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The Nova School Association

EIN 91-1554519 · Olympia, WA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceStrong94 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

NOVA's vision is to cultivate lifelong learning and to advance a compassionate, engaged society through an educational program designed for highly capable students in grades 68. The full-time program promotes intellectual, social, and emotional development through a rigorous curriculum that affirms individual identity, fosters self-empowerment, and strengthens a sense of community.

Income
$2.4 million
Spending
$2.3 million
Spent on programs
74%
Reserves
5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 93%
Employees
42
Volunteers
150
Highest pay
$144,902, head of school

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 63% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 5.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 12% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 8% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    74% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 40 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 94 out of 100. Higher than 67% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 13 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    9 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $1.2 million spent. NOVA, the only independent middle school dedicated to highly capable learners in Olympia, Washington, provides a comprehensive education that extends beyond an advanced curriculum, fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Through student-driven enrichment coursesranging from the arts to technologystudents are empowered to take ownership of their learning. Core subjects integrate opportunities for student-led projects, while the seventh-grade service requirement encourages meaningful volunteer engagement. In eighth grade, each student completes a year-long capstone project under the guidance of a mentor, culminating in a formal presentation to the school community. NOVA graduates emerge as confident, compassionate leaders prepared to make a positive impact in their communities.
  2. $402,750 spent. NOVA regards enrollment as an investment in the future, providing more than an education through a holistic approach that supports each student's growth and well-being. This philosophy extends to the school's need-based financial aid program, which is guided by quantitative data to ensure fairness and consistency. NOVA is committed to making its educational experience accessible to all students who can benefit, regardless of financial circumstances. During the 2024-2025 academic year, approximately 40% of students received financial assistance, with awards covering up to 90% of tuition. In addition, the school offers flexible tuition payment options to accommodate a wide range of family financial situations.
  3. $26,981 spent. Each year, NOVA offers a two-week summer camp for children entering grades 4 through 6 in the fall. The program features a diverse selection of engaging classes, most of which are led by current NOVA faculty or alumni. To further strengthen community connections, many current students and alumni return as volunteers. The camp's primary purpose is to introduce younger learnersand potential future studentsto the NOVA experience, fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 1992.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.