From Students
Dear Mr. Leenhouts,
Thanks again for this class - I just cannot believe how applicable each weeks' lessons are...this is truly the best class she is taking this semester...I'm afraid you have made 2 fans for life...she is already finding out which courses you teach and which ones she can take over the next 3 years!
The stuff that Tom is doing for Math is incredible - and Elizabeth loves it...
I did see where Marty asked the parents who had children in his classes to fill out an evaluation. I don't know what energy drink he's on, but I'd love to have some! I can honestly say that in all my years of education (even through my Master's Degree) and in all the years that Emily has been in Christian education, I've never come across anyone like him. He's a true blessing from God! What an incredible teacher -- what incredible lesson plans -- what an incredible sense of humor -- he is so creative!
Dear Mr. Hooks [Mr. Hoeksema],
Like others, I believe that you are the GREATEST, and thanks for being
such a wonderful teacher! I remember that, every time mom would pull out that "big blue book", I would always go run and hide (it's a history book that I used to do). But now when I go to pull out that history text, I'm so excited and can't wait to see what happens next! I'm so happy I finally learned to like history and appreciate my country. Of course, it couldn't have been done without you, though! You always made history interesting and provided some information to think about. Thanks for always being there for me!
Here is my last history assignment before the final. Thank you for this year of history, I believe I learned more about American history this year than ever before and have taken a deeper look at many things in society. Your class allowed me to write about and think about so many things, so I could formulate more views and see new ideas. You didn't make us just read and memorize bare facts, so I feel I gained something really rich and got to think more about different perspectives in history. I really learned from and appreciated your view of history as it came across in all your lessons and assignments. Thank you=) I really did enjoy it.
From Parents
Your school has just been an amazing opportunity. It has drawn Sean and me very close together as we've worked side by side on it every day. And Marty's course has helped keep Sean on fire for the Lord as his youth group has been going through a transition that dimmed his sights a little bit. We just can't thank you enough, and we are thrilled to see how successful and widespread the school has become. May God continue to bless you richly... “Thanks” just doesn't say it, but thanks anyway! We have been blessed by your school beyond measure.
Sheila,
Just wanted you to know that I LOVE how you are challenging Ashley...English is her best subject, and the content I've seen so far is outstanding.
Thank you for all you're doing!
I wanted to thank you for your notes to Jessica and the encouragement you give her. The extra time and attention is greatly appreciated!
We are enjoying the Math teacher so much--he is fun and available (responsive).
Just wanted to tell you ... I've also been reviewing the lessons, and I'm very impressed with both the material and the extra "personal" applications you've put in. I'm anticipating a year of real personal spiritual growth for Nick, and I'm excited to see it! Thank you!
The classes are challenging and not boring. The teachers create lessons that complement the textbooks, so the kids aren't just reading the text and answering questions at the end of each chapter. The creativity of the NSA teachers brings the lessons to life. Our family especially enjoys the history and Bible classes. Our kids are learning so much! I also like the fact that all the teachers are Christians, and the lessons direct the students to explore what God's word says about the particular topic they are studying.
We just have to say that NorthStar Academy is truly the highlight of our daughter's life as a TCK. She loves being in charge of her own schedule - and she REALLY likes all the new kids she is meeting from around the world. As parents, there are so many things we like about NorthStar...
I sincerely appreciate the patience of the teachers, that we had missed turning in a couple of weeks’ assignments. But we are moving ahead with more confidence now.
We feel very fortunate that our children have been able to attend NSA. I know they have had and will have a good education. My oldest daughter received scholarships totally $11,000 a based on her grades at NSA and her SAT score, so this has enabled her to go to a private Christian university. I really feel the Lord led us to NSA, and we are very blessed to have had this opportunity for our children to be a part of NSA.
I have been completely satisfied with the quality of instruction at NSA. The teachers are very prompt, helpful, and give excellent guidance (both to the student and to the parent supervisor). The level of instruction is very challenging so the students are given a quality education.
The classes are rigorous so you need lots of discipline and motivation. It does require organization, and the parent needs to keep an eye on the progress. So it does require some hands on for the parent supervisor.
The school and the teachers become a part of your family. Each teacher has a unique personality, and that shows through in their lesson plans... During the past two years, a few of Emily's teachers have become like family to me. I will correspond with them throughout the summer months. The support they give, their availability, and their commitment to help are outstanding.
Thank you both so much for your encouraging words. You don't know the weight it released from my shoulders. But then, I should have expected no less, based on my experiences with NorthStar throughout this year. All of you have proven to be not only dedicated educators, but also committed Christians who understand the delicate balance of love and discipline required in raising children. You have been unbelievable!
From Others
I have been involved with the distance education program of the University of Maryland for the last 2 years. This year, I have spent entirely on researching distance education for our school... Of all the distance education programs that I have evaluated, NorthStar is head and shoulders above the rest.
Dr. Bill Fanska
First of all, let me thank you for the quality educational experience I observed Shawna receiving thru ENG 300 this year. I could tell she was challenged but that she also enjoyed it. I also applaud the way North Star has done a good job of providing technical support and has used technology in a way that draws from its strengths without trying to push into applications where the success rate is exceeded by failure and frustration.
(Parent in the USA)
Here are Rachel’s Bible and Science exams. We really put this system to the test this past week when we spent 5 days in a village with no electricity or telephone. We had to print things out so that the 3 computer batteries we took with us were enough power to get the work done. It worked OK, and we will be attempting this feat again this week.
(Parent in Burkina Faso)
Thanks a lot again. I really like the way this school is run. It’s a lot more personal then going to a public school. I was not able to talk to my teachers in the public schools like this. Anyway, I’ll be working on my Pascal assignment. So I’ll get back to you.
