OUR HIGH SCHOOL
We are committed to educating tomorrow’s global thinkers, creative problem solvers, and talented visual and performing artists. A NESA education fosters individualized learning opportunities for collaboration, expression, and personal growth. We believe that high school students are most successful when they learn in an environment surrounded by other kind, curious, and passionate people. As the only independent school for the arts in the greater Upper Valley region, we provide 100 students in grades 9-12 with immersive arts experiences in a college preparatory setting.
“A NESA education places each student at the center of their educational journey. Our STEAM-centered curriculum integrates students’ artistic interests through a personalized course of study. The City Campus Model provides valuable learning outside of the classroom and promotes students’ community connections through internship, volunteer, and extended learning opportunities.”
– Head of School Jennifer Chambers
Student-Directed Learning
NESA students are the primary stakeholders in their own educational experience. By working with each student to understand their passions and curiosities, we create an individualized course of study, and applied learning opportunities to empower each student’s growth.
Integrated Curriculum
No more relegating artistic ambition to after-school hours. NESA’s integrated curriculum is designed to harness student creativity throughout the school day. In contrast to the traditionally siloed educational model, our project-based approach empowers students to connect learning across disciplines.
City Campus Model
Our City Campus in downtown Lebanon, NH allows students to easily and frequently apply their learning beyond the classroom. The resulting job, volunteer, internship, and performance opportunities develop NESA students into caring community stewards.
Supportive Community
NESA students receive personalized attention from caring, professional instructors. The instructor team meets weekly to discuss each student’s academic, artistic, and social-emotional growth. We approach education with a growth mindset and view our students as whole people.
Graduation Requirements
While each artistic discipline has its own graduation requirements and competencies, all NESA students complete core graduation requirements.
English – 4 credits
Social Studies – 4 credits
Mathematics – 3 credits
Performing and Studio Arts – 3 credits
Science & Technology – 3 credits
World Languages – 2 credits
Physical Education – 1 credit
Health Education – 0.5 credit
A Day in the Life
Every day is full of creativity, collaboration, and problem solving on NESA’s City Campus. Our project-based, integrated curriculum encourages students to connect their learning across disciplines in contrast to the traditionally siloed educational model. Custom internship experiences with our community partners allow students to apply their learning in the real world and gain critical life, work, and industry experience.
Sample Schedule
8:30-9:15 am – English
9:15-10:00 am – Social Studies
10:00-10:45 – Math
10:45-11:30 – Science
11:30-12:00 – Lunch
12:00-12:45 – Ballet 1 A
12:45-1:30 – Concepts of Choreography
1:30-3:00 – Floor Barre & Understanding your Instrument
3:00-5:00 – Internship at Lebanon Opera House
Community Partners
A NESA education is designed to provide valuable learning outside of the classroom and promote students’ community connections. With NESA’s classrooms just steps away from top-tier visual and performing arts organizations in downtown Lebanon, our City Campus means that students can easily pursue afterschool internships and volunteer opportunities or catch a show or exhibit in the heart of a vibrant, artistic community. We are grateful to partner with the following community organizations across the Upper Valley.
Professional Praise for New England School of the Arts.
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Bruce Adolphe
Famous conductor, composer and educator emphasizes the importance of integrating the arts are into core academic subject areas.
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Natascia Diaz
Broadway actor, dancer, singer, & teacher expresses why an arts-based education is more important than ever.
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Emily Saliers
American singer-songwriter from the Indigo Girls speaks to why an arts-based education is essential.