North Star: 135 Russell Street Hadley, MA 01032
Come Visit! North Star is a unique community-based learning center. Students, educators, and parents from around the country visit us frequently. Come see what it’s all about!
North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens
135 Russell St. Hadley, MA 01035 (413) 582-0193 Our open house schedule can be found here:
www.northstarteens.org
Self-Directed Learning for Teens
Learning is Natural. School is Optional. North Star makes self-directed learning possible for any teen in the Pioneer Valley. You can be designing your own curriculum, setting your own schedule, and discovering how far you can go, now. The North Star Experience: The teenager’s aspirations: What are your inspirations and challenges? What have you always wanted to learn or do?
North Star Offers: Twice monthly check-ins with each teen member and regular family meetings to plan and implement individual goals.
North Star has worked with hundreds of local families over the past 14 years, with a range of wonderful outcomes.
A full calendar of classes and activities intended to expose and inspire.
The vast majority of North Star members go on to college. Our alumni have graduated from many universities, including M.I.T., Mt. Holyoke, Amherst College, Brown, and UMass.
A friendly, comfortable social space where people are free to come and go. A community of diverse families.
The parent’s needs: What do you believe is essential for your child to learn? What are your family requirements?
Tutoring in a wide range of subjects.
The legal homeschooling plan: for students under the age of 16, a contract between the family and the local superintendent makes this approach possible. North Star helps navigate the process.
Relationships with a variety of teachers and learners that are based on respect and trust.
North Star assists families in identifying each of these components and blending them into a program that works for everyone.
North Star is a positive and realistic choice for many.
Connections to volunteer, internship, work, and travel opportunities.
Acceptance of wherever you are in your life right now and the belief and expectation that you can achieve any goal of your choice. Field trips, family events, and more. A track record of success for college or other future adult activities.
Other alumni have entered Americorps, opened their own businesses, or gone on to various successful careers.