(Student in Ireland)
Every [teacher] is fantastic at returning email quickly. (That’s a big deal when you are trying to figure out an assignment, etc.) The teachers take a genuine interest in their students. In fact, several teachers have taken a few (and sometimes more than a few) moments to chat with Matthew online about non-school stuff. I can’t tell you what a big deal that is to Matt. His whole countenance brightens, and even his interest in that class intensifies when that teacher becomes “real” to him.
(Parent in the USA)
Thanks for your willingness to hear us parents out. I am a teacher by trade and I have been VERY pleased with the academic excellence of the courses that Kaleb is taking.
(Parent in Papua New Guinea)
Greetings! Just wanted to drop a note to tell you what fun I had as David’s lab assistant today as he did the labs on chemical/physical change. Thanks for providing the opportunity for lab work. I am glad that you are so positive.
(Parent in China)
I am a retired professor from the University of Michigan and the University of Detroit Mercy. Presently I am serving as a visiting professor with Michigan State University. My field is educational psychology and am teaching courses in computer applications for educators. Some of my students are examining distance learning and teaching models. NorthStar is certainly a leading edge example of how to do this! I am quite impressed with your school both in the courses you are offering and the way you are organizing and delivering the curriculum.
(Dr. Dave Starks)
The weekly lessons we are receiving now take the text book material and expand on it, making it more interesting and relating it more directly to the students. The Bible work Amanda is receiving is especially well done and shows so much work on the part of the teacher, but all of them are impressive. Your teachers are fabulous. They are making the effort to do much of what might be done in a classroom setting to interest students with various learning styles but sending it over the internet. It takes so much creativity and dedication to the task of teaching. They are also taking the trouble to get to know the individual students and already have some sense of when they are working up to their potential. I’ve been very pleased.
(Parent in the U.K.)
Things are going well. We really are pleased with the NorthStar program, and would strongly recommend it to anyone…So, things are going well. We love this online program, and we are very thankful for you and your teachers!
(Parent in Burkina Faso)
I just wanted to tell you how much we appreciate your help though this course. Steve was so discouraged when we realized that he was not up to pace with the schedule for the course. But you constantly gave him encouragement and that made all the difference in his attitude to keep at it. We truly appreciate your dedication.
(Parent in Brazil)
I appreciated the flexibility that the program offers for (families overseas) and their children. One factor for greater flexibility is that teachers have their assignments ready and posted ahead of time so that if needed, a student could get his future assignments for a period of time when he will be traveling or otherwise not able to get online. (Or in case of computer problems.) The teachers gave a personal touch to the school and were available when Andrew needed help. As I read teacher’s comments to Andrew throughout the year, I perceived a real interest in him and concern for him....One strong point is the immediate response you gave to requests, questions and needs. This is crucial to the operation of the school. It was always reassuring for me to see a quick response to our communication with you.
(Parent in Mexico)
We appreciate the flexibility of the school and helpfulness of the staff. We have had to make 2 major moves during this school year, had a major HD crash, and I had to be away for 2 weeks, and yet she is finishing up only a few days beyond the goal we set at the beginning of the year. It helped to be able to rearrange the schedule as necessary to accommodate the moves, etc.
(Parent in the USA)
Heather has been homeschooled all her school years. We are (living) in Argentina. (Our daughter) is taking Science and Bible. We have found NSA to be a wonderful addition to our home school. She is very happy and enjoying the challenge of both classes. When I asked her what she would say to someone interested in NSA she responded positively. She said, “The teachers are nice and the classes are fun. I have enjoyed everything I’ve learned so far.” The teachers have been very helpful. They have always responded to our questions quickly. They have affirmed Heather and are stretching her academically. I have appreciated all the help they have given us in getting started. When we had trouble getting the program to work, Brett called from Canada to walk us through the steps to fix it. He was very patient with me as I tried to learn how to do the basics of using the computer and the internet.
(Parent in Argentina)
He’s really becoming proficient in his maps already. Good to see! We thank the Lord daily for NSA; it is such a gift to us (parents and children) because of the care and wisdom that has gone into making it a high-quality institution of learning. Each week we learn better strategies of planning and time management. That is our biggest challenge. Danny tends to focus a bit more on the “social” aspects, sometimes at the expense of the timely completion of his work. Yet, we have also seen a kind of positive social maturation occur in him in the last 7 weeks too. He really has some important friends in NSA, and that is not something we take for granted either. Our thanks to you and all the NSA teachers for your patient and gracious understanding of the intricacies of this age group, and our vast high-tech learning environment.
(Parent in the USA)
Thanks for all you do! I am very impressed with the quality and depth of the lessons in this class (though I have not read them ALL!) and am thankful for the flexibility of structure and time. FINALLY educators that understand that individuals learn in different ways AND TIMES!!
(Parent in Washington State)
My daughters have been taking correspondence and online courses from other institutions while also attending NSA. NSA is hands down a much better set up. I especially appreciate the fact that they have a “real” teacher at the other end! Actually not just a “teacher”, but teachers that care! Also of major significance is the fact that the classes are not a “shelf” curriculum. NSA is very personal unlike some other online schools.
(Parent in the UK)
I just had to thank you for a great 1st quarter. Jared loves your class. I don’t remember health class being so fun and exciting when I was in school ;-) Your assignments are both fun and thought provoking. Jared and I have had some neat discussions. You seem to really understand the kids and meet them where they’re at! We both enjoy going to your class and reading your “words of wisdom”.
(Parent in Indonesia)