At Nueva, learning is open-ended. It doesn't happen in neatly segmented subject areas or only in the classroom. Instead, "for us it happens everywhere, when you plan it and don't plan it," says Lee. "It happens organically," and students help drive the direction and location of the learning.
The openness encourages connection, as students and teachers overhear and add to conversations relevant to their interests. Students can also choose to meet with teachers in more informal spaces, which improves the quality of their connection with faculty.