In 1978, the Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education established "NOVA", a full-time program for academically gifted and talented students. Originally, this Gifted and Talented (GT) program was housed within Chelsea Heights Elementary School. NOVA was made possible with a grant provided by the Saint Paul Foundation and substantial support from educational specialists at the Minnesota Department of Education.

By 1985, the NOVA program had expanded and was relocated to be the sole occupant of J. J. Hill Elementary School. The name of the school then became J. J. Hill Gifted and Talented Magnet School.

The GT program remained at J. J. Hill until 1991, when it expanded to include a junior high and was moved to the newly renovated Rondo Education Complex. At that time, it was renamed Capitol Hill Magnet School. Today, the program continues to serve academically gifted and talented students in grades 1-8 and remains at the Rondo Education Complex.