Since graduating from NOVA in 2020, Julia has earned a degree from Boston College, worked in infectious disease research at Harvard Medical School teaching hospitals, and moved into a life sciences sales role at IDT. During a recent visit to NOVA, she had the chance to reconnect with former teachers and staff and to reflect on the school that had been part of her life for many years.

“A lot has definitely changed for me since graduating. But coming back to NOVA reminded me that, in reality, not that much has changed. It was such a pleasure to see familiar faces in the hallways and to be greeted with such enthusiasm and warmth. For 13 years of my life, NOVA was the only school I knew, and I feel very lucky to have had that experience. This school will always hold a special place in my life. Coming back brings back so many memories, and I’m always happy to visit when I have the chance.  I’m grateful to Ankica for organizing my visit and to the NOVA faculty and staff for making it so easy to come back and feel welcome. I can’t wait to visit again, see how the school continues to develop, and reconnect with the NOVA community.”

This has been an extraordinary experience for me and my education. I have met amazing people in this school; all my best friends are here. I will never forget the amazing experiences I have had here. I certainly won't forget the fun field trips, the incredible performances everyone has worked extremely hard for, the fun classes, friendly competitions, and so much more over the years. I am truly grateful for this school and the education I received! I will certainly miss all my friends and the incredible teachers who have helped me throughout the years. I would also like to give an enormous shout-out to Mrs. Olivera for her long-standing help, while ensuring I had fun.

What is special at NOVA is that the teachers are easily approachable, because whenever I have a problem during class, I can ask them for assistance. This transparency also applies to the school's administration who, through either our student body's grade representatives or through direct contact, never feel out of reach when there's a general issue with school policy. The communication between students and staff is personalized and less bureaucratic.

One of my favorite things is the wide array of extracurricular activities available, and the subsequent trips. I've participated in sports like football and basketball, but the activity which has shaped me into who I am today would have to be Knowledge Bowl, which I've attended every year of high school. I personally believe that the school's size creates an environment where no student's education ever feels unaccounted for. 

The extracurricular activities greatly strengthened my CV, which I believe created an advantage and significant foundation for all my ensuing university applications. Through the school, I participated in varied activities such as Knowledge Bowl, volleyball, helping at a NASA convention, and even had the opportunity (through the CAS program) to initiate my own project and help local stray dogs. Ultimately, such opportunities enabled me to present my best self holistically and confidently in future professional environments. One of my fondest memories was during the Week Without Walls. My best friends and I chose a week of survival on the mountain Plačkovica. Aside from learning life-saving skills such as first-aid, CPR, correct map-reading, and how to build an efficient shelter and light a lasting campfire, the experience also taught me about myself, my strengths, and my capabilities. We began our days early with a quick morning jog before initiating one of many long hikes. I remember returning to our quaint wooden cabin, enrobed in a blanket of snow, setting our boots to dry by the fireplace before preparing dinner with classmates. We typically wrapped up our days by playing card games in the common area. I can confidently say it was a rewarding adventure accompanied by great teachers and students alike.

Perhaps it is not common for students to comment on the time they have spend at NOVA. However, I strongly feel that I have to express my feelings about NOVA now that I am heading off to a new adventure. It has been my privilege and a rewarding experience to spend almost four spectacular years at this extraordinary school. NOVA has managed to create a nurturing environment and a diverse student body which tries to excel and to be inquisitive, compassionate about learning and open minded. NOVA has truly given me the opportunity to cherish and appreciate a diverse and international community and an excellent academic education. Furthermore, NOVA's collaborative working environment empowered me to grow emotionally and artistically. NOVA's Middle School facilities include a beautiful new building, which makes all students, parents and staff feel comfortable and welcome. Yet, a school is not just a fancy building, but it is created by people who may or may not make a difference. This is what makes NOVA special, teachers make a difference and they deeply care about their students and want them to succeed! I was more than fortunate to have had some very inspiring and excellent teachers who have influenced and inspired me not just for the time at NOVA, but also for my future.

