College-Model Academic Program (CMAP)
NMH’s distinctive College-Model Academic Program (CMAP) brings the best of college learning to high school, creating more space for discovery, collaboration, and meaningful relationships with teachers. Built around participatory, experiential learning and interdisciplinary thinking, CMAP transforms how students collaborate and engage with ideas. Faculty call it “an intellectual game changer.”
An Immersive Educational Experience
Through deep-dive learning, students develop important lifelong skills — active listening, critical inquiry, creativity, connection, and self-discovery — while exploring college-level learning in a supportive and encouraging environment where they can thrive.
70-Minute Classes
3 Classes Per Semester
6 Classes Per Year
The CMAP Advantage
Longer, Engaging Classes
Classes are 70 minutes long, providing enough time for discussions, debates, labs, group work, peer reviews, hands-on projects, and application of theories. This mirrors a college schedule and encourages active learning.
Meaningful Student-Teacher Relationships
Teachers typically work with only about 30 students across all their classes each semester, leading to stronger relationships and more personalized feedback and support.
Focused Homework That Matters
Instead of juggling many subjects, students devote their homework time to just three core courses each semester and deeply explore each subject.
Accelerated Learning Pathways
With CMAP, it’s possible to cover two years of a subject in one year (e.g., French III in the first semester, French IV in the second), helping motivated students to double up on subjects and move further into the curriculum.
More Classes Per Year
Three core academic subjects per semester gives you six year-long equivalents annually — more than the standard five offered by most high schools.
More Time for Arts & Athletics
The CMAP schedule creates space in the day for visual and performing arts, athletics, and other cocurriculars alongside academics, so you can pursue your passions.
A Day in the Life at NMH
A typical Monday might include:
Extra Help Time
Connect with teachers or advisors for academic or personal support
Core Blocks
Three 70-minute class periods throughout the day. Classes start at 8:50 a.m. so you come in rested and ready to work.
Campus Meeting
A NMH morning tradition, when the whole school comes together to share news, reflect, and celebrate accomplishments
Short Elective Blocks
Expand your interests with half-credit courses in 35-minute classes.
Individual Advising
Dedicated time in the afternoon to meet with your advisor for the academic, social, and emotional support you need to thrive
Arts, Athletics, Cocurriculars, and Rehearsals
Built-in time in the afternoon to focus on sports, clubs, workjob responsibilities, and other activities
Study hall
Structured evenings for homework or collaborative learning in your room, a common area, or the library
Customize Your Academic Path
You'll build an academic plan that reflects your passions, whether that’s STEM, languages, arts, humanities, or interdisciplinary exploration. Below are sample schedules showing how CMAP lets you put together a schedule that allows you to pursue your interests, in and outside the classroom.
In this balanced learning environment, you'll be encouraged to embrace and engage your full self and explore your interests. It’s how we ensure that the heads, hearts, and hands of all NMH students are equipped for the next phases of their academic lives.