NSU University School cultivates a passion for learning and a culture of innovation. We provide a college preparatory education emphasizing personalized excellence in academics, extracurriculars, and service. Enriched by our university community, we empower students to embrace experiential learning, leadership, diversity, and inclusiveness while inspiring them to be responsible and engaged global citizens.
NSU University School will be recognized among an elite group of independent, college preparatory schools for maximizing student potential through a distinctive, progressive model of education. Guided by a distinguished faculty who collaborate with NSU research professionals, we provide transformative experiences that engage and inspire students. This model of excellence integrates innovative, challenging, and personalized programming in the academics, arts, athletics, community service and a wide variety of co-curricular opportunities.
NSU University School’s commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all students, faculty, staff, and families are treated with respect and are equally celebrated for their unique identities, backgrounds, abilities, values, talents, and experiences. We encourage thoughtful and meaningful discussion to create an equitable and engaging environment that offers students and staff access and opportunity to realize their full potential.
We understand that our school community will be enriched by embracing equity and social justice. As such, the school expects students and staff to work together in building an inclusive community. Students are encouraged to explore different cultures, interests, and perspectives through innovative educational experiences designed to teach understanding and acceptance. Our goal is to inspire and prepare them to thrive in a complex, multicultural, and global society.
In the mid 1960s and early 70s, Marilyn M. Segal, Ph.D., renowned developmental psychologist, educator, and early childhood education researcher, pioneered a Head Start program that was housed in her family’s synagogue, Temple Beth El. Segal, a graduate student at Nova University and Abraham S. Fischler, Ed.D., then Nova University president, shared a vision for a student-centered, inclusive academic environment, rich with opportunities for individuality and self-expression. Encouraged to relocate her program to the Nova University campus, Segal founded University School in 1971. The following year, NSU University School was formally accepted as part of the Nova University family.
From its humble beginning in 1971 to its expansive campus in 2010, the fundamentals at NSU University School have remained the same. Outwardly, University School was drastically different in the early 70s than it is today. Initially, University School was housed in a modest two-story building, now the Rosenthal Student Center.
Because of its rapid growth, in 1975, University School moved into what we now know as the old Lower School building. USchool was divided into three houses—the Lower, Middle, and Upper houses—with semi-open environments. Considered a progressive school, students were encouraged to learn at their own pace, which gave rise to multi-aged environments. They thrived in a friendly atmosphere of mutual respect and were challenged academically.
Today, NSU University School’s core values remain the same. Our faculty and staff members are enthusiastic, proud, and committed to finding the best in all USchool students. They encourage students to be active participants in their education, to become independent thinkers, and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
NSU University School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Florida Council of Independent Schools, and the Florida Kindergarten Council.
NSU University School is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Educational Records Bureau, The College Entrance Examination Board, the National Association of College Admission Counseling, the National Association of Laboratory Schools, and the American Camping Association.
OUR STUDENTS
There are 1900 students enrolled in Junior Kindergarten - Grade 12.
DIVERSITY
On top of 50+ nationalities being represented at USchool, various assemblies and clubs exist to celebrate the differences within our student body.
COLLEGE CONNECTION
Our connection to NSU provides students with unprecedented access to college-level resources and opportunities.
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
100% of our students are accepted to top colleges and universities.
NATIONAL MERIT
On average, approximately 15 students are recognized each year by the National Merit Scholarship Program.
SPEECH AND DEBATE
The Speech and Debate team is ranked in the top 1% of speech and debate programs in the country.
ROBOTICS HONORS
Our Upper School Robotics teams have qualified to compete in the VEX Robotics World Championship for six consecutive years.
CHINESE AWARDS
Our Middle and Upper School students received nearly 30 awards at the Florida Statewide Chinese Competition.
Junior Kylie Cohen joined NSU University School (USchool) her freshman year of high school and has served as a leader and positive role model for her peers ever since. Throughout the past three years, Cohen has taken full advantage of the extracurricular and experiential learning opportunities available at USchool, which have helped her discover and develop her passions, including helping others and working with children.
Congratulations to Associate Head of Academic Affairs Robyn Kaiyal for completing the 2019 National Inclusive Excellence Leadership Academy (NIXLA) – an online strategic diversity leadership development and institutional transformation program. The immersive, highly selective five-week program offered Kaiyal an invaluable opportunity to further develop her skills as a leader and identify powerful institutional strategies that support diversity, equity, and inclusion at NSU University School.
Middle School instructor Alicia Anania has been teaching science at NSU University School (USchool) for the past five years. Originally from Connecticut, Anania moved to Florida about eight years ago and obtained her bachelor's degree in marine science from Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
Although Skylar Ronkin took up the sport of pole vaulting her sophomore year, she has vaulted her way from junior kindergarten to the finish line that is senior year having experienced successes of all sorts at NSU University School. Ronkin's commitment to the NSU value of academic excellence is evident in the numerous awards and distinctions she has earned such as being named a National Merit Semifinalist, National AP Scholar, earning a nearly perfect SAT score, and being named the Valedictorian for the Class of 2019.
The sky is the limit for senior Aysha Zackria, an NSU University School "lifer" who has cultivated various passions while demonstrating a true love for learning during her 14 years at USchool. She is mindful and enthusiastic about seizing every opportunity that is presented to her because she knows she can handle doing so. "I'm a person who wants to do everything, and I think that having access to so many things has been really important me," Zackria said. "USchool is the land of opportunity; there's so much to do here."