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North Star

http://www.northstarteens.org/
104 Russell Sreet (Route 9)
Hadley, Massachusetts 01035
Self-directed Learning for Teens

(413) 582-0193
info@northstarteens.org
Program Director Ken Danford
Supporting unschooling teens and their families since 1995.

The Problem...

Some teenagers don't find school life inspiring:
They don't find their studies to be meaningful.
They don't have enough time to pursue their real interests.
The pace is too slow or too fast.
They don't feel nurtured by the social environment.
There's too much homework and they are stressed out.
They argue with their parents about schoolwork.
They are discouraged to be working for the grade rather than the joy of learning.

The North Star Self-directed Solution.
North Star students leave school.
They embark upon non-compulsory, community-based, self-directed learning programs that include a variety of activities:

Independent academic projects
Academic classes at North Star
Tutorials at North Star
Creative classes and projects at North Star and in the community
Internships or volunteering with community businesses or charities
Pursuing their passions and following their own North Stars in myriad ways

North Star provides support for all aspects of a self-directed program.

North Star offers 15-25 classes, trips, and special events each week
Teachers at North Star love what they are doing, and most classes have fewer than 10 students
North Star provides knowledgeable staff and access to many interesting adults who may serve as tutors or mentors
North Star staff helps to structure and identify the best resources for your independent academic work
North Star provides connections to local people
North Star hosts a social environment where teens can be self-directed but still connected with peers

North Star students are inspired and successful.

North Star students have gone to
Brown University,
Columbia University,
MIT,
and Mt. Holyoke College,
among other colleges and universities.

North Star students have gone on to run successful businesses.
Most North Star students start taking college courses before they would have finished high school.
North Star students that choose to return to school typically do very well.

North Star offers free consultations and hosts occasional informational meetingsto help families investigate teen unschooling. If you are interested, call us at413-582-0193 to schedule an appointment or email us at info@northstarteens.org

104 Russell Street (Rt 9), Hadley, MA.01035
(413) 582-0193 or (413) 582-0262
info@northstarteens.org

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