WHO WE ARE

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. 

Click here to view our Strategic Plan.

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 Cognia and the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS). NSU University School's Preschool programs are also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our programs are among less than six percent of early childhood programs nationally that have achieved NAEYC accreditation, which represents the mark of quality in education. As the only university-based NAEYC accredited early learning center in Broward County, the faculty and staff of NSU University School Preschool continually work to ensure all children receive the highest quality early care and education.

NSU University School is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Educational Records Bureau, The College Board, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools, the National Association of Laboratory Schools, the Independent School Experiential Educational Network, the National Coalition of Campus Children's Centers, and the American Camp Association.