Nova Academy Orange County asked the Orange County Board of Education for authorization to operate an early‑college model serving grades 6–12, extending the operator’s existing high‑school program downward into middle school. The board heard a 15‑minute presentation from Nova leadership, followed by public comments from college partners, parents, staff and students; the board will consider staff recommendations at its October 8 meeting.

What the petition proposes: Nova’s petition would establish an early‑college middle school that feeds an existing high‑school program, enabling students to earn transferable college credit beginning in sixth grade through formal College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnerships. Nova staff said the model gives historically underrepresented students access to dual‑enrollment courses and earlier exposure to college campuses.

Public comment and partners: Santa Ana College leaders and the college president spoke in support; Santa Ana College’s vice president of student services, Dr. Venethea Hubbard, told trustees the college “strongly support[s] NOVA’s new charter petition and their vision to expand into an early college middle school.” Parents, students and community partners described the program’s outcomes; Nova’s presenters cited the class of 2025 graduates who collectively earned more than 1,200 college units, including multiple AA degrees.

Why it matters: If authorized as a countywide petition, Nova’s model would expand access to early college pathways and could reduce time and cost to degree for participating students. The board will weigh staff findings and public input before voting.

Next step: The board’s staff report and recommended findings will be published by September 23; the board will hold a follow-up hearing and vote on October 8.