A College Preparatory Private School with Two Campuses in Suffolk, VA. Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 12.

Upper School

Seniors tossing caps at graduation

Exploring Passions at NSA and Beyond

In the Upper School, students are inspired to pursue their passions and are challenged to reach their potential.

With guidance from the faculty, administration and college counselors, Upper School students have the freedom to chart their own courses of study to serve their interests and academic goals. Numerous AP,  honors and college preparatory courses are offered to ensure that students are appropriately challenged and engaged throughout their Upper School years.

Our son could not have been more prepared for his first year of college thanks to the collective efforts of the NSA family. I can never say enough how grateful we are for the solid foundation on which he is building the skills for what lies ahead in his college and professional career; we’re champions for NSA whenever and wherever we can be!

Parent of NSA Alumnus
Upper School Student

Take the Next Step

Learn more about what makes NSA such a special place, and discover all of the opportunities that are here for you!

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Admissions Process


Upper School Students

Advisory Program

Students are not only known, they are known as individuals throughout their upper school years. A faculty member serves as a mentor for all four years and works with each student to develop strategies to encourage academic success and streamline communication from school to home.


Upper School students performing an experiment

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Students have the unique opportunity to explore their interests in STEM careers through Project Lead the Way’s biomedical science courses, which are infused in the science curriculum. Students engage in compelling, hands-on activities that allow them to step into the roles of medical investigators, geneticists or biomedical engineers and work with the same tools used in hospitals and labs. 

Project Lead the Way


Members of the Ann S. Powell Office of College Counseling

Your Personal Advocate

Our college counselors spend a great deal of time getting to know each student. They also build relationships with college admissions representatives by welcoming them on campus, introducing them to students and learning more about what makes students the “right fit.” These strong connections allow for our counselors to advocate for each student’s admission. Partnering so closely with our students and their families leads to outstanding outcomes for our students.

Ann S. Powell office of College Counseling


Student using the flight simulator in the Innovation Lab

A Place for Creativity and Innovation

The Innovation Lab includes an impressive list of tools and equipment, from a flight simulator to 3D printers and laser cutters. It is a place where doing is what matters, where trial and failure teach grit, determination and eventually success. Students get the chance to solve real-world problems while learning to invent and inventing to learn.

Innovation Lab


Upper School internship program

Internship Program

The student internship program is a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable knowledge and leadership skills through experiential education. In May, juniors participate in a three-day off campus internship in a career of interest, which is followed by a day of reflection and presentation to the NSA community about their experience. Internships are also available on campus, which provide students with foundational training through guided projects, mentoring and evaluations. On-campus internships are graded as pass-fail, and students receive one credit toward graduation in this yearlong elective.

Honestly, I loved the whole experience of my off-campus internship. Everyone was so welcoming and warm and eager to teach me new things! I really think I have found what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I can bet that incoming juniors will love this program just as much as I did!
CAYLA MIDDLETON, Class of 2024

Fast Facts

Learn more about the Upper School at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy!

100%

College acceptance

9

National Merit Scholars in the last five years

$27M+

college scholarships offered to students in the last five years

70%

of students scored a three or higher on AP exams in 2022

18

AP courses and 19 honors courses to appropriately challenge students

1

Honor code that stays with students for a lifetime

40+

Leadership organizations and clubs

5

On-campus internship opportunities to further explore passions

Upper School Administration and Staff

We look forward to working with you and helping your student achieve their educational goals!