“My time at NOVA has been instrumental in my academic and career achievements as well as my personal development. Being challenged by the most rigorous courses available to high school students has set me up on a path of lifelong learning, and being mentored by international and thought-provoking faculty expanded my critical thinking and communication skills. My advice for students is to live intentionally as much as possible - in the classes they choose, with the people they meet, and the experiences they craft for themselves.”

After studying at five different schools across the globe, I have found NOVA to be a haven of inspiration. NOVA teaches everyone (students, teachers, and administration) how to be a decent person in society; one filled with knowledge and a thirst to know more. This institution has made me a part of its family, which is why I truly appreciate its welcoming atmosphere. I wish the best of luck to future generations and courage to the brilliant scholarship students I have met here, as I know NOVA is heading toward perfection.

NOVA gradually helped me develop and realize my potential, and I believe that is the most important thing a school can do for you. 

The social and academic experiences during the four years I spent at NOVA had me ready for the immense challenges I face today, and to this day, I cannot truly express the gratitude I owe to the people who got me where I am.

Education is the essential component of who we are, the image in which others perceive us. Therefore, an education with high standards can broaden our horizons and shape us into a person who is ready to cope with today’s urban and global living. In that sense, I was happy to be a Nova graduate student and even happier to realize the importance of that experience afterward. I cannot help but be grateful to the Nova faculty that prepared me for the intense and demanding American educational system.

Nova is a highly professional educational institution, with its faculty and staff's extraordinary devotion, passion, and vision, and has made its mark, not just in Macedonia, but worldwide, and has grown to be one of the top recognizable educational institutions. I’m happy and honored to be part of this amazing generation, which was given the opportunity to learn, share and gain a tremendous amount of knowledge, life skills, and care for the community, through diversity regardless of background, culture and ethnicity, or other “labels”. I’m happy to consider them all my brothers and sisters, now living all around the globe.  

I'm proud that we all experienced the "sunny & rainy" days together. Those moments helped us grow and develop into the people we are today, professionally and privately, to become better executives, colleagues, spouses, parents, friends, citizens of the world, and among all human beings...

Last but not least, I would like to extend my gratitude to Mrs. Venera Novakovska and her great family, as a graduate 2004 student, and co-chair of the NOVA Alumni Association, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You made us all your children, shared your wisdom, planted the "seed" that we are all born leaders, made sure we take care of our roots, and taught us how to spread our wings and not be afraid to fly...

“It’s indeed very hard to say goodbye and leave the school. Being a part of the NOVA family has been a true privilege for our family, and we’ll keep only positive memories. We searched for schools online, and NOVA stood out for having the clearest, most helpful information compared to any other school we found. The admissions and accounts teams made us feel welcome before we had even arrived. For a family new to the country, that support meant a lot! One of the highlights was NOVA’s international curricula, and the student community comprised of domestic and foreign students.

Our biggest worry was how our children would fit in the new environment. They arrived with almost no English and had never communicated with children from other countries. We should not have worried. Everyone at NOVA did their best to help them settle in, and we slowly watched their confidence grow, along with their language skills and their ability to connect with others. Today, they have very close friends, and they loved going to school every single day. We are thankful to everyone involved in creating such a welcoming and caring environment. Beyond the learning, we hope that our children carry what they learned about being kind to everyone throughout their lives. If you are a family considering NOVA, we recommend choosing it. You will find an environment that cares for your children as much as it teaches them.”

"Looking back on the past four years, we realize how fortunate we have been to be part of the NOVA School community. What began as a new chapter for our family soon became a place where we felt welcomed, supported, understood, and truly at home.

