About Us
Welcome to SchoolNova at Stony Brook, where learning goes beyond the classroom! Our enrichment program offers 12 different subjects, many at multiple levels, in Mathematics (including Early Math), Sciences, Languages, and Art. We provide a stimulating environment where students can explore new ideas, build their skills, and deepen their understanding of the subjects they love. We offer both in-person classes (held on Sundays at Stony Brook University) and online lessons (weekly via Zoom) to accommodate your family's needs.
At SchoolNova, your child will learn from highly accomplished instructors, including university researchers, scientists, and educators with advanced degrees in their fields. Our teachers bring passion and expertise to every lesson, fostering an interactive, discussion-driven environment that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
What makes us different?
Exceptional instructors: Our faculty includes university researchers, scientists, and experienced educators who inspire students with their deep knowledge and enthusiasm.
Small-group learning: Instead of large, age-based classes, we focus on ability-based groupings to ensure the right level of academic challenge.
Advanced courses: For motivated students, we offer higher-level math and science courses that explore complex topics at an accelerated pace.
Language immersion: In today’s global world, language skills are key! We offer French, Spanish, and Russian classes starting at age six and early childhood English and Russian classes for ages 3-5.
Academic excellence: Every year, our students participate in national and international competitions in mathematics, physics, and humanities — earning top awards.
Community & leadership: Many of our senior students become Teaching Assistants, gaining invaluable experience while giving back to the community.
Affordable tuition: We believe in making quality education accessible, so our tuition is kept low to provide value without compromising on the quality of instruction.
At SchoolNova, we believe in providing opportunities for all students to succeed. There are no entrance exams to join our program. Instead, we offer a math placement test to determine the best level for each student, ensuring they are placed in a class that matches their skills and helps them grow.
With over 450 students enrolling each year, SchoolNova is more than a program—it’s a community of young scholars who love to learn. Our alumni go on to study at top universities across the U.S., including Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, Harvard, UChicago, and more.
Give your child the opportunity to think bigger, explore deeper, and achieve more with SchoolNova!
Our History
SchoolNova began in 2002 as a small initiative led by a group of Russian-speaking scientists and educators from Brookhaven National Laboratory. Their goal was simple: to provide young children with enrichment in mathematics and the Russian language. What started as a local program quickly gained popularity, prompting the founders to expand their offerings.
By September 2004, the school officially launched under the SchoolPlus network, setting up classrooms in the Physics Department at Stony Brook University campus. Its mission was to provide advanced education in mathematics and physics for students of all ages while supporting Russian heritage families with language instruction.
As word spread, interest grew beyond the Russian-speaking community. More and more students, eager to study math and physics in English, joined the program. This marked a turning point, doubling enrollment and diversifying the student body.
To meet this demand, the school introduced a comprehensive early childhood program for children ages 3 to 6, featuring instruction in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, along with formal linguistics. At the same time, the curriculum expanded to include a broader science program and advanced math courses, ensuring students at every level could find the right challenge.
During a period of corporate restructuring within SchoolPlus, SchoolNova chose to become an independent institution. This decision allowed for greater flexibility in shaping curriculum and policies while fostering new partnerships within the local community.
SchoolNova has celebrated 20 years of excellence, with 40 instructors teaching over 100 classes in 2024. With a student body of approximately 450, SchoolNova continues to thrive.
The school now offers:
11 years of Mathematics
7 years of Sciences, including Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, and General Science
3 years of Languages
4 years of Art