Blog Archives

Sneak Peek at our August Experiential Session

7/30/2019

This month, NSA will celebrate the graduation of four young men, ready to venture into the world and experience continued success.

After graduation, our students and staff will engage in a month of experiential learning, including the Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) certification course, international Aventuras to Peru and South Africa, and a SCUBA certification in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Stay tuned for more updates on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!

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What Does It Mean to be an Honor Student at NSA?

7/25/2019

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Earning Honor Status at New Summit Academy means so much more than making good grades (although, that’s part of it too!)

An Honor Student is recognized by his SCAFA Advising Team as consistently guiding his behaviors according to the NSA value system and excelling in the areas of scholarship, citizenship, character, community service, and leadership.

While earning Honor Status allows the students additional privileges, this flexibility comes with a higher level of trust earned over time, and Honor Students willingly accept the responsibility of helping out their peers as well as the community as a whole.

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Staff Spotlight: Miguel Varela

7/16/2019

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Miguel Varela, or “Migue” as our students call him, has played an important role in the Experiential Education department since he joined NSA in 2009.

Born in Argentina, Miguel brings his passions for sports, cooking, travel, and community service to his position as an EE Mentor and student advisor.

In addition, Miguel coordinates our Homestay program as well as weekend cultural activities, and serves as a trip leader on Integrated Aventuras.

Miguel’s presence on our campus is so impactful to our students, who often refer to him in their graduation speeches as a father figure while they are away from their families.

Miguel gets plenty of practice at home, raising five (5!) children of his own, but returns to NSA each day full of energy and positivity, and models engagement, common sense, and the ability to balance fulfilling his responsibilities with a sense of humor that our students truly appreciate.

Thank you, Miguel, for your dedication and contributions to our family at NSA!

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A Busy – and Fun! – July for NSA Students

7/11/2019

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The past weeks have been packed with engaging, interesting, and fun opportunities for our students at New Summit Academy.

Integrated Aventuras
At the start of the month, students and staff participated in our Integrated Aventuras, which combine experiential, hands-on learning with personal growth in some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica.

Newer students spent the week learning about conservation while volunteering in reforestation projects in the Osa Peninsula.

A second cohort of students paddled around the Golfo Dulce, studying tidal fluctuations, watersheds, and coral reefs, along with fishing with hand lines and competing in the famous “Tent Partner Olympics.”

A third group of students hiked through Corcovado National Park, learning about forest succession and spotting exotic wildlife including tapir, anteaters and spider monkeys!

Weekend Activities
Last week, when NSA welcomed a new student into our community, a senior student pointed to our scheduling calendar and said “Just look at what we get to do this weekend!”

In just two days, our students had the opportunity to:

- Show off their moves at the Roller Disco
- Fish in the estuaries along the Pacific coast
- Spend the day immersed in Costa Rica’s culture with Homestay Families
- Visit the National Theater
- Expend some energy at the Trampoline Park
- Participate in Film Club

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Staff Spotlight: Catalina Rojas

7/1/2019

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Catalina Rojas Alvarado has been part of the New Summit Academy family since 2005, when she moved to Atenas to be near her family, and says that joining NSA has been the best decision she has ever made.

Catalina began at NSA putting her degree in teaching Spanish as a second language to work, giving beginning Spanish lessons to some of our first students.

In 2012, Catalina completed her Master’s degree in Educational Administration, and became the Director of Administration, using her outstanding organizational skills to support our faculty, students, and families.

Catalina is the first person everyone goes to when they need something, since she can get anything done, and does it with warmth, care and a smile. Cata is in charge of our maintenance crew, cleaning staff, security, the kitchen staff, and runs everything to do with the legal and administrative aspects of the program.

Without Catalina, there would be no NSA, and we appreciate her immense dedication and thoughtfulness every day!

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Sneak Peek at our August Experiential Session

What Does It Mean to be an Honor Student at NSA?

Staff Spotlight: Miguel Varela

A Busy – and Fun! – July for NSA Students

Staff Spotlight: Catalina Rojas

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