You have each contributed, in your own unique way, to the growth and development of Mia and Elena. Beyond academic knowledge, you helped them build confidence, curiosity, resilience, kindness, and a genuine love for learning. Perhaps even more importantly, you helped create an environment where they felt safe, valued, and happy to come to school every day. As parents, there is no greater comfort than knowing that your children are surrounded by people who genuinely care about them. Throughout these years, we have felt that care, dedication, and commitment from every member of your team. The joy Mia and Elena felt when going to school each morning was never a coincidence. It was the result of the warmth, professionalism, patience, encouragement, and kindness that each of you brought into their lives. For that, we will always be grateful. You have set a very high standard for what a school community should be, and we know that wherever life takes us next, NOVA will remain the benchmark against which all future experiences will be measured. As we prepare for a new chapter, we carry with us wonderful memories, valuable lessons, and deep appreciation for all of you. Thank you for being such an important part of our family’s journey. We wish each of you continued success, good health, happiness, and fulfillment in both your personal and professional lives. May you continue inspiring children and families with the same dedication, care, and passion that have made NOVA so special. Please know that you will always hold a special place in our hearts. With sincere gratitude and warmest wishes,” Tihana and Mladen Putin

As a mother of two children at NOVA, one of whom is a graduate student at the Leiden University political science department, I’m truly grateful for our experience at NOVA International School. The high academic standards, dedicated faculty, and inclusive international community have provided both of my children with an excellent foundation for future success.

The school’s emphasis on the International Baccalaureate learner profile stands out the most. Students are growing into compassionate, principled, and reflective individuals. The teachers foster not only academic excellence but also critical thinking, curiosity, and a global perspective, encouraging them to explore, question, and connect their learning to the world around them. 

We sincerely appreciate the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence in education. Being part of such a nurturing, forward-thinking, and internationally minded community has been an incredibly positive experience for our family.

Having experienced international schools in Turkey, Slovenia, The Netherlands and Brazil, we highly recommend NOVA as an academic institution of highest quality that not only guaranties enrollment to the worlds top universities but is also a home to our children and a space where next to their academic excellence they practice and build their networking abilities and socializing skills,  tools that are of an outmost importance to their educational and personal future.

"We have always regarded NOVA as a top international school in the country, but our experience has exceeded expectations. Compared to other schools we briefly attended, NOVA provides more structured academic guidance, superior services, and a more supportive environment, right down to the smallest details, like drinking water. There’s a saying in China: ‘Education is a matter of conscience.’ Teaching depends on heartfelt dedication, and that is why we hold great respect for NOVA’s teachers and staff. We feel fortunate to be part of this community and will continue to recommend the school as the best choice for children’s education." 

Before arriving in North Macedonia, we did our research and learned that NOVA was the best school in the country. We contacted the school through a friend. Our online meeting with Senior Admissions Coordinator Natasha Mitevska gave us the confidence we needed, and we made the right decision to join NOVA.

When our daughter started school, she didn't know English. Therefore, the school prepared an additional academic plan that provided us with all the necessary details. Third-grade teacher Teuta Jashari gave our daughter special attention, and support teacher Marina Novakoska gave her individual lessons. The plan was successful; our daughter quickly learned English, integrated well into her class, and made good friends.

We consider NOVA to be a warm and trustworthy family. The director, Ivan Novakovski, is attentive, friendly, and welcoming. Elementary School Principal Julie Sturman-Cox greets the children every morning, embracing them with love, and keeps a watchful eye on them until the lessons conclude. To all parents considering NOVA, rest assured - a high-quality and safe education awaits you.

We'd recommend choosing NOVA because it balances academic rigor with emotional and social development. It has a supportive environment where teachers encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Key aspects of a good education include a well-structured curriculum, opportunities for hands-on learning, strong teacher-student relationships, and a focus on values like respect and resilience. Additionally, parental involvement and open communication with the school are crucial for a child’s success. A great school doesn’t just teach subjects—it helps shape confident, well-rounded individuals ready for future challenges. We will miss the teachers and everything that the school means.

