Northern Light School

Caps were tossed, happy tears were shed, and our Kindergarteners officially graduated today!

From mastering their letters and sounds to becoming confident readers, artists, scientists, and playground pros, these students have grown SO much this year. Today we celebrated all their hard work, big personalities, and the amazing journey they’ve been on together.

We’re not crying… you’re crying. 🥹

Congratulations to the Class of 2038! 1st grade better get ready for this crew! ♥️🌈🎓✨

The clock is ticking. ✨ Only 10 days left to grab your seat for The Power of a Dream, Northern Light School's annual gala on May 28th at The Historic Snow Building at the Oakland Zoo. An evening of refreshments, passed tapas, live jazz, magic, and a community that shows up for our children. Tickets start at $100, don't wait on this one!

Reserve your seat now: https://bit.ly/NLSGala2026

Northern Light School invites you to The Power of a Dream, our annual gala celebrating 37 years of whole child education, and the incredible community that makes it all possible.

Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring: 🥂 Refreshments & passed tapas, 🪄 a magical performance by magician Caleb Chung, 🎷 live music by the Harrison Jazz Ensemble, 💝and live & silent auction opportunities in support of our students.

Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at The Snow Building at the Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA 94605

Tickets start at $100. VIP tickets available for the full experience. RSVP by May 21st, spots are limited!

👉 Reserve your tickets here: https://bit.ly/NLSGala2026

We celebrated Earth Day on April 22nd, but as many students pointed out, caring for our planet is something we should practice every day of the year! As part of our lower school life science studies, taking time to reflect on how we can be responsible citizens and care for the world around us fit right in.

This week, students explored the ways humans can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. We were reminded of the importance of reducing the amount of waste we create and discovered ways to recycle and reuse materials instead of sending them to the landfill. We also discussed how small, everyday choices can make a big difference. In addition, students learned about composting - how food scraps and organic materials break down naturally and return valuable nutrients to the soil, helping new plants grow.

🐛 Our fifth graders engineered mini worm compost systems, exploring how decomposers help nutrients return to the soil.

🔬 Fourth graders observed mealworms and isopods, tracking life cycles and habitats in real time.

🌱 Third graders grew bean plants through hydroponics before transplanting them into the garden to continue their growth journey.

🪲 Second graders witnessed an exciting milestone as their mealworms transformed into beetles and reflected on how they can help protect Earth.

🌿 First graders explored plant structures and propagation while caring for their own terrariums.

🍃 And our kindergartners kicked off the week with a nature walk, even stopping to clean up litter they spotted along the way - future stewards in action!

From composting and conservation to scientific investigation and real-world action, our students are learning that caring for the Earth isn’t just a lesson but a responsibility we carry every day. 💚🌍

Yesterday, our students stepped into the spirit of service, justice, and community in honor of Dolores Huerta and her enduring legacy. From creek restoration to food justice, students engaged in meaningful, hands-on work that connected them to the land, to one another, and to the broader community.

Our K–2 students partnered with Sausal Creek Restoration Volunteers at Dimond Park, learning about local ecosystems before clearing space for native plants and caring for the land.

3rd and 5th graders worked with Abundant Blessings East Bay, assembling “blessing bags” filled with meals and essentials for neighbors experiencing homelessness, leading with empathy and care.

6th and 7th graders visited Planting Justice, where they supported urban farming efforts while learning about food sovereignty, sustainability, and the power of second chances through employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated community members.

Our 8th graders spent the day at Homies FREEdom Farm, beginning with a land acknowledgment and deepening their understanding of Indigenous history, food justice, and healing-centered farming. They got their hands dirty composting, planting, pruning, and giving back. They ended the day in community, sharing a meal and celebration with farm volunteers.

In all their projects, students showed up with open hearts and a true commitment to serve, honoring Dolores Huerta not just in name but through their actions. We are proud to carry her values forward through service, advocacy, and a shared commitment to building a more just and compassionate world.

“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” — Dolores Huerta





justice

From “I can’t” to “I can.” That’s the power of individualized support at Northern Light School. Through one-on-one and small-group instruction, students build skills, confidence, and a love for learning. We’re proud to educate the whole child and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Consider donating to the NLS Learning Center this spring at donorbox.org/support-the-nls-learning-center

Last week, our halls were buzzing with curiosity, creativity, and innovation during our annual STEAMposium! Students shared projects exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math and our classrooms and hallways became showcases of student learning. A big thank you to Ms. Ginger and Ms. Lindsey for making this event possible. And thank you to the families and community members who came out to support and celebrate our young innovators! 🚀🔬🔍🧬🧪🔭🥼

Gōngxǐ fācái! A perfect day to wrap up our Lunar New Year celebration!

Today, the brought incredible energy to our campus! Students and families gathered to watch the vibrant lions dance to the beat of the drums, filling the afternoon with excitement, culture, and celebration.

We finished the celebration off with delicious dim sum treats! We enjoyed pineapple buns from Pineapple King in San Francisco, pork buns from Ming’s Tasty in Oakland Chinatown, and egg tarts from Ruby King in Oakland Chinatown.

A very big thank you to Cal Lion Dance Team for coming out to perform for us today!

Wishing everyone prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead! 🐴❤️