North Star Academy Charter School of Newark

This is the most awesome school ever!!! The principaland the teachers are the most dedicated people I know. The principal works tirelessly to make sure the curriculum and the teachers are on point and make changes based on the needs of the kids and the desire for all of the children to go to college on a full scholarship. The students can call any of their teachers until 9 pm for help with their homework. Tell me, where would you ever get that?!! They make sure the school is safe, the children are courteous to their classmates, teachers, and parents. No bullying or foolishness is tolerated at all!! They are truly on top of things @ North Star. They don't give any child an excuse not to do well. If you don't do well here it is because the child and/or the parent are not doing their job. Period. GB
—Submitted by a parent

What an excellent school to send your child its safe no child is left behind if they struggling in a subject the teacher will stay after school to help wherever subject she needs help in they may have alot of homework but if they don't finish it they would stay after school and complete it. They do not play in this school they teach the students to have manners. They also go on trips educational trips and at the end of the year they may go on a camping trip boat trip its real nice from all the hard work they let them enjoy there self at the end of the year. They get them prepared for college too.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters second year in north star and she loves her school. Yes it challenging but isnt that what you want for your child. My daughter is in first grade and has been reading since two months after she started kindergarten. Now she is reading on a second grade level and she's doing multiplication and division word problems in the first grade!! I love this school the teachers are great and the curriculum is outstanding a huge step above regular public school. Which i know for a fact because i work in a public school.
—Submitted by a parent

After three wonderful years at North Star Elementary, we are forced to find another school due to a relocation. It has been a very long road in locating a school that is able to meet our expectations, however, we have finally been able to devise a plan. I will definitely miss the tight-knit community, and all of the wonderful staff. Keep up the great work!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely happy to take this opportunity to congratulate the Vailsburg Campus Middle School on a job well done. The administrative staff and the teaching staff have set high standards for the scholars. My daughter transferred from an excellent school district to North Star. At first I had my reservations as to how she would handle the demands placed on her as a scholar at North Star. However, the teachers there helped smooth her transitions. She complained in the beginning about all the work. But now she independently comes home and starts her homework. Thanks again to the Vailsburg Middle School staff for all of your hard work and efforts. Parents please be advised that North Star is a second education for us as well. When you decide to sit down with your child have a computer or dictionary handy. The education is nothing like the one we received back in the day. Keep up the good work !!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Positively stellar school with the right mix of accountability for all parties. Expectations are made clear for the teachers, the parents and the students too leaving little room for excuses. The curriculum is top notch - very organized and intentional. I can't praise this school enough. When a teacher is absent (not at all often) another equally qualified professional (sometimes even the principal)takes over so that learning is uninterrupted. Children are accoladed when they do well but never is there a golden child. Excellence is something that is consistently practiced, no entitlements! I am ever grateful for this education for my 6th grade boy- Clinton hill campus!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of this school I can truly say that this school is one of the best starting from the principal to teachers and staff. The teachers that they recruit are from all over the world and are highly selected. One of the math teachers in the school has graduated from Princeton University. I would recommend this school only for students that want to excel because the curriculum in this school is not like any other they are very advanced and your child would have to work very hard but at the end it will pay off. I am so happy and honored to have my child enrolled in this college preparatory school.
—Submitted by a parent

North Star is one of the best things that has happen to Newark. My son is in NorthStar and I can see the diiferance in his work. All schools should be like North Star Academy!
—Submitted by a parent

North Star Academy has created a school that does more than closes the achievement gap - it creates a community of lifetime learners who support each other as students enter school from kindergarten and ultimately go onto college in a city where less than 5% of the adults have college degrees. * In an urban environment, North Star schools are safe havens for students where they receive support, understanding, encouragement, and a safe school where there is no fear of violence. *In the newest school, an elementary school - all students in their inaugural grade are at or above grade level by first grade. * in the middle schools, students enter 2-3 grade levels below in 5th grade. By 8th grade, 90% of students score proficiency or advanced proficiency on state tests. * 100% of high school graduates continue into college * 80% of North Star alum have graduated from college. Of the 20% who have not yet graduated most are still in school or hoping to return.
—Submitted by a teacher

North Star Academy Clinton Hill and Downtown campus provide a high quality education and promote excellence in academics and community involvment. Most of all they teach self pride and community pride to all the students. They teach students to believe and achieve.
—Submitted by a parent

Northstar Academy is an excellent school, although they are very strict they are very serious about education! I am ver satisfied with the school
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a North Star Paent for four years, we are now entering High School at North Star and we are preparing to accept the challenge. North Star prepares our inner city youth for real life challenges and the support from the adminisration and teachers is second none. We as parents have to continue to work with and support our children in this exceptional academic experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I love North Star! I have three children that attend this school. I will say you will have to commit your life to fit N.S in. It's hard work dedication. Parent involvement! Then it will work for you & your child. The children work on a level far beyond their years. They a cut above the rest. That's what our children need.A push in the right direction. N.S is changing the world on scholar at a time to make history!!! I love N.S!! If you want change try N.S. You will be happy with your result. A child that can face the world w/ their face held high from Newark! This school is a gem for the city if Newark...My Children are in 10,3,2 grades....
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have three children enrolled across the North Star campuses and as an alumni of a private high school, I know for certain that there is not a better school in New Jersey than North Star Academy. The teacher care, the parents are invested and the students excell. There is no place I would recommend better than North Star Academy!
—Submitted by a parent

I actually attend this school and i personally believe that it is number one,but at times it can become to strict but it is because they love us and wants to see us suceeed!!!
—Submitted by a student

North Star Academy offers a stable, structured environment for their students. The students continuously excell and will be more prepared for the challenges of college than many other students in New Jersey. Chosing Northstar for my children has never been a discision I regret.
—Submitted by a parent

I am an alumni from this school and i have to admit the expectations are really high and some rules are ridiculous. However, it has it's benefits in the long run. Not only does NSA prepare you for college, it prepares you for the workplace. North Star gave me many opportunities and I am blessed to have had a great experience at North Star Academy.

Parent night was great because I never saw such a turn out of parents anywhere in the Newark school districts show up like that night. That was exciting to me. Also my child was having a hard time learning the words that was needed over the summer and I was able to motivate her to the point where she knows all sight words. It took me 11/2 week of pushing her and now she is trying to go ahead in her homework. Seriously I thought we were not going to make it through this month, now she is loving it. She is singing the songs and I am too, my baby is smiling now, not crying. Thanks North Start Academy K-teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is much better than I expected and every year they do something to improve. Wish I would have found out about it sooner and that they were K-12 at that time!!!! Both of my children love it!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school since 5th grade. He will soon be in the 8th. He has received an invaluable education and improved character. The administration and staff are consistent with their practices and high expectations. The parent meetings are packed-more than I expected for free education. Lastly, the teacher availability and their feedback are exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent