MISSION: The mission statement projects the range of educational opportunities at University School, giving particular attention and focus to the school’s commitment to high standards, technology, innovation, and classroom atmosphere. The mission additionally emphasizes the defining model of a University School education in addressing the personal needs of learners as they are prepared for post secondary education.
University School of Nova Southeastern University is a pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, independent college preparatory school that provides a challenging and personalized education within a supportive environment for students of average to gifted abilities. Our students are prepared for productive lives and leadership roles through a program that focuses on academic excellence, extracurricular participation and service to others.
Nova Southeastern University admits students of any race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, nondisqualifying disability, religion or creed, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school, and does not discriminate in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
VISION: The vision statement, prepared by the Headmaster, provides a framework for future directions and helps to further define the character and traits of University School.
Our vision is to be a nationally renowned university-based independent college preparatory school recognized for innovation and excellence in teaching and learning.
BELIEFS: University School provides a unique learning experience for its pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade students. The school is committed to its philosophical beliefs as it prepares students for college and effective citizenship beyond the college years.
University School accepts the premise that each child is unique in ability, talent and learning style. The school recognizes its responsibility in creating an appropriate and caring learning environment for each student, one that is marked by high expectation, where students master skills and knowledge, improve their ability to think critically, and develop a sense of civic responsibility.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING: Through an ongoing process of evaluation and planning, University School implements select changes and modifications that foster its continuing levels of effectiveness. These plans are articulated in the University School Strategic Plan. The planning process is driven by the ideals the school establishes as its central purpose. Decisions are made on the basis of careful analysis and evaluation, where identified goals and objectives are further refined in order to maintain quality. This activity is an ongoing and cyclical endeavor in which all constituents are represented and involved.
University School Initiatives For Excellence Include:
STUDENT LEARNING AND INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY: contains critical initiatives concerned with students’ effective academic, affective and physical growth according to standards of excellence.
Continue to develop and refine the program of teaching and learning through effective instructional methods at all levels commensurate with school mission and philosophy (SACS School Improvement Plan).
Review and revise standing curriculum to reflect current needs of students and programs; develop an authentic curriculum map; create essential questions for content strands.
Increase dialogue among faculty between divisions, with specific attention to instructional pedagogy and authentic, data-driven assessment.
Increase the quantity and quality of academic dialogue between faculty and students, as well as the accessibility of faculty to teacher/student interaction, in order to maintain a high level of personalization in instruction.
Develop and align PK-12th grade learning literacy program for specialized populations (learning resource, basic learners) founded on developmentally appropriate practices with graduated systems of student and parental support.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: focuses upon the development of institutional human resource capital.
In conjunction with NSU funding and policies, and as driven by the school’s mission and philosophy and an established list of core propositions and accomplished practices; hire, evaluate, monitor, maintain, and enable professional development for administrators, faculty and staff.
To promote individual professional development for faculty and staff.
Promote best practice in the classroom.
Foster action research in our role as a campus-based lab school at Nova Southeastern University.
STUDENT LIFE: seeks ways and means to provide for the “whole child” with focus on programs that address needs in nonacademic settings with goals that address student interaction, character development and personal growth.
Enhance the quantity and quality of athletics, clubs, activities and extra-curricular opportunities at all levels
Increase types and levels of interscholastic athletics to include the implementation of a football program, along with the formulation of mission statements for athletics and extra-curricular activities.
Continue the implementation of a comprehensive character education program by articulating a curriculum and implementing a cohesive scope and sequence of learning outcomes.
Develop specific opportunities to address wellness and life-skills through health, guidance and physical education.
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT: contains critical initiatives concerned with the school’s physical plant and fiscal viability and stability in a competitive market and within the university community.
Develop a spacious, developmentally appropriate, and technologically advanced campus through the retrofitting of existing buildings and the construction of new facilities and infrastructure, and effectively communicate to all constituencies the benefits of a University School education.
Perform a needs assessment analysis to determine what facilities need to change in order to maintain a successful school in a competitive market.
Complete a major gift campaign, as needed, to generate funding for projects not supported by NSU. These would include new and renovated buildings, athletic and arts facilities, common grounds, etc.
Improve internal and external client satisfaction through more effective communication and empowerment of positive parental opportunities.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL: contains initiatives concerned with internal and external interactions and integrations with the NSU community and the larger society and the constituents University School.
Increase and/or improve students’ learning experiences associated with community outreach, community service, and civic responsibility.
Design pre-k through five programs aimed at raising awareness of the needs of the elderly, issues of child abuse and neglect, homelessness and drug awareness.
Collaborate with NSU to enrich the curriculum and build awareness of opportunities available at NSU.
Design a series of writing programs for the purpose of allowing students in pre-k through 12th grade an outlook for expression about issues involving the community.
Develop a pre-k through 12th grade program aimed at expanding U school’s relationship with the international community.
Develop mechanisms to train students in life skills to prepare them for the real world.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: contains initiatives concerned with the use and application of administrative, professional, instructional and communication, information and marketing technologies as related to students, parents, faculty, staff and administration.
Expand and refine uses and applications of emerging technologies for administrative tasks, professional operations and instructional methodologies with a focus upon effectiveness and efficiency.
Expand and enhance uses for communication, dissemination of information, and marketing via the University School Internet Site in conjunction with the NSU web page process.
Improve the quantity and quality and enhance the nature of computer applications (hardware and software) used for instructional purposes for all levels with a focus upon innovation and implementation in the classroom.
Develop and provide course offerings at all grade levels for the purpose of equipping students and faculty with the necessary training and use of technology.
Develop a pre-K through 12th grade scope and sequence for technology instruction with an emphasis on integrated learning and applicable life skills.
Accreditations and Memberships
University School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, by the Florida Council of Independent Schools, by the Florida Kindergarten Council, and by the Association of Independent Schools of Florida.
University School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Educational Records Bureau, The College Entrance Examination Board, the National Association of College Admission Counseling, the National Association of Laboratory Schools and the American Camping Association.