School Year
Our school year at North Star is broken up into Autumn and Spring semesters with an extended winter break which gives families time for winter/holiday travel and deep rest during the darkest days of the year.
Autumn Semester
September 1st - December 19th
Spring Semester
January 21st - June 5th
Our three-day weekly rhythm offers students a balanced blend of movement, hands on projects, academics and community connection. Each day has a consistent rhythm building routines and confidence.
Our program runs from 10-4pm Tuesday through Thursday and includes a vegetarian organic lunch.
Sliding Scale Tuition
We offer a sliding scale tuition model to make our program more accessible to a wide range of families. We trust families to choose the tier that reflects their financial ability.
Tuition covers the teacher’s salary, drawing board materials, and group project materials. Tuition does not include student’s personal materials, transportation, or other trip/event associated costs.
Our “Choose Your Tuition” model is a tool for economic justice and educational access, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow in nature.
We recognize that every family’s financial situation is unique, which is why we use a tiered tuition model. This system allows families to select a tuition rate that aligns with their financial reality while helping to sustain the school for future generations.
Tuition is billed monthly through the platform, Omella. Automatic payments are preferred for ease and consistency.
We offer three tuition options. You select the tier that reflects your family's unique financial circumstances.
Pay it Forward
$50/day per student
For families with financial flexibility who can contribute above the standard rate, helping to sustain sliding scale access for others.
Standard Rate
$40/day per student
The actual cost of providing our programs, covering staff wages, materials, land stewardship and operations.
Sliding Scale
$30/day per student
For families who need financial flexibility, this option offers reduced tuition rates based on financial need. We trust families to choose honestly and thoughtfully.
This model only works when there is balance. Families paying the Standard Rate keep our programs sustainable, while those who Pay It Forward expand access to families who need the Sliding Scale.
By selecting the tuition tier that fits your family, you are helping build a stronger, more inclusive community where all children can experience the magic of place based learning.
Parent Responsibilities and Expectations
As a member of North Star cooperative, families play a vital role in supporting and enriching the educational experience for all students.
Monthly Participation
Each family contributes a minimum of 6 hours per month to school-related activities. This could include:
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Sharing a skill or passion with students
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Cleaning and maintaining spaces
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Helping students prepare and/or serve lunch
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Coordinating project mentors and supplies
Community Engagement
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Attend at least one group potluck per year to foster relationships among families.
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In the spirit of cooperation, optional outings are organized by parents each month and are an essential part of our curriculum. These outings connect children to local landscapes, businesses, farms, and cultural sites relating to our programs and current studies.
Educational Support at Home
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Take an active and inquisitive role in your child’s learning, supporting their interests and questions.
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Support your child’s learning by continuing independent studies at home, offering time and space to delve deeper into the subjects they’re exploring.
Daily Student Preparedness - Ensure your child arrives each day:
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Properly dressed for the weather (including outdoor gear)
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With healthy snacks, a water bottle, and any necessary supplies
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Well-rested and ready to engage
Enrollment Inquiry Application
Please complete the form to inquire about enrollment opportunities.