The mix of students creates an atmosphere of acceptance and makes for a rich, diverse community, Nova students score well on assessment tests and have a high participation rate in community college classes. Although entering students often do not consider a postgraduate education, Nova is quite successful at directing its graduates to higher education, with a majority going on to four-year colleges. Nova has a positive impact on teenagers' lives, motivating them to personal growth and leadership in society. Nova also values it's own growth and exploration, and is one of the District's Vanguard Schools, which is experimenting with innovative educational changes. Nova's proposed Vanguard Plan includes graduation by competencies, portfolios and graduation committees.
Classes tend to be small because of the variety of learning options.
The coordinator acts as the student's liaison to parents, other teachers, and college admissions officers. Committees govern the school trough consensus based decision-making. Membership is voluntary and includes both staff and students, each of whom have an equal vote. Teachers serve on one or more committees, and model leadership skills. Student participation in committees gives them a stake in their education, and encourages responsibility in their personal lives as well.