Research shows that NESS educational programs impact academic achievement. Various studies have found mindsets and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills matter as much, or more, than socioeconomic background for underperformance because those factors positively impact student achievement.
NESS programming substantially impacts students’ social and emotional skills growth. We know this because we continuously conduct independent research analyses on student outcomes with our Australian Council for Education Research partners.
This research looks at students from a variety of venues during the year. It indicates that NESS programming positively affects students’ growth in confidence, persistence, self-control, communication, teamwork/leadership, and school attitudes.
"Our NESS Field Expedition was hands down one of the best field trips I have ever participated in. The staff was phenomenal, the activities perfectly blended the informative and the genuinely fun, and the logistics made it all easy. Our students had an absolute blast and consider it one of the highlights of the year (which is definitely saying something, given that our trip was just a couple days after prom). I wholeheartedly recommend NESS to any educator looking to add a hands-on component to their science or research curricula. "
- MR. Bodo, SPRINGFIELD HONORS ACADEMY
"Our NESS Field Expedition was hands down one of the best field trips I have ever participated in. The staff was phenomenal, the activities perfectly blended the informative and the genuinely fun, and the logistics made it all easy. Our students had an absolute blast and consider it one of the highlights of the year (which is definitely saying something, given that our trip was just a couple days after prom). I wholeheartedly recommend NESS to any educator looking to add a hands-on component to their science or research curricula. "
- MR. Bodo, SPRINGFIELD HONORS ACADEMY
Accreditation
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
In November 2018, NESS became the first and only school partner program to be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). NEASC partners with schools to assess, support, and promote high-quality education for all students through accreditation, professional assistance, and the pursuit of best practices.
Achieving this accreditation demonstrates NESS’s passionate commitment to providing the highest quality educational experience for all students, complementing and enhancing students’ traditional school experiences. NEASC accreditation assures that NESS:
- Strives to achieve rigorous and common standards in education- Demonstrates substantive institutional commitment to continual improvement
- Nurtures individual creative accomplishment
US Sailing
In 2011, NESS earned one of the first nine US Sailing Community Sailing Center accreditations. US Sailing establishes and upholds the highest standards for safety, instruction, and program delivery across the country.
Achieving this accreditation reflects NESS’s dedication to excellence on the water and reinforces its mission to empower students through ocean-based experiential education. US Sailing accreditation assures that NESS:
- Provides safe, high-quality sailing instruction that meets national standards
- Employs certified instructors trained in best practices for education and safety
- Promotes lifelong learning, confidence, and enjoyment in the sport of sailing
US Powerboating
In 2018, NESS expanded its powerboating program and became a US Safe Powerboating-certified Powerboat Training Center. US Powerboating partners with organizations to promote safe, effective, and engaging instruction for all levels of boaters.
Earning this accreditation demonstrates NESS’s commitment to safety, professionalism, and skill development on the water. US Powerboating accreditation assures that NESS:
- Provides comprehensive, hands-on powerboating instruction aligned with national best practices
- Trains students in safety, seamanship, and responsible boating techniques
- Equips students with the confidence and skills needed for independent boating experiences
NESS offers a unique education model that empowers students with leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills to ensure academic success.
Our STEM-based curriculum includes using marine science, sailing, power boating, and adventure sports as learning platforms, on and off the water, for students from all walks of life.
