- Published on
Enjoy some photos from our recent surf lessons and surf outings!
- Published on
Hello, supportive community!
It is time for an update from Costa Rica! Our parents have been receiving regular email updates and calls to process the COVID-19 situation in Costa Rica. Parents have been absolute troopers participating in collaborative decision-making, creative problem-solving, and general flexibility and adaptability to this unprecedented situation.
Since Costa Rica implemented early prevention measures and continues to update restrictions for Holy Week, the spread has been slow here. We are grateful to our government’s innovative and exemplary response.
The current status is: 502 confirmed, 5533 negative, 3 deaths, 2 cases in Atenas, 23 hospitalized (14 in ICU), 29 recovered. Borders are closed to incoming foreigners through April 30. We will accept enrollments in May.
If you are interested in our decision-making processes and pandemic protocols implemented to ensure the safety of our students and staff to the best of our ability, please feel free to reach out. Our leadership team has been fully dedicated to risk management as well as turning lemons into lemonade. The silver linings may seem like few, but we have found a lot of joy and optimism in the way that our students and staff have responded to this crisis rather than being defeated by it.
NSA classes have continued as normal with some adjustments made to integrate the current global situation into our studies, such as immune system studies in science and pandemic history in social studies. We have also opened up time in our schedule for additional therapeutic groups for all students to process how COVID-19 is affecting them and their families.
Because we were not able to embark on our beloved Aventuras last week, we have also been guiding student cohort groups to implement projects on campus.
Each student has a role in their group, and projects have been finalized: 1) Hammock hut, 2) Music studio mural, 3) outdoor gym and 4) building Adirondack style chairs for the fire pit.
Campus weekends have been a flurry of "at home" game building on the weekends! With the help of our dedicated staff, we have managed to build and set up various on campus activities like: bocce ball, fire pit, frisbee golf, cornhole, ladder golf, horseshoes, graffiti wall, frisbee golf, gaga ball, an expanded gym (indoor and outdoor), and much more!
We've also heard from our alumni, and we're grateful for their connection and support as well. They remind us often how we always used to say, "Boredom is a choice!" and those words could not be more relevant than they are now.
Take care & stay safe!
Dr. Heather Tracy, EdD, Co-Founder & Executive Director
It is time for an update from Costa Rica! Our parents have been receiving regular email updates and calls to process the COVID-19 situation in Costa Rica. Parents have been absolute troopers participating in collaborative decision-making, creative problem-solving, and general flexibility and adaptability to this unprecedented situation.
Since Costa Rica implemented early prevention measures and continues to update restrictions for Holy Week, the spread has been slow here. We are grateful to our government’s innovative and exemplary response.
The current status is: 502 confirmed, 5533 negative, 3 deaths, 2 cases in Atenas, 23 hospitalized (14 in ICU), 29 recovered. Borders are closed to incoming foreigners through April 30. We will accept enrollments in May.
If you are interested in our decision-making processes and pandemic protocols implemented to ensure the safety of our students and staff to the best of our ability, please feel free to reach out. Our leadership team has been fully dedicated to risk management as well as turning lemons into lemonade. The silver linings may seem like few, but we have found a lot of joy and optimism in the way that our students and staff have responded to this crisis rather than being defeated by it.
NSA classes have continued as normal with some adjustments made to integrate the current global situation into our studies, such as immune system studies in science and pandemic history in social studies. We have also opened up time in our schedule for additional therapeutic groups for all students to process how COVID-19 is affecting them and their families.
Because we were not able to embark on our beloved Aventuras last week, we have also been guiding student cohort groups to implement projects on campus.
Each student has a role in their group, and projects have been finalized: 1) Hammock hut, 2) Music studio mural, 3) outdoor gym and 4) building Adirondack style chairs for the fire pit.
Campus weekends have been a flurry of "at home" game building on the weekends! With the help of our dedicated staff, we have managed to build and set up various on campus activities like: bocce ball, fire pit, frisbee golf, cornhole, ladder golf, horseshoes, graffiti wall, frisbee golf, gaga ball, an expanded gym (indoor and outdoor), and much more!
We've also heard from our alumni, and we're grateful for their connection and support as well. They remind us often how we always used to say, "Boredom is a choice!" and those words could not be more relevant than they are now.
