North Star Academy of Independent Learning & Fine Arts

North Star Academy represents itself as a school that offers a complete curriculum to parents as well as a knowledgeable staff to help provide the tools and supplies necessary to educate your child. The curriculum is bare-bones and there are no supplies provided, the staff is stiff and unhelpful when questioned about appropriate teaching techniques and or about filling in the gaps in the 'worksheets' that make up 100% of the at home work. As well after multiple inquiries for appropriate lesson plans including review work there was none provided, and I was recommended by the principal that me and my child did not 'fit in' with there style of learning there.
--Submitted by a parent

I go to this school and it is an exillent school
--Submitted by a student

Small school that allows your child to learn at his natural pace. Great parent and teacher communication. Wonderful drama and art program. Check it out!
--Submitted by a parent

I went to North Star in 8th grade and had a blast. I was in Charlie Brown and Pinocchio. I considered North Star my second home, because of the warm welcomes, the great teachers, and the awesome secretary. For the post that said North Star was bad, it's not. They just are too proud, because no other school is like North Star.
--Submitted by a student

My son (5th gr) has been with this school since kindergarten, and we love it! Great teachers and classes! Check it out!
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school!! This is my son's first year and his last because he is an 8th grader. I wish he could stay through high school. I love the environment. It's friendly and relaxed in a way that encourages learning. My son came from Guajome and it promotes stress. My son now has gotten his love of learning back and actually looks forward to school! The Drama program is great too. It has helped to bring out my son's personality. Everyone is encouraged to participate and most do. It's really a great thing!
--Submitted by a parent

My girls started at North Star Academy in Kindergarten. They're now in 4th&10th. The oldest desired a change in 4th so we tried traditional school. She found the classroom boring and too constrictive. Her selfesteem fell and so did her test scores. We were back at the Academy for 5th - 8th with wonderful results. We sent our younger to traditional school for 3rd grade. Although she liked it and did ok, I didn't like the nightly battle of 2 hours to do the homework. We're both happy to be back for 4th. The Academy allows for creative learning at all levels. Students are not ridiculed for being different/creative in a video or other project. There are plenty of opportunities to participate in organized academics/plays/music/art/PE/social activities. Additionally, grade/age differences don't matter -it's OK to be friends/converse regardless of grade. I'll continue with the Academy. My son will start K in '07.
--Submitted by merry, a parent

We try to provide a rewarding educational experience for all students. We provide mini classes that cover parts of the curriculum as well as ongoing classes in middle school math including Algebra. In addition, we emphasize the visual and performing arts which includes two major stage productions each year at the Avo theater. Finally, we work together with parents in meeting their child's educational need. We provide flexibility in conjunction with California state standards.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter joined North Star Academy as an 8th grader this year because she wanted to be involved in the performing arts at the school. We have seen numerous performances by this school and have always been impressed. She is very excited for the school's upcoming original musical of 'Pinocchio' and she enjoyed her involvement in this fall's production of 'Charlie Brown'. My daughter has been able to work at her own pace and excel as she gets ready for high school. The teachers work very closely with her and are able to challenge her when needed. Along with the drama classes, North Star offers interesting curriculum and enrichment classes that have filled my daughter's needs.
--Submitted by a parent

Several of my children were enrolled at this school for two years. The instructors refused to teach more advanced subjects to my gifted child. We had a terrible experience.
--Submitted by a parent