found career interests or shown the responsibility to be in workplace settings stay with their Crew to engage in fieldwork, community service, career exploration, job shadowing, or other real-world learning, generally off campus.

Early Dismissal: Students without a WBL placement are dismissed at 1 pm on Wednesdays to continue learning at home or at a partner site. Teachers engage in professional development/planning during this time block.

Practical Skills: Students earn badges by learning adult life skills (First aid/CPR, cooking, car/household repair, etc.).

Pick Me Up: Whole school gatherings and cross-grade crew combinations to build community across the school.

All-Write: All students choose a topic related to projects, skills, or interest topic to write about or revise each week, to be given feedback by crew leaders or content teachers and peers.

Crew Closeout: Students and staff, working in crews, prepare the building for closing – cleaning, sweeping, vacuuming, and replenishing basic supplies.

Afterschool Options: Students and staff have the choice to stay afterschool to share athletic activities like yoga, basketball, soccer, or running, as well as Chorus, Drum Circle, Debate, Robotics, and other activities based on student and staff interest, or can participate in afterschool programs with our partner organizations.

School Council: Students, staff, and families can choose to stay after school to contribute to school decision-making.