"Star Academy is a small school where children love to learn. With small class sizes, Star teachers know every child and therefore, challenge them as individuals, inside and outside the classroom. Our Pillars of Child Development guide Star's philosophy and enrich classroom teaching, addressing the rounded development of the whole child. Social-emotional learning, daily Physical Education, flexible learning environments (you should see our forest!), and weekly Music, Art and Drama are key programming features."
Every day the Star faculty seeks to create experiences that engage students in learning that excites them. Our Learn to Love to Learn focus is evident in the classrooms, where students have guided support but also the autonomy to develop their skills. From the moment they arrive at school to smiles and good mornings, to the moment their teachers sign them out at the end of the day, the children are involved with a community that is caring and invested in their personal growth.
To serve families effectively, we prioritize small class sizes, which require a commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio. This decision involves allocating resources to hire passionate, skilled teachers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring each child receives personalized attention. Although this limits the number of students we can accommodate, it enhances our ability to tailor educational experiences. Additionally, our focus on holistic development means resources are devoted not only to academics but also to extracurricular activities, physical education, and community service. Our approach nurtures lifelong learners ready to make meaningful contributions, emphasizing quality over quantity in every aspect of our educational offerings.
Star Academy was founded by Belinda Bernardo in 1998 with a vision of holistic education. Our growth has been guided by passionate educators, including our current Principal, Julie Benneyworth, and Director, Heather Rees, who have built on this legacy. Key moments include the development of our Five Pillars of Child Development, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to learning. The expansion of our vibrant community activities has further shaped our school, fostering a nurturing environment for all students.
Our school is an ideal fit for students who are eager to embrace a holistic educational experience. We seek students who demonstrate the potential for academic excellence and possess a willingness to try. Strong social and emotional skills are essential, as we emphasize community involvement and leadership. Students who thrive in our environment are those who are curious, open-minded, and willing to engage in diverse activities beyond academics. A love for learning and a desire to grow into well-rounded individuals are key traits for success at Star Academy.
We might advise families against choosing our school if they prioritize a highly competitive or specialized academic environment over a holistic approach to development. If a family prefers a larger school with extensive resources dedicated solely to academics, or lacks interest in community involvement and extracurricular activities, Star Academy may not align with their expectations. Additionally, if a family is not supportive of parental involvement or prefers minimal communication with the school, they may not fully benefit from our collaborative approach.
Our families regularly comment on the 'above and beyond' our teachers do for their child. Often, the switch to a small private school is what a child who is a reluctant learner comes out of their shell. The small school environment, the small classroom sizes, and the attention to detail by our teachers set the student experience apart. As one parent recently emailed us 'Thank you again for all that you do for the school and our family (and all of the families).'
Star Academy is viewed as a nurturing and holistic educational institution within the community. Our reputation is built on our dedication to fostering the overall development of each child, emphasizing our five pillars, academic, social, emotional, physical, and global growth. We are recognized for our small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention and innovative teaching methods. Families appreciate our focus on 21st-century skills, preparing students to be creative and critical thinkers. Our vibrant community atmosphere, with opportunities for leadership and community service, further enhances our image as a school that values empathy and global citizenship. Parents feel engaged and valued through regular communication and involvement in school activities. Overall, our image is one of a supportive, inclusive environment where students thrive as lifelong learners ready to make a positive impact in the world.
The use of technology in educational ways. We all feel some technology burnout, but there are so many ways it is integrated into learning that enhance the experiences for all children. It allows for accessibility, it allows for creativity, and it allows for the development of 21st-century learning skills. Our ongoing professional development continues to enrich our teacher's foundation skills in areas such as coding - which allows for great creativity as our children navigate new skills.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion extends to the classrooms with diverse dolls, an extensive diverse book collection, with the goal that every child will find a character that represents them.
The wide range of school clubs offered at recess times (for a small school especially), from 'Paw Patrol' to 'Dungeons and Dragons', Sports including racquet sports (tennis, badminton, pickleball), cooking and more!
Recently, we have strengthened our curriculum by further integrating the teaching of 21st-century skills, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. We have expanded our school club offerings, providing more diverse opportunities for students to explore their interests and to try new activities. Additionally, we've improved our support services, tailoring tutoring and support programs to better meet the needs of all students. These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to providing a well-rounded, supportive educational environment for every child.
Over the next five years, we plan to integrate more technology into our curriculum, ensuring students are proficient with digital tools and prepared for future challenges. Additionally, we'll continue to refine our support services, ensuring all students receive the necessary resources to thrive. These changes align with our mission to nurture well-rounded, lifelong learners ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Hear directly from Star Academy community as they share insights.
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