Why Nova

We pride ourselves on being the school of choice for the diplomatic and expat communities, along with local families that have a global outlook. Our diversity is comprised of over 40 different nationalities. Currently, more than 20 languages are actively being spoken on our campus, with English being the communication and teaching language.

• Student to faculty ratio is 8:1
• US and third-country nationals make up 55% of out student body
• Half of the faculty has postgraduate degrees
• Over 1/3 of the faculty has spent more than 10 years with the school

We are big enough to offer diverse and stimulating artistic, athletic, and academic opportunities while still small enough to ensure every community member feels a sense of belonging, where each student can reach their full potential. 

NOVA is authorized for the IB Diploma Programme since 2006. NOVA also holds the Middle Years Programme authorization pertaining to grades 6 - 10. We await our PYP authorization to be formalized this academic year, thus NOVA International Schools will become the first IB World Continuum school in North Macedonia.

Our Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS), along with the local Ministry of Science and Education accreditations, allows our students to transition to and from our community seamlessly. We implement a standards-based curriculum, utilizing the IB framework for grades PK3 through 12, providing students with an exceptionally stimulating learning environment that considers not only their academic skills development but also the development of their social-emotional wellbeing. Our students not only accumulate knowledge but are encouraged to "think outside the box", contextualize different concepts, and have a holistic approach to problem-solving. 

Our students' well-being is the focus of our teaching and support staff. We provide our learners with counseling (social-emotional and academic) and learning support designed according to each student's specific needs. We ensure the health and safety of every student through our medical nurse team and provide tutor and daycare support when needed. We encourage faculty to embrace a mentorship role through the advisory model, acting as a positive role model. We understand that for our learners to thrive, they need to have a sense of belonging to a safe environment, to a community that is diverse as it is flexible and to equip students with skills that will aid their personal and professional development. 

Our IB averages are constantly above world averages. We understand that we need to prepare our students for the challenges they will face once they are out in the real world. The unique learning experiences in our school are based on a balanced educational approach, i.e. depth and breadth of knowledge, transdisciplinary approach across all subject areas but also community-centered learning, which implies that the acquired knowledge and skills are practically put to use in the aim of returning them to the community. 

The school campus consists of purpose-built facilities dedicated to the Early Education Center, Elementary and Secondary schools. Apart from the classrooms, the buildings house multiple science labs, art rooms, libraries, full-service cafeterias, amphitheaters, and music, dance, and design studios. Buildings are connected, and ramps and elevators are available for improved accessibility. There are separate facilities for student support services, administration, and accounting. Outdoor spaces include three gated playgrounds, a small soccer field, a basketball court, a large outdoor amphitheater, and multiple green spaces. 

NOVA satisfies up to 50% of its energy needs through its roof-installed solar plant that stores excess energy in its battery system, which also serves as a backup power supply in case of a power outage. The school actively tracks outdoor and indoor air quality through its own monitoring unites and displays flags that indicate current air quality, taking precautions in line with the US School Flag Program. Each classroom, office, and public space is equipped with air purifiers to ensure clean indoor air, even at times of high outdoor air pollution. The school is equipped with reverse osmosis water fountains, thus decreasing the need for purchasing water bottles. 

• From the initial admission process to how we onboard students and welcome families and ultimately part ways due to graduation or transition to another school, we are all part of an extended family. We keep close contact with our alumni community, which is regularly engaged in all activities we conduct on campus.
•  New students are assigned student ambassadors, while new families can sign-up to be matched with an existing family through the PTA Family Ambassador program. The transition into our community is tracked by the admission team and counselors, supported by the homeroom/advisory teachers. We believe in the adage "it takes a village to raise a child", with grades/subject level faculty taking an active role in each student's educational journey, referring to our student support services, should the need arise. 
•  A sense of community can be observed through our exit points, schools assemblies, Secondary School Houses Competition, large school events such as the annual Elementary and Secondary school performances, Back-to-School and End-of-Year events, as well as the graduation ceremony, the PTA-led Fall and Spring festivals, Winter Market, Valentine's Day celebration, Thanksgiving, Teacher Appreciation, morning coffees, info sessions, among the many. We make sure there are many opportunities for our whole community to come together throughout the school year. 

• There is more to school life than academic study. Therefore, we offer diverse and challenging SuperNOVA Athletics and Academic Program to our students, with opportunities for skills development and personal growth beyond those available in the classroom. The program provides possibilities for students to participate, compete and excel in both team (soccer, basketball, and volleyball) and individual (cross country, tennis, swimming) sports, along with activities that showcase our students' knowledge acumen (Knowledge Bowl), mathematical skills (MathCounts), debating abilities (Speech and Debate), coding/programming (Robotics), among others. 
• Our SuperNOVA astronaut, the school's mascot, is on hand during competitions and tournaments to boost competitive spirit, motivating students to be and do their best. Our students proudly wear their SuperNOVA merchandise.