Recently, NuVu High School was ranked the #4 Best High School for the Arts in Massachusetts by Niche Rankings. These rankings are based on a combination of data from the U.S. Department of Education and reviews from students and parents.

As this is our first year joining the Niche high school rankings, it’s also our first year with a letter grade - and our overall grade landed us an A+— Niche’s highest distinction and held by only 2.5% of all schools across the country.

At NuVu, we know that our design based pedagogy is outstanding in a world of traditional education that hasn’t changed much in decades.

But this ranking was honestly unexpected. Top school for design, technology, engineering? Sure —but the arts? That said, while we would have loved to be ranked as a top school in design or engineering, we’re happy to own this category instead.

Given that NuVu High School is hard to define for many parents, maybe this unexpected designation shouldn’t be such a surprise?

Art equals creativity, and art can equal innovation. That’s what we do here at NuVu High School,  as we creatively look at education. We foster a learning environment that focuses upon design, technology, engineering and art. We swap out textbooks for project based learning. Our students become more curious, and dig deeper into a broad range of subjects.  

Is that a curriculum that focuses upon art? Or simply a more creative way to encourage the next generation to be future entrepreneurs, scientists, community leaders and innovators?

Our “art” focused students go on to college, forge new technologies, begin careers they feel passionate about. Their “art” could be an electric vehicle,  wearable technology or a career in environmental science. At NuVu, we are changing the way art is used in learning—and changing the way students are educated, encouraged, and inspired.

If we begin to be called an “Art” school, maybe it's because we look at education with a more creative lens. And as far as we’re concerned, that’s an A+ for any student who comes here.