New Village Academy

New Village Academy (NVA) is a private school in Los Angeles founded by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith. The school, which uses instructional methods pioneered by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, is scheduled to open in September, 2008.

Fast Facts

1. Location: Calabasas, California
2. Opening date: September 3, 2008
3. Founders: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith
4. Director: Jacqueline Olivier
5. Some of the teachers are Scientologists
6. One method of teaching at NVA is "study technology", pioneered by L. Ron Hubbard
7. School officials say study technology is only one method used
8. Artistic Director, Director of Qualifications and Director of Learning are all Scientologists¹
9. Smiths donated $900,000 to lease school building for three years²

Criticism

One of the methods of teaching that New Village Academy will reportedly employ is "study technology," a study method invented by Hubbard. Critics claim that study technology is a way of inculcating students with the rudiments and terminology of Scientology, and that it is not a legitimate teaching method.²

Categories