Why NYA?

Character, Leadership, and Wellness

“Each of my children has benefited from NYA’s small community. The teachers, coaches, staff, and peers come together to foster personal growth, as well as confidence, by providing encouragement while pushing everyone to get outside of their comfort zones. There is something special about being supported yet challenged, and we are grateful for the grounding that NYA has provided, which will serve them well in all future endeavors.”

We are committed to cultivating our core values – including respect, honesty, perseverance, compassion, and responsibility – to develop students of strong character.

We promote active, healthy lifestyle choices and teach skills necessary to manage stress, anxiety, and adversity while supporting the development of character.

The Kauffmann Program in Environmental Writing and Wilderness Exploration. From kayaking the coast of Alaska and learning about climate change to hiking in Maine and learning about stewardship in our state, we believe wilderness experiences help students dive into critical thinking, writing, positive action, leadership roles, and lifelong friendships.

Athletics and the Arts - not what you may think!

An Academic Experience Like No Other

Our youngest students begin their journey with the Montessori Method through kindergarten.

Middle School students learn to manage their time, develop study skills, and grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

We have a deep and intentional curriculum replete with a variety of offerings and accelerated class options, independent studies, and challenging electives.

Seniors work with an advisor to write and present a speech on a topic of their choice. Trust us, your future self will appreciate this experience!

Students can graduate with distinction in Global Citizenship; Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM); Music: Performance, Entrepreneurship, & Community; Outdoor & Environmental Leadership; Social Advocacy; Visual Arts; and/or Creative Writing.

Our daily schedules are carefully constructed to allow for full immersion in academics, arts, athletics, activities, and advisories –giving students time during the school day for clubs and activities, community gatherings, and meeting with teachers.

Middle and Upper School students participate in an after-school activity—athletics, musical theater, studio band, or another approved alternative—each season. We believe being part of a team is a valuable experience.

100% of students, from toddler to grade 8, take art and music. 75% of Upper School students are involved in performing and/or visual arts.

Personalized College Prep Support

Our college counseling program is so much more than you would expect! Representatives from approximately 70 colleges visit our campus to meet with students each year. The College Counseling Office partners with highly regarded college application, testing, and financing organizations to ensure all NYA families receive comprehensive and informed support, regardless of their individual needs.

For students, there are workshops with admission officers from a range of colleges, such as mock interviews, individual and group meetings, bi-weekly newsletters, personalized advising on college lists, crafting effective applications, detailed feedback on college essays, advice on standardized test prep and schedules, and support applying for financial aid and scholarships.

At NYA, every senior is treated as an individual, and the college counselor helps them to find their best college fit.