As a proud father, I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to the entire NOVA family for the invaluable role you have played in my son Antoni’s life and education. From his earliest days in kindergarten through his final year of high school, Antoni has been surrounded by an environment of excellence, care, and support that has helped shape him into the young man he is today. The knowledge, values, and skills he has gained at NOVA have prepared him academically and personally for the challenges and opportunities ahead. I am honored to share that Antoni has been accepted to Virginia Tech in the USA, where he will pursue pre-med studies. This is a major step on his path toward a career in healthcare — a dream that has been nurtured and supported by the incredible educators and mentors he had at NOVA. To the management, thank you for leading a school that truly lives its mission. To the teachers, thank you for your dedication, inspiration, and tireless work in the classroom. To the administrative staff and school employees, thank you for creating a safe, welcoming, and organized environment where learning could flourish. And to Antoni’s school friends, thank you for the friendships, collaboration, and shared memories that helped make his school experience so meaningful. We will always carry deep respect and appreciation for NOVA International School. You have given Antoni the foundation to pursue his dreams with confidence, purpose, and integrity.
With heartfelt thanks,

When deciding on a school for our child, we considered a  recognized international school with the possibility of an internationally acknowledged diploma, good facilities, and a larger number of students. We found all this in NOVA. Initially, we were afraid that the school might not be able to satisfy all these aspects in a high-quality way. All our worries quickly disappeared during the first year. Our child and our family were very happy with the school environment. We recommend NOVA for its good facilities, dedicated teachers, and parents’ community, as well as the possibility of obtaining an International Baccalaureate diploma. We will always remember the winter performances and the community events organized by the school that brought many positive moments to our family life. 

The decision to enroll our children in NOVA was driven by the school's reputation for academic excellence, nurturing environment, and holistic approach to education. We were particularly impressed by NOVA’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, focusing not only on academics but also on social, emotional, and physical development. Like any parent, we initially had concerns about how well our children would adapt to the new school environment and whether the curriculum would meet their individual needs. We also wondered how effectively the school would foster both academic and emotional growth, especially for foreigners. However, these concerns were quickly alleviated by the school’s strong support system, regular communication, and the personalized attention given to each kid’s learning journey. I would highly recommend NOVA to parents looking for a comprehensive educational experience for their children. The school’s commitment to fostering curiosity, critical thinking and collaboration is truly remarkable. NOVA’s curriculum not only prepares students academically but also equips them with life skills, leadership qualities and a deep sense of responsibility towards the world around them. Thank you for the kind words and the great support throughout our stay at the school. From the first day at NOVA, we felt like a part of a big family!

We chose NOVA for several key reasons: the professionalism of the teachers, the quality of the facilities, and the prompt responses to our concerns and questions. Their support alleviated our anxieties about leaving our young child in their care and starting a new life abroad. We felt warmly welcomed as part of the NOVA family. Our son, who usually stays close to me, played happily in the schoolyard during our visit, assuring us that NOVA was a safe and comfortable place for him. Initially, we prioritized a safe and comfortable place to play for school over an educational facility. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find that our son enjoyed learning the English alphabet and words and that the education nurtured his curiosity. He thoroughly enjoyed his school life. We also had concerns about our three-year-old riding the school bus, but NOVA’s support helped him to adapt well.
The school provides a wonderful environment where children can learn and play with confidence. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you again!

​

“We chose NOVA because we recognized it as a genuine foundation for the educational development of our children, aiming to bring them closer to international standards of self-improvement and progress. The positive experiences of those who have been part of NOVA are something we in Skopje have embraced since its inception.

A real challenge during enrollment at NOVA was the concern about how children from a Macedonian-language background would adapt to an English-language education. To our surprise, the children have made incredible strides not only in language proficiency but also in knowledge and experience. The staff involved in our children's educational journey has been brilliant, and we have had excellent collaboration with them. The knowledge and experience gained at NOVA facilitated an easy transition for our children to another IB educational institution, a testament to the excellent experience provided. We were particularly delighted and satisfied with the numerous events organized by the PTA community and NOVA on various occasions. The memories of these events will stay with us wherever we go.

