Q: How long has North Star been in existence?
A: North Star was established in 1992!
Q: What grade levels are offered at North Star?
A: Kindergarten through eighth grade
Q: What happens after my child completes eighth grade?
A: He/She can go to a traditional high school or choose to attend a high school that offers independent study.
Q: What is the cost of your program?
A: There is no cost to you.
Q: How do I know what assignments my child is to complete and turn in?
A: We provide you with trimester assignment sheets as well as weekly lesson plans. Parents and teachers may adjust the curriculum to meet the individual needs of the student.
Q: How often do we need to turn in work?
A: Work is usually turned in every four weeks.
Q: Who grades the work my child does?
A: Although all work is reviewed by the teacher, work completed at home should be graded by you, and work done in class is graded by the teacher of that class.
Q: What types of classes are offered at North Star?
A: Art, drama, and some P.E. are available for all grades. In addition:
- K-3 students have science, social studies, and math enhancement.
- 4 & 5 have science and writing along with math enhancement
- 6-8 have math, social studies along with support in language arts and science.
Q: How many days a week are classes offered?
A: K-5 classes are offered twice a week. 6-8 classes are offered four times per week.
Q: Is my child required to attend the classes that are offered by North Star?
A: No, students can attend all classes, no classes, or just those he or she is interested in.
Q: Does my child receive a report card?
A: Yes, you and your child's teacher will complete the same report card used for all students in the Vista Unified School District.
Q: How often will my child receive a report card?
A: Three times a year
Q: Will my child take standardized tests?
A: Yes, all students participate in the state and district wide assessments.
Q: How do the test scores of North Star Academy students compare to other schools?
A: North Star Students perform extremely well. In fact, over the last three years we have exceeded the state’s API goal of 800 and the federal No Child Left Behind requirement.
Q: What if my child is working above or below grade level?
A: We follow California state standards and can provide you with curriculum that meets your child's needs.
Q: Is tutoring available?
A: Yes.
Q: What if my child has an IEP?
A: We will be happy to work with you after an IEP meeting determines North Star is the best placement for your child.
Q: I notice that you offer drama. Is my child required to participate in the performances?
A: No, our drama performances are optional. Also, some students want to be a part of the play but prefer working behind the scenes. That is also an option.
Q: Does North Star offer field trips?
A: Yes, optional events are planned throughout the year. In the past, fields trips have included outings such as bowling, ice skating, whale watching, Sea World, Legoland, camp at Green Oak Ranch, and park days.
Q: Are you part of the Vista Unified School District?
A: Yes, and as such we follow the same calendar as VUSD. In addition, you and your child have the same rights as any student in the school district and have access to the same services as any other student in the district.
Q: I want to register my child for the current school year, what do I need to do?
A: Call us or come by. We will provide you with the registration paperwork and set up a time for you to meet with a teacher regarding curriculum, assignments, and to answer any questions you may have about our school.
In addition, prior to the beginning of the school year, we have new parent orientation as well as grade level intake meetings where curriculum is discussed and textbooks distributed.
Q: What if I live outside of the Vista School District, but would like my child to attend North Star?
A: You would need to apply for an intra-district transfer at your local school district’s office.