NEST Building Purpose and Belonging

NEST is a course built into our curriculum that begins in middle school and continues all the way through 12th grade.

Middle School

The NEST program at the middle school level is designed to provide students with a consistent source of social and emotional support by fostering meaningful, authentic relationships. Each class begins with check-ins and discussions about students’ lives, followed by lessons that focus on social-emotional learning (SEL), the transition to middle school, and academic support. Rather than traditional content-based instruction, NEST emphasizes students’ overall well-being and growth. Topics explored include Start With Hello, peer pressure, community service, making healthy choices, the UN Global Goals, and navigating social media. Through these experiences, students develop SEL skills, executive functioning, collaboration, and team-building abilities.

Success is measured by how confidently and independently sixth graders adjust to middle school and approach their academic classes. While challenges vary depending on the unique needs of each group, the program continuously adapts to ensure lessons remain relevant and supportive. Recent lessons have included managing impulsivity, taking breaks from social media, and safe online communication, all of which help students build resilience and make thoughtful choices in their daily lives.

High School

Starting in 9th grade, high school students remain with the same NEST cohort until graduation. This consistency helps students discover their purpose, fosters a sense of belonging, and creates a supportive space for unwinding and connecting with peers and teachers.

NEST is highly interactive. During class time, you might see a “wild card” game with thought-provoking questions designed to spark deeper conversations. These activities guide students in exploring empathy, emotional intelligence, and social awareness. NEST also brings grades together through friendly competitions, invites North Broward Prep alumni to share their experiences beyond graduation, and encourages self-expression through creativity and reflection. Students are invited to give back to underclassmen, share their personal stories, and practice vulnerability in a safe environment.

By participating in NEST, students strengthen communication skills, learn to manage everyday stresses, and build healthy relationships. They also engage with the CASEL framework, develop essential life skills, and practice self-advocacy, such as reaching out to a teacher for help. Most importantly, NEST empowers students to connect meaningfully with others and grow into confident, compassionate individuals.

From the high school students’ perspective, NEST makes classes more engaging and meaningful by creating a strong sense of community. The student committee, with leaders from each grade, gives everyone a role and helps students feel connected across grade levels. Competitions are a highlight, not because of points or winning, but because they encourage inclusivity, teamwork, and confidence. Whether it is sports competitions with multiple stations or creative challenges like the foil project on leadership, students learn to collaborate, speak in front of others, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. These activities connect directly to real-world skills such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership that traditional classrooms do not always emphasize.

“I didn’t realize these were skills I needed until I started helping my peers. Like being able to go up and ask a teacher for help. I’m helping my peers, and they’re helping me. It’s a collaborative effort, and that’s the time to do it.” – Eve Sabga, Grade 11, NEST Head of Committee

NEST also shapes how students approach their academic and personal growth. It teaches them to step out of their comfort zones, work with classmates they may not know, and build confidence in new settings. Many students see NEST as a foundation for their future, influencing college aspirations and career goals by fostering deeper connections and self-discovery. Eve Sabga shared that NEST inspired her to pursue psychology because of the way it helped her understand people and relationships. Looking ahead, students hope NEST continues to evolve as a collaborative community where younger peers take on leadership roles and alumni return to see its growth.

“I think NEST  provides an opportunity for us to reach the whole child. Not only are we tailoring our curriculum through academic pathways, but we’re also giving them the life skills they’ll need when they leave here—communication, collaboration, and more.” – Renee Peredo, Head of Upper School NEST