We thank NOVA for being part of our lives.”

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and my sincere appreciation of Biljana, both as a teacher and a person. Thus far, throughout my daughter’s educational process, I haven’t met a nicer, more dedicated, thorough, and caring teacher than Biljana. My daughter has never been so motivated and has presented an enormous desire to learn as much as possible. She has never spoken about a subject and a specific teacher with such passion. Since she was a child, Anja has read one book per week, and now she reads two. Classes with Biljana were a pure delight, and each class was differently conceptualized and filled with interesting information. I believe that throughout this year, Anja learned more Macedonian language and literature than during her entire educational process. Biljana is wonderful and special not only as a teacher but also as an individual. Her particular virtue is to be authoritative while also fostering closeness and camaraderie with her students, and she played a key role in building their character and self-confidence. She knows exactly when a student needs to be encouraged and supported, and how. 

As a family, it is our honor to have Biljana as Anja’s teacher this year, and we owe you our greatest respect. 

I would also like to express my gratitude for the quality of the educational process, the faculty, the excellent organization, the level of communication at the school, the culture, and the values you have successfully implemented. Transferring Anja to NOVA was our best decision so far.

After being a NOVA student for two years, our son’s journey is continuing once more in another country. Understanding our son’s needs was our core challenge; luckily, his needs were met at NOVA. The approach to his education was tailored by the school to meet those needs at a good standard and with a warm approach while providing our son with the continuation of strong academic growth and nourishing his social skills and individuality.

The teacher in grade 5 is highly educated, thoughtful, and nurturing. She provided academic challenges and the tools and strategies needed to meet those challenges, and we are so pleased with her. She contributed a great deal to our family’s positive experience. Our son will always feel part of the NOVA community and carry a spark gained through education and friendships from NOVA. 

Our children (now 5 and 3) will always have happy memories of their early years of school thanks to NOVA. Beyond any academic considerations, the immense joy they feel going to school every day is the main reason for my gratitude towards NOVA and the main reason I would recommend this international school in Skopje.

As my daughter Romi's first international School, NOVA is giving her the confidence, as well as academic and social skills to succeed at her next school. The teachers are caring and experienced and are enthusiastic about learning and supporting each child in their learning and development. NOVA is welcoming - always greeting the children with a smile and enthusiasm. We feel a strong sense of community, and our daughter looks forward to school every day. We have no doubt that NOVA is preparing her well!

Frankly, NOVA was the main reason why we extended our stay in North Macedonia. We really loved it for our son, Lukas. Most of all, we appreciate the high moral values the school follows and praises. It is not something that can be shown via social media networks to the full extent but can be felt and appreciated through the live experience of school attendance. We are enormously grateful to all the school personnel for creating and cherishing the friendly and welcoming school environment. We feel very lucky that Lukas had Ms. Irena and Ms. Marija as his teachers. Thank you, both, for your professionalism and objectivity, the knowledge you shared, true acceptance and respect for the child's personality, and for the enormous support, patience, positivity, and humor! And most of all, thank you for seeing and supporting the best in Lukas and allowing him to be his true self!

Lukas was happy to attend NOVA and found friends there. He will truly miss it!

We really do appreciate this experience and wish the school further growth and development!

NOVA equipped Daon with the skills and knowledge needed to transition smoothly to a very competitive international school at an early age. The school's academic coordinators provided Daon with the resources and support needed to succeed in her academic pursuits, making a difficult transition seem effortless. While at NOVA, Daon received a top-notch education that prepared her for the competitive academic landscape she will face in the future. We truly believe this. From the challenging courses and the experienced faculty, Daon gained an appreciation for the importance of a strong work ethic and the ability to think critically and independently. 

