FAQs
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We would love to speak with you - give us a call or send us a text at (415) 322-9229. If you are a prospective student, please join us at an Open House or Dromedary Day
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Nativity serves grades 9 through 12.
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Yes!
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Yes! We wear uniforms because they simplify a daily decision, create a habit of professional dress, and are part of our team-oriented culture. Our Tommy Hilfiger uniforms are available by searching "Nativity High School" at globalschoolwear.com
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We want to maintain small class sizes, a family feel, and a close-knit community. We admit up to 50 students per class.
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Yes! People from all faith backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply. Just in our initial year we have students and applicants from families which are Russian Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Lutheran, Evangelical, and Non-Denominational Christian.
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Technology is a tool which for the most part has greatly improved human life. But as recent research on mental health demonstrates, those tools can also distract, confuse and depress us.
Nonetheless, it is important that people of faith embrace technology the same way they did when the printing press was invented - as a tool to share our beliefs and make education more widely available.
We have three core policies.
First, personal phones and devices are not available for use during the school day. They are collected each morning (in exchange for a mint!) before the opening bell and returned each afternoon after dismissal.
Second, we read, study, and debate the leading research and the sometimes tragic personal experiences of misused technology. Our students will have a complete and clear understanding of the statistics and the risks associated with particular applications and content.
Third, we provide school-issued iPads that are carefully monitored. They allow use of educational applications. Using these monitored and secure devices, we encourage and foster appropriate habits when using technology.
We teach students how to use AI tools to improve research and writing. Students may read and annotate books electronically, making it easier to reference notes in a class discussion.
Finally, we show our students that ultimately they are in charge of these tools by teaching them to write their own software code and create their own uplifting, authentic, and faithful content.
We of course understand that each family will make their own decisions on technology usage outside of the classroom. We remind ourselves and our families that the technology habits of teachers and parents are especially influential to our students.
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A rigorous classical education requires significant effort and study outside of class. At Nativity, we assign nightly math homework and reading assignments of classical texts which require extra time and attention.
Students should expect up to two hours of homework each week night. Failure to complete homework assignments on time has a significant impact on grades and can lead to de-enrollment from the school.
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Yes. Our rigorous curriculum, dedicated teachers, and small class sizes allow for differentiated instruction and individual attention, ensuring our students are ready for college. Learning content in an integrated way across subjects allows for deep mastery of material, which is why many studies show that a classical education results in statistically significant improvements in standardized test outcomes.
Our goal is for every student to reach their highest academic potential and we know that the college application process can be daunting. To support our families, all students participate in a comprehensive college counseling program which begins Freshman year and runs all the way through the end of Senior year, providing guidance at all stages of the process. The Program includes both student and parent sessions, college and career exploration, comprehensive standardized test preparation, essay workshops, application support, financial aid counseling, and two college visits.
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Yes. Nativity received an accreditation letter from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA).
Our curriculum also meets all the requirements of the A-G Course Lists provided by the University of California.
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While standardized tests are only one measure of student success, we believe they are very important. Our students take a national standardized test at least twice per year as well as two internal standardized assessments to measure student growth.
Standardized test scores are important for college admission and we want our students to be as prepared and as comfortable as possible when they sit for those exams.
Nativity is a “SAT Suite” school meaning our students will take at least one SAT test each year and have full access to significant test-preparation materials as part of our curriculum.
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Nativity is an affiliate member of the North Coast Section (NCS) of CIF. We offer competitive sports teams in Women’s & Men’s Volleyball, Women’s & Men’s Basketball, and Cross Country. We also have individual athletes participate in Tennis.
In a typical season Nativity competes against the following schools: Convent and Stuart Hall, University High School, International High School, Urban High School, The Drew School, The Bay School, San Francisco Waldorf School and The Jewish Community School.