2019 NSU Fact book

2019 FACT BOOK 89 LOWER SCHOOL As part of the Lower School learning experience, faculty members oŒer varied opportunities for all students to think on critical levels and apply creative problem-solving skills through individual and small- group projects, discussions and debates, and experien- tial activities. Teachers use instructional technology in the classroom to enrich all areas of the curriculum. Lower School students acquire experience through hands-on activities and exposure to the arts, athletics, and academic excellence. Students reinforce their social skills and learn about community responsibilities through the Character Education Program and the social environment of the Lower School. One unique component of NSU University School’s Lower School is the Dr. Elizabeth Brennan Center for Academic Success, an early intervention program that provides a special- ized academic program for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle school is an exciting time for early adolescents as they begin to transition from the intermediate learning levels to high school-level academics. The rigorous academic program provided at the Middle School addresses individual needs and oŒers both developmentally appropriate middle school courses and an opportunity for advanced students to acceler- ate their schedules. When appropriate, some of our highest-achieving students take Upper School-level courses in math and science. The Middle School recognizes the critical social- emotional elements necessary for this age group to be academically successful. A specially designed advisory program extends the typical school guidance functions to the classroom level, helping students face some of the hurdles of adolescence—time manage- ment, decision making, academic scheduling, personal organization, interpersonal skills, and peer pressure. UPPER SCHOOL Academic classes are oŒered at the basic, regular, honors, advanced placement, and advanced topic levels. The arts and athletic programs oŒer competitive, educational, and skill-building programs that support a diverse student population. The Speech and Debate Team is in the top 1 percent of all speech and debate programs nationally, the music program has been represented at all-state and all-county competitions, the Robotics Team is number one in Florida for design and programming, and students in the arts have had their work displayed in the United States capital and New York City’s World Financial Center. The athletic program, recognized as one of the top programs in the region, places emphasis on the student-athlete and honors achievement both on the playing field and in the classroom. The varsity boys’ basketball and varsity swimmers won state champion- ship titles; varsity football won a regional title; and varsity boys’ soccer won districts. The combination of an excellent academic foundation and outstanding college counseling has led many NSU University School students to attend some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Experiential learning at NSU University School exposes students to a world of hands-on opportunities that enrich academic life and help them grow into confident leaders, critical thinkers, and expert problem solvers. For students in junior kindergarten through grade 12, unique experiences in collaboration with NSU include fellowships, internships, capstone projects, and more. Fellowship programs in medicine, writing and commu- nications, and law enable students to interact with NSU experts and explore their passions in depth. The Emerging Technologies Internship allows students to shadow professionals and learn 3-D printing and virtual reality applications in medicine. NSU University School students also attend the NSU Recruit a Shark Day alongside college students to secure internships, jobs, and community service opportunities from hundreds of organizations. Starting in junior kindergarten and continuing through the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, grade-level curriculum is enhanced with the infusion of experiential learning.