The Nueva School has remained true to its mission to cultivate and serve the intellectually and creatively gifted child. In considering students for admission, we look for evidence of

• intellectual curiosity
• independent thought and depth of ideas
• creativity in approach to problem solving
• divergent thinking

Part of the admissions process for Grades PreK - 8 includes submitting the results of an IQ evaluation. The Nueva School currently accepts the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Third Edition (WPPSI-III) or Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) for children under six years old, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) for children six years old and older. If you submit the Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV), we ask that the Vocabulary Subtest is included in the assessment. Please feel free to call us if you have questions.

The Wechsler Evaluations yield a measure of general intelligence and knowledge by examining various abilities, including  mathematical ability, reasoning skills, and perceptual-motor abilities. While the Admissions Committee recognizes that it does not measure all areas of talent or giftedness, it has been the case that students who fall within a specific range are more likely to be a successful long-term match with Nueva's program. For this reason, applicants must fall in the range of candidates considered for admission in order to move forward in the evaluation process, which includes one or two campus visits, insights from a current teacher and additional materials depending on the grade.

Please review the page How to Apply for information on the grade you are interested in.

The time it takes to sit the Wecshler evaluation varies somewhat according to the child. In general, the WPPSI-III (for children under six years of age) takes approximately one hour to complete. The WISC-IV (for children six and older) takes approximately two hours, and includes a fifteen-minute break if needed.

Both WPPSI and WISC evaluations are offered on campus as part of the application process. Parents are encouraged to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve a space as soon as the decision has been made to apply in order to receive the greatest number of options. Appointments fill quickly once the admissions season is underway.

Test results will be mailed to parents/guardians within approximately two weeks. Please let the Admissions Office know if you do not want to receive a copy of your child's test results.

In the context of the Nueva Admissions process, results are valid for two years, or two admissions cycles. After that the applicant will need to retest. Children who have taken the Wechsler within the past year cannot re-sit the evaluation. One calendar year has to pass before a second attempt is made.

When all available on-campus appointments have been booked, applicants will need to make off-campus arrangements with a licensed psychologist. Please be sure the psychologist you choose administers the WPPSI III or WISC IV. Older versions or other IQ Tests will not be accepted.

For off-campus testing, and the Authorization for Release/Exchange of Confidential Information, please download The Nueva School Guidelines for Submission of the Wechler Intelligence Scales 2012 - 2013 and provide these to the psychologist. The psychologist must return the results and narrative report to the Admissions Office no later than 5 pm, February 8, 2013.

Thank you for your support with this process. Click here to learn more about the Wechsler IQ Test.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 650-350-4528,
or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Admissions FAX line: 650-348-3642
The Nueva School, Admissions Office, 6565 Skyline Boulevard, Hillsborough, CA 94010-6221

The Admissions Office is always delighted to received applications
well in advance of the deadline!