Take care & stay safe!
Dr. Heather Tracy, EdD, Co-Founder & Executive Director
- Published on
At New Summit Academy, we are putting in Herculean efforts to keep our students and community safe and to maintain student engagement.
Academic classes and therapeutic groups are running as normal (though we have added additional therapeutic “check-ins for our students!), and all members of our community have come together as a family to create more opportunities for fun activities on campus.
Some recent projects include:
Academic classes and therapeutic groups are running as normal (though we have added additional therapeutic “check-ins for our students!), and all members of our community have come together as a family to create more opportunities for fun activities on campus.
Some recent projects include:
- Organizing and holding basketball tournaments
- Building a “cornhole” set
- Constructing a graffiti wall for student artistic expression
- Building a “ladder golf” game
- Digging horseshoe pits
- Holding evening campfires (and making s’mores!)
- Creating Nature Art in Global Citizenship
- Published on
This holiday week, most of our students are spending Thanksgiving with their families. Those students spending the holiday with New Summit Academy have a week full of fun and celebration!
Activities include:
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our extended family at New Summit Academy!
Activities include:
- Go Karting
- Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
- Whitewater Rafting
- Hiking in the Cloud Forest
- Swimming and Surfing at the Beach
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our extended family at New Summit Academy!
- Published on
After our eldest dog "Spy" passed away, students begged for a "new puppy." Knowing how a new puppy with 32 "masters" would turn out, we decided to contact our local animal rescue foundation and ask for an already-grown dog.
Our "dog committee" went to meet her at the shelter and immediately fell in love.
We had a "name voting ceremony" where these two came out in 1st & 2nd place, so yes... We gave her a middle name.
Welcome to your new home at NSA Luna -Laika!
Our "dog committee" went to meet her at the shelter and immediately fell in love.
We had a "name voting ceremony" where these two came out in 1st & 2nd place, so yes... We gave her a middle name.
Welcome to your new home at NSA Luna -Laika!
- Published on
This month brings exciting, hands-on experiential learning for our students and staff!
Below is a quick introduction to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that our community will be engaging in during the coming weeks:
Wilderness Advanced First Aid & CPR Certification
Students and staff will work together in this week-long, professional-level certification program, guided by the Wilderness Medicine Institute. Lessons on risk management and prevention, site surveys, CPR, and emergency treatment will be paired with hands-on simulated emergency scenarios where students will put their knowledge into action.
South Africa International Aventura
Some of our more senior students will travel to South Africa for what is sure to be a life-changing adventure. After getting to know Cape Town and introductions to local communities, students will participate in wildlife safaris, team-building exercises with local nonprofits, visits to museums and historical sites, and even a workshop with a local artist on using graffiti to bring positive change to communities!
Peru International Aventura
Many of our NSA students will travel to Peru to experience the Sacred Valley as few visitors ever get to do. The journey begins with an introduction to the ancient city of Cuzco and exploring the Incan site of Machu Picchu and Pisac. Students will then raft the Apurimac River before hiking the challenging but stunningly beautiful Ausangate Trek!
Costa Rica Orientation Aventura
Our newest NSA students will spend a week on two separate trips, with some relax time on campus in-between, getting to know the beauty and fun that Costa Rica has to offer. The first leg will introduce students to the Pacific Coast, where they will spend time on the beaches and sea kayaking. White water rafting on the world-famous Sarapiqui and zip-lining through the rainforests of Arenal make up the second trip. What a way to start at NSA!
SCUBA Certification in Bocas del Toro
To round out the August Experiential Session, a group of students and staff will travel to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Panama to earn their SCUBA Certifications. Bocas is world-renowned for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and populations of marine mammals. This Aventura is sure to be remembered!
No other school on the planet engages its students in experiential learning like New Summit Academy!
Below is a quick introduction to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that our community will be engaging in during the coming weeks:
Wilderness Advanced First Aid & CPR Certification
Students and staff will work together in this week-long, professional-level certification program, guided by the Wilderness Medicine Institute. Lessons on risk management and prevention, site surveys, CPR, and emergency treatment will be paired with hands-on simulated emergency scenarios where students will put their knowledge into action.
