Settled in Nature
A Tradition of Excellence
For 40 years, NVS has been known throughout the region and beyond as an exceptional independent elementary school, with a unique, innovative approach to curriculum that builds confidence, community-building skills and a passion for learning in its students. Students gain a desire for life-long learning, and the enthusiasm, confidence, and imagination to sustain it.
Place-based Education
NVS connects its students strongly to the school’s location, just a few miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. They study the geography, history, flora and fauna through unit projects in Oregon history, science and art, and track the local climate through their participation in the international GLOBE program.
Individualized instruction
Teachers inspire individual creativity and emphasize individual talents and aptitudes through varied approaches to learning. Each teacher models the passion for and dedication to learning they expect from their students. Small classes mean teachers get to know each student well.
Comprehensive, Integrated Curriculum
We place high value on integrated learning through an interdisciplinary approach to subjects, and by the focused attention derived from collaborative peer groups. NVS provides the foundation for life skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and the performing and visual arts.
Confident Learners
Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers: to be curious, accept challenges and take risks. They welcome the benefits of mistakes and delight in the thrill of discovery and the pride gained from meaningful work.
A focus on literacy
Developing strong reading, writing and thinking skills in our students is central to our curriculum. In addition to the reading, research and writing our integrated studies require, students are given time for individual reading each day.
Hands-on Nature OUTSIDE OUR DOOR
Local watershed councils partner with NVS to involve children in propagation and planting of native trees and shrubs. Students explore soil ecology and grow vegetables through the NVS Garden & Grounds program.
Discovery THROUGH THE ARTS
NVS has a 40-year history of providing comprehensive arts education to students, including music, drama and the visual arts. The arts are not only core subjects, but are integrated into the rest of the curriculum.
Experiential Learning
Frequent field trips expand student experiences with visits to nearby natural areas such as the state Insect Museum, a salmon hatchery, a dairy, and the Children’s Clean Water Festival. The Olders class takes an extended trip each fall, where they might visit museums, historic sites, and wilderness or metropolitan areas.
Leadership and Teamwork
With a focus on cooperation, not competition, students learn valuable skills for working in groups by learning to lead, follow and problem solve with their peers. 3rd through 8th graders participate in team and community-building exercises through special leadership classes.
No Child Left Inside
Our location in a Coast Range watershed that flows to the Pacific means the study of a rich, temperate rainforest is right out the door. Slab Creek, a habitat for salmon and other freshwater organisms, lies just beyond the soccer field. A neighboring meadow is ripe for science studies and forays into an imaginative wilderness.
Celebrating Childhood
NVS celebrates the wonder of childhood through song, dance, narrative, artwork, contact with nature and play. Our teachers help students learn how to find meaning from new discoveries as they relate to each child’s expanding knowledge.
Events @ NVS
NVS Marks 40th Anniversary
Julie Fiedler, current head of school, Katharine Harding, past head of school, past trustee and past parent, celebrate with NVS Founder, Margot Voorhies Thompson at the 40th Anniversary Founders Day Celebration April 21. Watch the video of the NVS choir rocking the house at the NVS 40th Anniversary Founders Day Celebration. Choir Assistant and Alumna Kate O’Brien, surprising the students by wearing her original NVS t-shirt circa 1983, explains to the audience that even though the stude... click to read more
School News
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Field Guides to the Neskowin Valley Now on Sale!
As part of this year’s curricular focus on life sciences, NVS students created a field guide of the slab creek watershed led by science coordinator Katie Miesle. Students from 3-year-olds to 8th graders took to the field and conducted biological survey of the flora and fauna around the school. Scientific drawing lessons encouraged detailed observation in the field with notebooks and pencils. Each class chose a focus: trees; plants and evidence of animals; animals that fly or swim; mammals, rept...click to read more
For the fourth year, Neskowin Valley School will offer a special Friday School program for 1st-8th-grade children on a four-day school week and home-schooled children on Fridays from May 4-25. Friday School students join NVS students for a full day of school from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. for a series of electives and an art class.
During the month of July, themed classes integrate art, writing, drama, math and science in the great outdoors with our talented staff. Parents, you can join the kids for a week of yoga and surfing! Our classes are sure to engage, educate and delight your children. Registration is easy just download the registration form and contact the school at 503-392-3124 for payment procedure. We look forward to seeing you!
In 1972, educators George and Margot Voorhies Thompson purchased the land and barn that became Neskowin Valley School, making it the oldest independent elementary on the Oregon Coast. The school will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its founding on Saturday, April 21, from 1-4 p.m. with Founders Day, a community celebration of song, art and happy reunions of students, parents, staff and community friends of NVS. The event is free and the public is invited.
Sign up for Summer Day Camp!!
Join NVS for Summer Day Camp this July.
