The Patterns I Kept Seeing
After two decades of hiring and mentoring young professionals, the same gaps kept showing up.
“Most students had never worked on anything real”
No real projects, no real stakes, no real feedback - until their first job.
“Most students were afraid to take initiative”
Initiative is not graded, so it rarely gets practiced.
“Most students were hesitant to pitch bold ideas”
A skill rarely taught, but always needed.
That is why we built Nova School.
The place where future CEOs, founders & leaders begin their journey.
We believe every teen has the potential to achieve significant career success.
They just need the right skillsets, mindsets, environment and real-world opportunities.
Do Not Just Take Our Word For It
Hear from parents, schools, students, and employers who have experienced Nova School.
“This experience has been truly transformative for my two boys. This program is incredibly forward-thinking, and I am so grateful to our district for bringing in the Nova School program.”
Christy Barner
Parent
“All the steps in the program that Nova School provided built students' confidence every step of the way. You could see them go from unsure in interviews to shining in their final presentations.”
Dr. Regina Corwin
Associate Principal, Peninsula High School
“As a high schooler, there are not many times you can get real professional experience. This gave me a sneak peek into my future and I was able to make actual impact at my company.”
Nathan Soeng
Student Intern
“We thought of it as giving back to the community. By the end, we had received a tremendous amount of benefit - actual deliverables, fresh energy, and inspiration.”
Prashant Gulati
CEO, SDVerse
How We Prepare Students
T-shaped thinkers rise the fastest.
In this AI-powered world, technical skills alone are not enough. We teach LEAD skills - the cross-domain knowledge that helps students rise fastest.
Mindset determines how far you go.
Skills get you in the door. Curiosity, ownership, resilience, and collaboration determine how far you go. We cultivate the LEGO mindset through real work projects.
Environment changes everything.
Students need more than curriculum. We provide accomplished mentors, like-minded peers, and a safe space to try, fail, and grow.
Programs Where Students Learn by Doing
This is where students put it all into practice - real projects, real stakes, real feedback.
LEAD Internship
6 WeeksWork on real startup projects alongside founders and professionals.
- Real projects at real startups
- Work directly with startup teams
- Portfolio-worthy deliverables
AI Entrepreneurship
4 WeeksBuild your own AI-powered startup from idea to launch.
- Build with AI tools like Claude, Cursor & Replit
- Launch a real product
- Pitch to mentors and founders
Built by Industry Leaders
Shubhra Kathuria
Founder & CEO, Nova School
Shubhra Kathuria is a Silicon Valley executive and education innovator with 20+ years helping Fortune 500 companies and startups build transformative products. A MENSA member and MIT-trained leader, she founded Nova School to give the next generation the skills that took her to boardrooms worldwide.
She has been Global Innovation Leader at EY (Ernst & Young), Executive Judge at Webby Awards, and Investing Partner at Moneta Ventures. In her 20+ years of experience in Management Consulting, she has worked with 100+ Fortune 500 firms building and launching new business ventures.
“I built the program I wished existed for my own son - one that gives the next generation a head start on the skills that actually matter.”
Featured & Recognized By
Our team and mentors come from
Our team has led innovation at
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nova School for?
Nova School programs are designed for high school students (grades 9-12) who want real-world experience before college. Our students are curious, motivated, and ready to go beyond the classroom.
What makes Nova School different from other programs?
We focus on learning by doing. Students work on real projects with real startups, build actual products, and develop the skills that matter most in today's workplace - AI, leadership, communication, and initiative.
Do students need prior experience?
No prior experience is required. We welcome students from all backgrounds. What matters most is curiosity and willingness to learn.
Are the programs in-person or online?
We run fully virtual cohorts for students anywhere in the US and the world. The virtual experience includes live training, internship, mentorship, and showcase day. We also run in-person cohorts for South Bay students. Contact us for more information on in-person sessions.
How much do the programs cost?
Our programs start at $2,490, with flexible payment options including deposits and installments. We also offer early bird discount. Eligible families can also apply for financial aid. The program is selective - we keep cohorts small to ensure every student gets real mentorship and feedback.