Nova Center, Inc. was founded in 1980 by a small group of parents with great determination and foresight.
Nova Center's mission is to provide the highest quality educational and habilitative services to individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
We believe each individual has the right to reach his or hers highest potential and live and work in the least restrictive environment.
Nova Center provides individualized programs geared to all levels of developmental disabilities with the goal of enabling each participant to lead a richer, more independent and productive life.
Our school age program (5 years through 21) is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Students from over 16 area school districts are served because their home districts are not able to meet their educational needs.
Nova's small teacher/student ratio and the ability to tailor each educational program enables many students to succeed when more traditional settings have proven unsuccessful.
All teachers are certified and complete a professional training program incorporating intensive behavioral, sensory, communicative, and positive behavior support training.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked MO School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 2-12
- Enrollment: 39 students
- Yearly Tuition: $25,000
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Nova Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 2-12
Year Founded
1980
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
39 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
78%
State avg.: 20%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$25,000
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Application URL
School Notes
- Nova Center, Inc. was founded in 1980 by a small group of parents with great determination and foresight. Nova Center's mission is to provide the highest quality educational and habilitative services to individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. We believe each individual has the right to reach his or hers highest potential and live and work in the least restrictive environment. Nova Center provides individualized programs geared to all levels of developmental disabilities with the goal of enabling each participant to lead a richer, more independent and productive life. Our school age program (5 years through 21) is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Students from over 16 area school districts are served because their home districts are not able to meet their educational needs. Nova's small teacher/student ratio and the ability to tailor each educational program enables many students to succeed when more traditional settings have proven unsuccessful. All teachers are certified and complete a professional training program incorporating intensive behavioral, sensory, communicative, and positive behavior support training.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mark Thill, CPA - CEO - 1992 -
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Nova Center cost?
Nova Center's tuition is approximately $25,000 for private students.
What schools are Nova Center often compared to?
Nova Center is often viewed alongside schools like Rainbow Center For Communicative Disorders by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Nova Center?
The acceptance rate of Nova Center is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. Nova Center's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Missouri with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Nova Center?
Nova Center famous alumni include: Mark Thill, CPA - CEO - 1992.
What is Nova Center's ranking?
Nova Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Highest percentage of students of color.
When is the application deadline for Nova Center?
The application deadline for Nova Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse Nova Center. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
This article highlights a curated selection of podcasts that offer thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and innovative ideas on various aspects of education. From exploring new teaching methods and technologies to discussing policy changes and social issues, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in education. Each podcast is briefly described, highlighting its unique focus and tone.

For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
This comprehensive guide explores the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, discussing their organizational structures, advantages, and key considerations for parents. It emphasizes that a school's success is determined by its educational quality and management rather than its profit status.

2023-24 Best SSAT Prep Courses Reviewed
This article reviews the top SSAT prep courses, including Test Innovators, Enrollment Management Association (EMA), Princeton Review, Ivy Global, and Kaplan. Each course is evaluated based on its price, in-person and online services, officially licensed materials, instant normative scoring, and free trial options. We'll dive into the features and benefits of each course, helping you understand which one best fits your student's needs and learning style.