We believe that NOVA stands out amongst the rest of the international schools for many reasons. Its excellent support structure provides students with guidance, direction, and resources to succeed academically. The curriculum is well-organized and provides students with exciting and up-to-date learning materials and subjects. The teaching staff is highly skilled and knowledgeable, and they create an environment of respect and belonging for the students. The facilities are well-equipped with the latest technology and resources to help students learn in a stimulating environment. All these factors, along with many more, make NOVA the premier international school in Macedonia and the wider region.

Having Adeena attend NOVA was a transformative experience for me. The dedicated teachers and staff provided a nurturing and challenging environment where Adeena could thrive academically and personally. The variety of activities and clubs at Adeena's new school allowed her to discover new passions and acquire new abilities. Seeing her excel on stage in a theater production was a source of great joy for me as a parent. Thank you everyone for the wonderful experience. This is not goodbye, and I will definitely recommend the NOVA, for the professional level of support that I received during my time here. The sense of community here was genuine.

Arriving in Skopje and for the duration of our mandate of several years, we chose NOVA for our four children. For us, this was the best fit and a continuation of the IB education system. After getting familiar with the school’s facilities and further details, we were convinced that our children will enjoy a high-quality education in a joyful environment. For our diplomatic expat lifestyle with frequent changes of locations, our concern is, above all, the well-being of our children and a smooth continuation of their education. We are happy to see that the adaptation and integration at NOVA were perfect and that the children enjoy every day at school.

In the last four school years at NOVA, we were fortunate to be part of a wonderful community and will be forever thankful for that. We experienced how the school operates in "normal" times and were also here when we faced challenges as a community during the pandemic. I remember vividly the first day when we brought the children to school (see photo). We were so worried about them as they knew zero English. Ivan started PreK-3 then and had no experience with school whatsoever. Look at them now: they are fluent in English, they are thriving academically and socially, and they have made friendships that will test the time and distance, I am sure.

And most importantly, they have learned that realities different from theirs do exist. I think this is the most important benefit of an international school. Attending NOVA was our first international school experience, so in our hearts and minds, it will always be the cornerstone to which we will measure any other school abroad. You set the bar quite high. Thank you for all you did for them, for us.

Our three children attended NOVA from 2020-2022. They felt welcomed into the Nova community, even during the challenging years of the pandemic. They made friendships, which they are continuing across the distance. All three children were challenged academically through Nova's integrated subjects and curriculum, which focused on helping them develop communication, research, and critical thinking skills.

These skills have made all three of them better prepared to re-enter the school system in Vermont, United States. Our family reflects on our time spent at Nova as a time when our children were both supported and pushed to excel to meet their potential!

NOVA has a personal touch. The administration has always had an open-door policy and has been warm and receptive to new ideas and suggestions. This has made NOVA stand out among other schools our daughters have attended. We have appreciated NOVA's work in reaching out to the international and expat students, welcoming them, and creating a friendly atmosphere for them. Having served on the Parent Teacher Association, I have seen firsthand how the teachers, parents, and administration have worked together to communicate better, raise money for small projects, and work to improve a variety of areas at NOVA.

Living in Macedonia has been a truly fantastic experience for all of us, and especially for our children. We arrived by car from Stockholm on a Saturday night and left the children at NOVA on Monday morning. We have been very fortunate, as we have never had to experience any difficult times settling in for any of our children. This is thanks to Nova being such a welcoming and inspiring school! We will leave Macedonia with great respect for all the effort and devotion that all staff at Nova place into creating a perfect learning environment, not only academically but also emotionally and socially, not to mention the emphasis placed on developing their creativity in the arts, music, and dance. The Christmas and End-of-year performances have all been outstanding! To them, Macedonia is equivalent to NOVA, and this will never change. They will be Nova’s best ambassadors in the future, and we will make sure to visit. We are most grateful for the wonderful three years that our children have experienced at Nova. You will always be in our hearts, and we hope to stay in touch and to be able to contribute to expanding the network among international schools!