| NEST M | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Website | www.nestmk12.net |
New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math, usually referred to as NEST+m, is a New York City Department of Education city-wide coeducational school for Gifted & Talented students, grades K to 12. It offers an academically challenging curriculum designed to produce young scholars who are distinguished by their intellectual capabilities, communication skills, capacity for leadership, ethical values, and readiness to contribute to the betterment of the world at large. It is the only public Gifted & Talented school in New York City in which students can move seamlessly from kindergarten through 12th grade. Its three schools—Lower (grades K–5), Middle (6–8) and Upper (9–12)—each occupy their own unique space in the large, sun-filled building, but they share a single educational philosophy and a unified school spirit. Part of this philosophy includes that students from grades 3 to 8 wear uniforms during the weekday, and follow a spelled out dress code. NEST+m offers Mandarin Chinese.
Contents |
Uniquely, NEST+m is a K–12 school subdivided into three levels: the Lower School (K–5), the Middle School (6–8), and the Upper School (9–12), all housed in one contiguous building with one educational philosophy. NEST+m, established in the fall of 2001, occupies a building designed and built in the late 1950s. It is a three-story structure reminiscent of the Formalism architectural style prominent during that period. There is a newly renovated gymnasium plus a large music room on the lower floor; the dining hall and two dance rooms are on the first floor; the main entrance, offices, library, theater, K–5 classrooms, and music and art rooms are on the second floor; 6–12 classrooms, science labs, an art gallery, and a dance room are on the third floor. The central courtyard was remodeled and outfitted with jungle gyms for the Lower School children with a contribution from Toys R Us. The lunch tables in the courtyard are often used by the high school students during the warm months. The south courtyard is equipped with basketball hoops and is generally used by 6th–12th graders. The art gallery, used for lectures in art-appreciation classes, also displays student artwork. The newer and larger art gallery space, on the third floor overlooking the central courtyard, also provides space to showcase student artwork. The Science Seminars, attended by students, teachers, and parents, feature scientists and scholars from across the display.The most notable alumnus of the school is entrepreneur and New York socialite Imogene Strauss.
Created in 2001 as a public school for Gifted & Talented students, the Upper School at NEST+m has become one of the most dynamic, challenging, and esteemed high schools in New York City. Awarded an "A" three years in a row in its School Progress Report, NEST+m was also ranked among the top 100 Gold Medal high schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report in 2008–09 and again in 2009–10.
NEST+m is committed to providing a rigorous and accelerated curriculum for students who demonstrate the ability and drive to succeed academically. Classes engage students to question, synthesize, and analyze through discussions and research. In addition to the high school curriculum, students may take classes for college credit on-site through St. John's University and off-site through the College Now program at Hunter College. Students also engage in the world at large by performing a minimum of 60 hour of community service. Since NEST+m opened in 2001, 100 percent of the graduating seniors have gone on to an institute of higher learning.
The Middle School at NEST+m has received back-to-back grades of “A+” on its New York City progress reports and was ranked as the top Middle School in New York City based on Math and English scores. Students in grades 6–8 are challenged to read, write, and think critically through a comprehensive humanities and arts program and an accelerated Regents math and science curriculum. At the end of the year, eight grade students will have completed the Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Living Environment, and either Earth Science or Physics Regents-level courses, culminating in the Regents examination; administered in June.. Their stellar academic curriculum is further enhanced with a strong athletics program—with soccer, track, and volleyball teams consistently rank at the top in citywide competitions—plus music and drama productions, art exhibits, academic teams, and after-school activities. Also, students take trips to China, Spain, and France in 8th grade.
In the Lower School (grades K–5), teachers encourage children's imagination and love of learning as they become confident students with a strong ability to articulate their ideas and use different strategies of inquiry to explore complex concepts. The Lower School's core curriculum includes Singapore Math, thematic studies, and science. Every Lower School student studies Mandarin, dance, physical education, art, and music. Students in grades K-2 study chess once a week while students in grades 3-5 take a weekly technology class. Students also participate in a weekly enrichment cluster of their choice. Nest+m believes that New York City is the world's greatest classroom, and the students embark on numerous field trips throughout the year, both in conjunction with their studies and to take advantage of the city's cultural offerings. In addition, the Fourth Grade takes an overnight trip to Plimouth Plantation, and the Fifth Grade travels to Camp Mason.