South Africa International Aventura
Some of our more senior students will travel to South Africa for what is sure to be a life-changing adventure. After getting to know Cape Town and introductions to local communities, students will participate in wildlife safaris, team-building exercises with local nonprofits, visits to museums and historical sites, and even a workshop with a local artist on using graffiti to bring positive change to communities!
Peru International Aventura
Many of our NSA students will travel to Peru to experience the Sacred Valley as few visitors ever get to do. The journey begins with an introduction to the ancient city of Cuzco and exploring the Incan site of Machu Picchu and Pisac. Students will then raft the Apurimac River before hiking the challenging but stunningly beautiful Ausangate Trek!
Costa Rica Orientation Aventura
Our newest NSA students will spend a week on two separate trips, with some relax time on campus in-between, getting to know the beauty and fun that Costa Rica has to offer. The first leg will introduce students to the Pacific Coast, where they will spend time on the beaches and sea kayaking. White water rafting on the world-famous Sarapiqui and zip-lining through the rainforests of Arenal make up the second trip. What a way to start at NSA!
SCUBA Certification in Bocas del Toro
To round out the August Experiential Session, a group of students and staff will travel to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Panama to earn their SCUBA Certifications. Bocas is world-renowned for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and populations of marine mammals. This Aventura is sure to be remembered!
No other school on the planet engages its students in experiential learning like New Summit Academy!
- Published on
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!
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!
- Published on
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
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
- Published on
New Summit Academy has committed to ensure that student interests drive Club formation and weekend activities. This past weekend, four of our most popular Clubs participated in three-day adventures around Costa Rica.
The Fishing Club traveled to the Central Pacific coast, where they trolled the mangroves and estuaries spin casting and fly fishing. Though the action was light, a number of students were able to hook into some red snapper.
The Art Club spent the weekend immersing in the vibrant culture of San Jose. Students attended a play, visited art galleries, took in an independent movie at an art house theater, and had time to work on their own creative endeavors.
The Climbing Club ventured to the eastern side of Costa Rica, to the town of Cachi, famous for its rock walls. The students report that they had an amazing weekend of challenging climbs, and have sore forearms to prove it!
Finally, the Surfing Club took to the northern beaches – Playa Grande to be specific – to take advantage of the area’s world-renowned waves. Soccer on the sand and evening barbecues added to the fun!
The Fishing Club traveled to the Central Pacific coast, where they trolled the mangroves and estuaries spin casting and fly fishing. Though the action was light, a number of students were able to hook into some red snapper.
The Art Club spent the weekend immersing in the vibrant culture of San Jose. Students attended a play, visited art galleries, took in an independent movie at an art house theater, and had time to work on their own creative endeavors.
The Climbing Club ventured to the eastern side of Costa Rica, to the town of Cachi, famous for its rock walls. The students report that they had an amazing weekend of challenging climbs, and have sore forearms to prove it!
Finally, the Surfing Club took to the northern beaches – Playa Grande to be specific – to take advantage of the area’s world-renowned waves. Soccer on the sand and evening barbecues added to the fun!
- Published on
This month, NSA’s newest club – the Birdwatching Club – took it upon themselves to organize a weekend trip into the cloud forests of Costa Rica.
The trip coincided with the nesting season of one of Central America’s most stunning and most elusive avian species: the Resplendent Quetzal.
Students and staff departed for the forested mountains on Friday, with the plan to rise early the next morning for the best quetzal spotting opportunity.
After a sunrise yoga session led by one of our Case Managers, Andrea, the group began scanning the lush foliage for their prize.
They identified dozens of different species and, in the end, their efforts paid off with a male quetzal displaying its iridescent plumage to the group for over 20 minutes. Nice work, birders!
The trip coincided with the nesting season of one of Central America’s most stunning and most elusive avian species: the Resplendent Quetzal.
Students and staff departed for the forested mountains on Friday, with the plan to rise early the next morning for the best quetzal spotting opportunity.
After a sunrise yoga session led by one of our Case Managers, Andrea, the group began scanning the lush foliage for their prize.
They identified dozens of different species and, in the end, their efforts paid off with a male quetzal displaying its iridescent plumage to the group for over 20 minutes. Nice work, birders!
