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.

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

Every teacher and student has unique gifts and talents, and is deserving of respect.

We understand and appreciate differences through conscious endeavor.

A compassionate and safe learning community allows us:

• Freedom to explore

• Safety to question

• Opportunity to develop an individual style and personality

• Confidence to reach for and trust our world

Students grow intellectually from accomplishment and mastery

We have accountability to the school and larger community

Social Consciousness:  

• Recognizes that the health of our bodies, our planet, our economy, and justice are all connected.

• Commits to each person’s unique identity with affirming language and policies that respect race, ethnicity, gender, learning difference, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and more.

• Recognizes that different points of view are valuable and that it is important to learn to speak and listen respectfully.

• Teaches civic education & engagement across all disciplines.

• Supports self-awareness, mindfulness, and opportunities for reflection.

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 shortcomings 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 have learned self-expression 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 been exposed to many concepts of Social Justice, and to its history in this country, as well as have had the opportunity to participate in a week-long trip exploring this topic first hand. 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.