We are a progressive, socially conscious, college preparatory high school that is small by design, academically and emotionally supportive, and community oriented. We provide an inspiring space for a diverse group of students and teachers to grow. Together, we:

• Foster intellectual and inquiring learners

• Discover our unique identity and place in the world

• Develop social awareness that impels us to action

• Prepare for college and for life

We believe that:

• education is a basic human right.

• every student has unique gifts and talents, and is deserving of respect.

• the relationships between teachers and students are the foundation of all classroom learning.

• as the world’s cultures interact more closely, an understanding and appreciation of our differences comes through the conscious endeavor of learning.

• students need freedom to explore, safety to question, opportunity to develop an individual style and personality, and the confidence to reach for and trust rather than fear the new and different our world has to offer.

• students grow intellectually from accomplishment and mastery, as much from thinking critically and thoughtfully as from finding the right answer.

• a caring and safe community allows for individuality while stressing each person’s responsibility to the school community as well as to the larger community in which we live.

• students should be provided the tools to meet the demands of tomorrow’s world.

• teachers should be enthusiastic and creative in their daily duties, patient with their students, and open to improvement.

• teachers must be models as lifelong learners, of both subject matter and educational research, and must be flexible and open to change.

• teachers should demand high standards from their students, as well as from themselves and their colleagues.

• communication between faculty, faculty and students, faculty and families serves to support academic, social, ethical and emotional growth.

• education must help students develop the imagination to understand and celebrate the art, literature, and music that expand human horizons beyond the demands of daily living.

• students learn best in an encouraging and compassionate school community where diverse learning styles are celebrated, mutual respect and caring and kindness are expected, rules are thoughtful and firm but not rigid, and when physical health, and sobriety are encouraged.

• perseverance and consistent effort lead to growth and joy.

Upon graduation, most Nora students are prepared to undertake post-secondary education at a program of their choosing.  They have developed strong academic habits, including organization and time management, responsiveness to deadlines, and the ability to work in diverse groups. They are aware of their own strengths and challenges as learners and as people, and understand what is necessary to find the kind of success for which they strive.

Having succeeded in our academic program, graduates are able to write formally, gather and interpret data, make in-person presentations, and express themselves in at least one art form. They are conversant in the tools of the early 21st century as they relate to their learning and how to communicate their knowledge, insights and perspectives.

Having succeeded in other areas of our program, graduates will value their role in a community and the world, and will have an appreciation for the value of service. They will understand how to live in a healthy way, both in terms of nutrition and other choices, as well as through their participation in a team sport. Graduates will understand how conflicts can be resolved peacefully, and the benefits of doing so. They will have a history of practicing mindfulness, and of working within an accepting, cooperative community. Having had to balance freedom and responsibility, graduates will understand the consequences of the various choices with which they will be faced when they are living on their own.

Most Nora graduates attend small, liberal arts colleges, art schools or community colleges. Not all will go immediately after graduation, and some may choose to never extend their formal education. All Nora students, however, leave the school better prepared for college and for life in ways that are definable and sometimes immeasurable.