General Questions About The School

How culturally diverse is the student body in Nova?

NOVA is a multiculturally diverse environment, with students coming from more than 40 different countries and nationalities. Half of the student population is comprised of host country students, while the other half consists of students from the US, EU member countries, and other third countries.

Where is the school located?

The school is located near the city center of Skopje, within a 10 minute driving distance, in a safe and easily accessible neighborhood. You can learn more about the ways to contact us on this link

How many faculty and staff members work in the school?

The High School division is comprised of 40 full-time faculty and 10 part-time faculty members. You can learn more about our faculty and staff members on this link

The Middle School division is comprised of 19 full-time faculty and 1 part time faculty member. You can learn more about our faculty and staff members on this link

The Elementary School division is comprised of 34 full-time faculty and 1 part time faculty member. You can learn more about our faculty and staff members on this link

The Early Education Center employs 11 full-time faculty and 1 part time faculty member. You can learn more about our faculty and staff members on this link

What are the school hours?

Classes in the Early Education, Elementary and Middle School divisions start at 08:00 am and finish at 3:10 pm.Wednesday is an early release day for students, with classes finishing at 2.10 pm due to the Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions for faculty. Learn more about the school day in the EMS on this link

Classes in the High School division start at 8.15 am and finish at 3.10 pm. Wednesday is an early release day for students, with classes finishing at 2.10 pm due to the Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions for faculty. Learn more about the school day in the Nova HS on this link.

Do Nova students wear uniforms?

Nova students are not required to wear a uniform; however, they are obliged to abide by the school’s dress code policy, as outlined in the Student-Parent Handbook [link]. We would like our learners to make decisions about themselves and who they are before they enter the wider world where responsibility and consequences are paramount. Particularly in high school, freedom of expression and self-identity are deemed key to the developmental process.

What happens at the beginning of a new academic year?

The beginning of a new academic year marks the start of a transition into a new community. As such, we have developed a New Student Orientation Program where we welcome our newcomers to their new space and new global family.

Are Nova parents and alums encouraged to take active part in the school?

Nova has an active Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) –link and we are continually looking to expand. We welcome parental engagement as parents are crucial partners in the learning process. Additionally, we have a growing alumni organization link which contributes to the growth of the school and the networks that support us.

Curriculum

What is the curriculum students in the ES follow?

NOVA ES uses the framework of the US Common Core standards for English and Math, and the International Primary Curriculum for Science, History, Geography, and Creative Arts. Mathematics is taught using the Math in Focus program and literacy is taught through the Reader's and Writer's workshop model. Cross-curricular, thematic units are carefully planned, with homeroom and specialty teachers working together to ensure deeper learning for all our students.

What is the curriculum students in the MS follow?

Nova’s Middle School students prepare for the demands of high school using the structure of the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) and Common Core Standards. Students are expected to master English and mathematics objectives set forth by the Common Core Standards for each grade level. For subjects such as History, Geography, Art, and Physical Education, objectives were formulated by the creators of the IMYC. Students are evaluated as “Beginning,” “Developing,” or “Mastering” for each objective. The use of standards ensures a steady progression of knowledge and skills throughout the middle school years.

What is the curriculum that HS students follow? What will be my diploma called when I graduate from NOVA?

Nova’s High School curriculum is based on the Common Core Standards (adapted in some courses), and also offers the widely accepted and recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, the Advanced Placement Program, and traditional core programs alongside electives. Upon graduation, each student is awarded a NOVA Diploma. In addition, IBDP students are awarded an IBO Diploma, following a successful completion of the program requirements. Qualifying AP students are awarded an Advanced Placement International Diploma.

What languages are taught in Nova?

Nova offers a diverse range of language classes including Spanish, French, German, and Italian from beginning to advanced levels of proficiency.

Is the school accredited?

The school is accredited through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS), the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and the College Board (Advanced Placement). NOVA also has a national verification through the Macedonian Ministry of Education and Science for its high school program, and an approval for its elementary and middle school program, as well as national verification through the Macedonian Ministry for Labor and Social Affairs for its early education program. Finally, it is a member of the Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) and is a US Department of State assisted school. Learn more about Nova’s accreditations and affiliations on this link.

What is the Advanced Placement (AP) program?

The AP program offers college-level courses and exams, so that the student can work toward earning college credit or advanced placement while attending high school. AP courses at NOVA bear a resemblance to university level courses - they expect students to be motivated and self-directed learners, to participate in intense discussions, to apply the material to everyday life, to participate in collaborative problem solving, and to develop clear and persuasive writing skills. NOVA offers a choice of about twenty AP courses each year, sufficient for all students to either pursue their own interests or discover new passions. More than 90 percent of four-year colleges in the United States and in 60 other countries award college credit to AP students, allow advanced placement, or both, on the basis of how well they do on the AP exams. The AP exams are administered every May at NOVA to those students who enroll in or register for a corresponding AP course. Learn more about the AP program on this link

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program?

