Learning is natural
School is optional

 

North Star is an alternative to middle school and high school.

 

 

If you choose to leave school, you can go to college, find meaningful work, fulfill your dreams, and have a great life.

North Star teens are individuals moving forward in unique directions at a pace that is right for them. North Star is not a school, but a hybrid with aspects of homeschooling and school, and does not offer diplomas, credits, or grades. Since 1996, we have provided an alternative to school where teens learn in the way that suits them best.

We are located in beautiful Sunderland, Massachusetts.

HOW IT WORKS

 

We offer teenagers a whole new way to approach their lives.

 

 

Our focus is on individuals and their particular strengths, needs, and goals. We meet teens where they are and support them in becoming whomever they want to be. Rather than focusing on weaknesses, we ask: “What are you good at? What do you love to do?” and build from there.

 

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Seven Principles that Inform our Work at North Star

 
 
 

Kenneth Danford, Executive Director

Ken is the co-founder and Executive Director of North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens and has been working intensively with teenagers and their families since 1991. 

Previously a middle school social studies teacher, first in Prince George’s County, Maryland, then in Amherst, Massachusetts, Ken left the Amherst school system to found North Star. Using his extensive education and training, including a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Amherst College, and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Brown University, he brought the North Star vision to life.

You can watch Ken’s TEDx talk, read his book, or visit his website for more information about self-directed education.