Editing NorthStar Academy: An Extraordinary School, A Purposeful Online Community

''October 7, 2022''

= NorthStar Academy: An Extraordinary School, A Purposeful Online Community =
By Mrs. Katie Ahmadzai

When I was a senior in high school back in 1995, home internet access was brand new. I remember standing in awe at my dad’s computer as I waited 10 minutes to try to access a document from a library in Israel concerning the Seige of Masada for a research project. I was thrilled to think about how I could access so much information from around the world from my little town in rural Arkansas. A few weeks later, I was working on a project for my English course as we wrapped up our unit on science fiction. The idea of the internet swirled in my head as I imagined what school might look like in the future. I developed a “Choose Your Own Adventure” story based on two characters who were children of space explorers living on various moons in our solar system. The theme focused on the social isolation that could result from online learning and sitting at a computer all day. Little did I know when I was in high school writing that short story that I would find myself serving as a principal of an online high school (with an astronaut as a mascot, no less) about 27 years later. Now I realize that online learning can be engaging, both intellectually and socially, when it is purposefully designed. NorthStar Academy shines as a beacon of excellence as an online school because so many people have invested their love for students, their creativity, and their expertise as educators over the past 25 years to craft and design an online ''school'', not just another online learning program.

I am currently finishing a master's program through Baylor University with a cohort of highly-qualified teacher-leaders from around the U.S. Most of them came to the program with a very negative view of virtual learning due to their experiences during Covid, but after I get the opportunity to talk about the culture and curriculum of NorthStar, they always walk away saying, “That sounds amazing!” It is amazing to get to work with a team of faculty and staff that are committed to Christ and invested in their students and who are always looking for ways to grow and improve. It is amazing to see students and teachers from all over the world building relationships with each other in over 200 different courses. It is amazing to have an academic advising department that is willing to meet individually with families when planning out high school courses and planning for college. It is amazing to have mentors and student leaders step up to design a mascot, plan events, write newspapers, design fundraisers, and lead worship and prayer times. All of these aspects would be remarkable at any school, but most would agree with the fact that you can find them all at NorthStar Academy, an online school, is extraordinary. 

I am so grateful to be able to be a part of all God is doing in and through NorthStar. As we enter our 25th year as a school, let’s take time to '''celebrate''' God’s goodness, '''rest''' in His love, and develop deeper relationships within our '''community''' so we can shine His light out to the world.
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