The IB Diploma Program is a rigorous two-year program administered in the last two years of high school, with final exams completed at the end of grade 12. Students choose 6 two-year classes in Language A, Language B, Societies and Individuals, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts. The arts category can be replaced with another science, social studies, or language study. In May of 12^th grade, students sit for exams. Along with the six subjects, students complete requirements in a Theory of Knowledge course, CAS (Creativity, Action, Service), and write a 4,000 word research paper on a topic of their choice. Students will receive points depending on exam results and quality of other requirements. These points are used by universities to determine acceptance. The IB Diploma Program promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and rigorous academics. IB graduates tend to be more than sufficiently prepared for the challenges of universities.

Financial Assistance & Services

How much does it cost to attend Nova?

Nova uses a two-tiered tuition model, with two levels of tuition, reduced and regular. For more information on how these levels of tuitions are assessed and who they apply to, please visit the following link. Information about the Nova tuition (for both regular and reduced fees for the academic 2018/2019) can be accessed on these links (regular tuition), (reduced tuition).

What if I want to attend NOVA but can't afford the full cost of tuition? How does one apply for financial assistance?

Students who attend NOVA pay tuition and fees to cover expenses for classroom instruction, textbooks, and standardized evaluations (except external testing services). Scholarships and financial aid are available to students who meet the admission requirements and demonstrate need. An example of this is the Boris Trajkovski-NOVA scholarship program. Learn more about the financial assistance programs on this link

Does Nova provide a school bus service?

Yes, the bus service is contracted out to the company Transportation Service, intended for the transportation of our students. You can learn more about the bus service, how to sign up for this service, and the fees on this link.

Is there a lunch program in Nova?

Yes, the hot meal program is contracted out to the company Exima, and the majority of Elementary and Middle School students sign up for our Hot Meal and Snack menu, and they thoroughly enjoy the choice of tasty dishes prepared by the Cafeteria staff. Learn more about the program, and how to sign up for it on this link.

Admissions

EMS Admissions: How to start the application process?

All applications are submitted electronically, on the following admissions Open Apply portal https://nova.openapply.com/parents/sign_up

EMS Admissions: Does your school use any form of assessment before admitting a student?

Yes, applicants are required to take the Measure of Academic Progress test (MAP). The MAP test is an adaptive test which assesses Reading, Language Use and Mathematics. MAP is administered to students in grades 3-9. The benefit of the MAP test is that each student is treated differently, allowing teachers to see their students as individuals – each with their own base of knowledge. The test is aligned to curriculum standards that NOVA has adopted.

EMS Admissions: Is it possible for a student to be admitted after the start of the school year?

Yes, being an international school, NOVA allows enrollment throughout the school year, provided there is available space.

EMS Admissions: When is the deadline for applying?

Normally, the admission process for the upcoming school year starts in January. There is no specific deadline. However, there is a limit to the number of students that we can accept. For more information on the admissions policy and deadlines, visit the following link.

EMS Admissions: In which language are the classes taught and what is the official language of the school?

English is the official medium of instruction and social interaction in the school, with the exception of native language and foreign language classes.

EMS Admissions: How many students are there in the classes?

The maximum number of students per group is different for different grade levels. In the Early Education Center we accept up to 16 students per group. In the Elementary and Middle school we accept up to 18 students in K, and up to 20 students in grades 1-8.

EMS Admissions: What kind of documents are required for the admission process?

The following documents are required for the admission process:

-online application form

-previous academic records

-teacher recommendation

-health form

EMS Admissions: Are students required to wear school uniforms?

Students are not required to wear school uniforms except for the Physical Education and Dance classes, which is a sport uniform.

EMS Admissions: Is the campus closed and is my child allowed to leave the campus without permission?

The campus is closed. Students are not allowed to leave the campus without permission from a parent or guardian, who needs to come and pick them up.

HS Admissions : Can interested families arrange for a visit in Nova?

Yes, they need to call the school at 3061-807 ext. 106 or send a message at admissions@nova.edu.mk. Another option for scheduling a school tour is through our admissions Open_Apply portal (accessible here).

HS Admissions : When does the admission process start?

It is up to the family to decide when they should begin their application process. Usually families do this as early as February of the current year for the upcoming school year. Currently, on the admissions Open Apply portal (accessible here) the next two academic years are open for admissions.

HS Admissions : How do I start the application process?

All applications are submitted electronically on the following admissions Open Apply portal https://nova.openapply.com/parents/sign_up

HS Admissions : Do students need to complete any tests and interview before they are admitted at NOVA?

Yes, students first need to sit for a MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) test, which assesses English reading, language usage and math ability. Following the diagnostic test, student complete a short written prompt and are interviewed by a guidance counselor. If the student resides outside the country, a Skype interview as well as a date for administering the MAP test upon a student’s arrival are arranged.

HS Admissions : When will families learn of the admissions decision?

The admissions committee determines the admission cycle, accessible here. As soon as candidates complete the process they will be notified by the admissions office in writing, according to the following schedule:

- Mid April: early admissions deadline

- Mid May: regular admissions deadline

- Mid June: (pending availability) late admissions deadline

- Summer and school year: pending availability

HS Admissions : When is the first day of school for new students?

The school year begins in the third week of August, starting with a new student orientation. The academic calendar for the following school year will be made available on the following link.

HS Admissions : What is your re-enrollment policy?

Families are asked to inform the school latest by mid-March of their future plans. As soon as the re-enrollment period ends, the school determines available seats for new students. Re-enrolment is conducted through the Open Apply admissions portal (accessible here).