Fall Showcase Wraps Up First Semester
Head of School Jennifer Chambers speaks at NESA’s fall showcase, where students demonstrated their academic and artistic growth to an audience of family and community members. Photo by Kata Sasvari.
This week, we wrapped up our inaugural semester at New England School of the Arts (NESA), marking a transformative milestone for our school and community in downtown Lebanon. Since opening our doors to nine students in grades 6-12 this fall, we’ve embraced our mission to nurture tomorrow’s global thinkers, creative problem solvers, and talented visual and performing artists.
Reflecting on a Semester of Growth
At NESA, we approach learning differently. Through our City Campus Model, students have had opportunities to immerse themselves in the cultural and artistic richness of the Upper Valley. From engaging in workshops with local artists at AVA Gallery and Art Center, to attending performances by Northern Stage and Upper Valley Baroque, our integrated curriculum connects academic learning with hands-on experiences that inspire creativity and collaboration.
This semester also featured four excursions to the Stewardship Center in Pike, NH, where students explored environmental education, teamwork, and leadership. Guest speaker Tom Frawley brought his expertise in orienteering and search-and-rescue, providing an interdisciplinary lens that connected science, mapping, and problem-solving.
Humanities Instructor Alexis Schleicher presents to parents and community members. Photo by Kata Sasvari
Academic Excellence Meets Creative Exploration
Our teaching team includes core faculty members Jennifer Chambers (Visual and Performing Arts), Alexis Schleicher (Humanities), and Matt Huyck (STEAM), as well as guest instructors who bring a wealth of expertise to our students. Highlights include Spanish lessons with Dartmouth Professor Natalia Monetti, special effects and circus arts with industry professional Skip Cady, and cartooning workshops with Michael Albrecht.
One standout project from this semester was our Odyssey unit. Students explored themes of identity, transformation, and disguise through mask-making with Skip Cady and discussions with Alexis Schleicher. This interdisciplinary approach reflects our belief that when students are at the center of their own educational journeys, their growth and creativity flourish.
Junior Aristotle Williamson presents his final project. Photo by Kata Sasvari
A Supportive Community That Inspires
Our first semester also demonstrated the power of a supportive learning environment. As Head of School Jennifer Chambers shared, “We do a lot of things differently at NESA, but our very first priority is to create a supportive learning environment. My biggest takeaway this semester is the conviction that when kids feel safe and valued, everything else works out.”
Students echoed this sentiment, expressing how much they value the ability to “be themselves” and feel supported by their peers and teachers. One parent shared: “NESA truly supports and inspires its students – my two daughters absolutely love attending this school. The small class sizes ensure they receive individualized attention, and the emphasis on curiosity, self-discovery, and creative exploration has been transformative for them.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we prepare for our second semester, we remain focused on fostering creativity, collaboration, and curiosity within our close-knit community. We are now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year on a rolling basis. Interested families can schedule a visit, shadow a student, or meet with Jennifer Chambers to learn more about our unique educational approach.
We’re so grateful to our students, families, and community partners who have helped make this first semester at NESA so special. Together, we’re creating a vibrant learning environment where students thrive academically, artistically, and personally.
