Curriculum & Programs

It’s all in the name – At NSA, we refer to our learners as “scholars.” For it is our expectation that they enter high school, college, and beyond being extraordinary in their field of study having received the foundation of success at North Star Academy.

Education Programs

21st Century Learning

At NSA, each student is provided a Chromebook for daily use at school. Every classroom is equipped with Smart Boards and document cameras to enhance the teaching and learning experience.

Accelerated Courses

In addition to our general courses, scholars entering in grade 7 are encouraged to take advance of our accelerated courses which results in scholars being able to take up to 4 High School Regent Exams by the end of their 8th grade year: Living Environment, Algebra 1, US History & Government, & English

Google Classroom

All teachers have created Google Classroom pages.  Please log into your nycstudents.net email address and visit Google Classroom in order to see your class pages. Lessons, assignments, and additional resources are available through Google Classroom.

EXPANDED LEARNING TIME

Alongside our long-standing partnership with University Settlement, our after school CBO, we provide opportunities for youth development at all stages of growth. As such, additional learning time—through extending the traditional school day or offering after school enrichment. NSA provides a robust program that our scholars enjoy and our families trust. Below are some of the offerings:

Leadership

Robotics

Cosmetology

Visual/Digital Arts

Dance

Coding

Drama

MUsic

Step Team

Sports

Multimedia Arts

Debate Team

collaborations

Middle School Quality Initiative (MSQI) is a Department of Education initiative based on Carnegie Reading Next Report and recommendations. As a partner, NSA works with a coach to implement the MSQI framework to strengthen literacy practices and improve adolescent literacy. The following are the core pillars of this initiative:

MSQI

  • Universal screening is conducted three times a year to provide benchmark data in identifying reading levels.

  • Social Studies, Science, and Literacy teachers teach reading strategies and academic vocabulary.

  • Scholars are placed in small reading groups 3-4 times a week to serve as both an intervention for struggling readers and acceleration for students reading above grade level.

  • Teachers collaborate on their expertise, analyze work, and monitor progress.

  • Teachers have opportunities to visit other classrooms and schools to see strategies in practice and attend MSQI literacy workshops..

  • The D.R.E.A.M. (Determination, Resiliency, Enthusiasm, Ambition, and Motivation) is a Department of Education initiative. As a partner, NSA works with DREAM to ensure our eligible scholars take full advantage of the program. DREAM is a Saturday and summer academic program that prepares eligible seventh-grade New York City public school students to take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) in the eighth grade.

Student studying Social Studies at MS 340

Parent Academy

Provides families with ways to connect to the school community and each other.

Workshops include:

Emotional Supports

Financial Literacy

Academic Enrichment Opportunities (family and scholars)

School Services

  • School Counseling Services

  • At Risk Counseling Services

  • Special Education Small Group Instruction

Social Events

Field Trips

Talent Shows

Arts Appreciation

Family Game Night