The NorthStar Narrative

NorthStar Academy celebrates a significant milestone with the formation of its first-ever independent governing board while maintaining its 27-year commitment to Christ-centered education and discipleship. The transition marks a new chapter of growth and development while keeping the school firmly anchored in its founding mission.

• Board Secretary Katie Ahmadzai shares her transition from principal to board member to balance family needs while continuing to serve North Star's mission
• Board Chairman Danny Coyle explains how his experience with international transitions and developing short-term leaders aligns with North Star's global vision
• Both board members reflect on learning to trust God's provision through the process rather than seeking immediate solutions

NorthStar Academy introduces Entrepreneurship 1, a course focused on building character, resilience, and real-world readiness rather than just teaching business fundamentals. Jen Sullivan brings her passion for student transformation to this innovative program that emphasizes growth mindset, grit, redefining failure, and opportunity seeking.

• Developing essential life skills through entrepreneurship education
• Focusing on character development over mere business content
• Building "anti-fragile" students who can handle challenges
• Embracing "progress over perfection" as a guiding principle
• Creating collaborative learning experiences in an online environment
• Transforming struggling students by giving them vision and purpose
• Integrating biblical worldview with entrepreneurial thinking
• Connecting students with resources, mentors, and real-world applications
• Teaching practical business skills through a four-step process: ideation, creation, launch, and growth
• Preparing students for life beyond high school regardless of career path

Arkansas's AR Learns program provides homeschool families with funds that can be used for educational expenses, including NorthStar Academy's global online courses. As an approved service provider, NorthStar offers accredited curriculum aligned with state standards while connecting students with peers around the world, developing both academic knowledge and cross-cultural understanding.

• NorthStar Academy is now an approved service provider for Arkansas's EFA program
• Families can receive $1,716 per quarter beginning in the 2025-2026 school year
• Funds can be used for curriculum, specialized classes, educational field trips, and more
• Similar voucher programs exist in other states including Arizona and Florida
• Online learning develops executive functioning and communication skills for college readiness
• Global classroom experience connects students across multiple continents
• Dual accreditation through ACSI and Cognia ensures quality standards

For more information about NorthStar Academy, visit nsaschool.com or email [email protected].

The educational landscape is transforming before our eyes. As Principal Katie Ahmadzai reveals in this illuminating conversation, Christian education has evolved far beyond traditional classrooms into a diverse ecosystem serving each student's unique needs.

What drives parents to consider different educational models? Katie explores how the foundation of Christian education—recognizing each child as created in God's image—fundamentally changes how students engage with learning. Unlike an escape from the world, today's Christian education prepares students to impact it purposefully.

Beyond academic growth, Katie emphasizes how we must entrust our children to God while supporting their spiritual development. Through literature, science, history, and mathematics, students encounter God's beauty in every subject area.

Looking toward education's future, Katie shares her excitement for how technology—including AI—can create more personalized learning experiences while freeing teachers to focus on meaningful human connection. NorthStar's international character, connecting students from over 80 countries, creates a unique environment where students don't just learn about different cultures but learn with peers from around the world.

For brick-and-mortar schools and families seeking to supplement traditional education, NorthStar offers remarkable flexibility. From individual courses to innovative programs like their new Entrepreneurship 1 Live class, students can develop crucial self-management skills while engaging with a global community.

Whether you're seeking alternative education options, supplemental opportunities, or simply curious about where education is heading, this conversation provides valuable insights into nurturing both the minds and hearts of the next generation.

Leadership coach Audrey Boydston shares how intentional collaboration and clear purpose transform teams, drawing from her 25 years of experience across corporate and educational settings.

• Moving beyond processes to focus on people and helping them do their best work
• Establishing clear purpose, mission, and values for any successful team
• Sharing knowledge rather than hoarding it to empower the entire team
• Creating supportive communities that help members regain momentum when they lose it
• Using running and physical activity as tools for creative problem solving
• Reframing "you are enough" to "you are more than enough" to tap into untapped potential

Stephen Carter shares how entrepreneurial education is transforming Christian schools by developing critical skills and purpose-driven mindsets in students. What started as a simple coffee cart has grown into a nationwide movement helping students discover their unique calling through entrepreneurial thinking and real-world application.

• Entrepreneurship defined as "taking a risk to create something new for the good of others"
• Most in-demand skills from employers: proactive problem-solving, collaboration, communication
• Parents can foster entrepreneurial mindset by praising effort over talent
• Focus on seeing work as kingdom-building, restoring broken bonds
• Entrepreneurial mindset shifts students from consumption to creation
• Start small with minimum viable products and improve as you go

Learn more at SeedtreeGroup.com.

Dr. Seana Sundermeyer shares her expertise about Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, explaining the differences between these options and offering guidance on how students can choose the right path for their academic journey.

• AP courses align with College Board standards and prepare students for both the AP exam and university-level work
• Dual credit courses are approved by Colorado Christian University and allow students to earn college credits while in high school
• Students should consider limiting themselves to one or two advanced courses at a time due to the increased rigor and time commitment
• Important to research which credits will transfer to prospective universities before choosing courses
• AP exam preparation should include completing the full course, utilizing practice exams, and maintaining personal well-being
• The community of teachers and staff are available to support students pursuing academic excellence

Stephanie welcomes her 9-year-old son Holton to share his basketball journey and the unexpected life lessons from his recent concussion.

• Holton's basketball passion and why he'd choose to play against Steph Curry
• His dream basketball move involves a behind-the-back crossover into a reverse layup
• The story of Holton's concussion during a church league game
• How sitting out his final game taught him valuable lessons about patience and recovery
• Holton's advice to other injured kids: "If you sit out one game, you can play sports for the rest of your life"

A heartfelt conversation unfolds as Michaela and Riley share insights from their roles on the NorthStar Academy Student Council. They discuss leadership, community, and the importance of connection within their online academy.

• Michaela and Riley introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds and hobbies 
• Overview of their student council roles and responsibilities 
• Insights into how collaboration shapes their leadership experiences 
• Discussion on effective communication and the importance of kindness 
• Reflections on building a vibrant community in an online environment 
• Encouragement for non-student council members to engage and lead in their own way

Cody Johnson's journey from student at NorthStar Academy to aspiring diplomat is a testament of faith, adaptability, and the importance of lifelong learning. Through personal stories of travel and growth, he emphasizes embracing opportunities, learning from diverse cultures, and the necessity of self-awareness in achieving one's calling. 

• Embracing faith while navigating uncertainty 
• The transformative experience of hitchhiking on a volcano 
• NorthStar Academy's influence on cultural understanding 
• Leadership lessons learned through student governance 
• The significance of adaptability in shaping career goals