STARS Academy

After 6 years of homeschooling our son, we weren't sure we'd find a school for him that would be in align with our wishes for him as a whole person. He wanted to go to a school after the Covid quarantine. Was it possible to find a place that would accept and value him for who he was? Was there a school that could meet him at his level academically with mixed ages classrooms and patiently work with him to build his confidence and grow as a student? The answer was YES. We found it at STARS Academy! We're so grateful to the caring, involved teachers who want the best for him and listen to him and allow him to go at his own pace. He loves that there is no homework but also all the great electives; Music, songwriting, music theory, art, yoga and piano. Science and History are his fave subjects and he comes home everyday telling us what he learned that day. He's improving daily with his math and writing. He loves being able to chose what his research project will be. He loved the Renaissance fair the kids put on. The store in his classroom and that they sometimes play fun games as part of learning. Like we used to do for homeschool. He loves watching movies as a way to learn about history. He loves going to see his friends in musical productions from the great After School Program. He loved performing his original music at their Winter Concert. This is a special place that teaches to the whole child and the goal is to make learning fun and help teach the kids to advocate for themselves and be independent, confidant thinkers. As a parent educator in Peaceful Parenting, I'm thrilled that teaching Emotional Intelligence is a part of their curriculum. Thank you Shayna Turk for bringing your vision for a more progressive alternative choice for our kids in schooling and creating STARS. It's also a lovely community of families who care deeply about their kids. I'm especially grateful our son has made new friends.

Incredible project-based learning program that focuses on the whole child. Their inspiring and nurturing teachers provide an amazing balance between a stimulating non-conventional academic curriculum matched with social emotional learning. A true win of a learning model. My kids can’t wait to get to school which was definitely not the case with other schools. I too wish I had gone to a school like this as a child!

Who would have thought that two public school teachers would send their daughter to a private school? Not us, that’s for sure, but things don’t always go as planned. Our daughter attended a very well run and reputable public school, but as we watched her gradually lose her love for learning and self-confidence, we knew something needed to change. The traditional model just wasn’t a match to her learning style. In the Spring of 2021, with skepticism and resistance we attended our first virtual STARS Informational Session. As we listened to the mission, vision and curriculum design shared by Shayna Turk (Head of School) , our defenses melted. We felt that it was important for our daughter, who was in 5th grade at the time, to be a part of the discovery process. After we expressed interest, Shayna invited our daughter to visit and spend the school day at STARS Academy School. She elected to give it a try. At the end of the day, when we picked her up, we realized there was no turning back. She had found home. So, this school year we took a leap of faith, and enrolled our daughter in STARS Academy School. Instantly we saw the shift, her enthusiasm for learning returned with a vengeance. She was excited to engage with her peers in innovative, creative, and thought provoking ways. At around age 7 we learned NOT to ask our daughter about school. How was your day? Good. What did you learn? No answer. Since our daughter became a STARS student, she eagerly shares details about her learning and her friends; all unprompted. We felt that this was very telling of the environment STARS creates as it has fostered an excitement for academics that we had never seen before. Despite our reservations about sending our very social daughter to a school with such a small population, she quickly formed friendships and has been enjoying building new relationships with the other great students and their lovely families. Making the STARS Academy School choice has only brought us closer as a family, for our daughter knows she is our top priority.

I love how all the teachers are kind to us as individuals they are always helping and trying to improve us in so many different ways. When I first went to this school I was clueless about good writing. Then only after a little bit of school, we enter into an essay contest and I and another student won. I didn't just improve in writing my math facts become way more fluent and easier and easier. I love this school from the teachers to the academics.

Took a tour with a friend who was interested. Wow! If only they taught school like this when I was a kid! Learning through musical theater. Very engaging staff. They really know what they’re doing and really love their students. Great campus. I highly recommend.