This fall, two of Boston’s most distinctive schools have teamed up to offer students something rare: a dual-campus educational experience. NuVu High School in Cambridge, known for its full-time design studio model, and The Newman School in Back Bay, home to a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program, have launched a partnership that blends the best of both worlds.

At The Newman School, students immerse in the globally recognized IB curriculum, which emphasizes inquiry, creativity, and critical thinking. The program’s core components challenge students to engage with the world, explore big questions, and develop as reflective, well-rounded learners.

NuVu High School brings a very different — but complementary — approach. Instead of traditional classes, students work in multi-week design studios tackling real-world challenges through creativity, collaboration, and hands-on making.

Through the new partnership, NuVu students can now opt to take supplemental math classes at Newman and participate in its robust athletics and after-school offerings. “NuVu students are getting the best of both worlds,” says Karen Sutton, NuVu’s Director of Admissions. “Our students continue their design-studio education while taking math at Newman. Families who want a traditional math pathway can get that without leaving NuVu — and they also gain access to sports, theater, band, and chorus.”

In turn, during the month of December, Newman’s 8th grade class will experience NuVu’s design studio process, as they participate in a full month of full-day hands-on programming led by NuVu’s experienced coaches.

“Our goal has always been to create learning environments that empower students to grow as creative, independent thinkers,” shares NuVu CEO and Co-Founder Saeed Arida. “This collaboration with Newman expands that vision - giving students access to both the depth of studio-based learning and the breadth of traditional academic and extracurricular pathways.”

Integrated Math classes are led by Newman’s Math Department Chair, Brad Meeder, whose collaborative approach emphasizes problem-solving and peer discussion. NuVu students meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., with optional access to Newman’s Learning Support Center on Thursdays.

“We are excited to welcome NuVu students into the Newman community,” shares Julie Porrazzo, Assistant Head of School at Newman. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to developing innovative, globally-minded learners who think critically and collaborate effectively.”

Julie shares that while NuVu students can now access Newman’s mathematics problem-solving class, they in turn bring a distinctive design-thinking perspective that enriches Newman’s classrooms and extracurricular programs. “Whether it is on the stage, with the Robotics Team, in the music studio, or on the playing fields, welcoming NuVu students is enhancing the experience for all students. It is a wonderful example of how two schools with complementary strengths can come together to expand opportunities for everyone.”

The collaboration is not just a boon for students, but also extends to the staff as well. This past summer Newman teachers were welcomed to attend the NuVuX Innovation Camp for Educators, where they discovered the skills and mindset behind teaching hands-on learning.

The benefits extend beyond academics as well. “The partnership with Newman expands the NuVu community into extra curriculars such as Theater, Robotics Team and Soccer — opportunities our students haven’t previously had — while also inviting Newman students to join our own Combat Robotics,” says Jon Turnquist, NuVu’s Dean of Students. “Everyone I’ve met at Newman has been so positive and student-centered. Our school cultures and values are perfectly matched.”

This innovative partnership is more than just a shared schedule — it’s a model for how schools can collaborate to expand opportunities, build community, and help students thrive.

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