North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens

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North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens North Star is a program for teens who prefer to pursue their education outside of traditional schooling. Learning is natural. School is optional.

We operate like a YMCA; families can use our services and building however much and in whatever way works for them.

*Most North Star teens go on to college, including schools such as Brown, Columbia, MIT, and Amherst College.

*North Star students are not required to take the MCAS.

*North Star offers individual tutoring in a wide variety of subjects.

*Our staff to student ratio is usually about 1:4.

*Few of our families would have left school without the support of North Star.

*North Star families report less stress, increased communication, and improved relationships.

*A traditional high school diploma is not necessary for success in any area of life. All doors are open to non-traditional learners, and our members prove it.

The North Star backyard is full of a familiar plant with surprising potential for deliciousness: Autumn Olive! Charlotte...
10/09/2026

The North Star backyard is full of a familiar plant with surprising potential for deliciousness: Autumn Olive! Charlotte, a current teen member, led a morning workshop teaching us how to turn the berries into a jam to take home.

10/03/2026

Northampton Center for the Arts

Weekly hiking group runs the whole North Star year but there’s something extra special about these early fall trips 🌿🍂🍃 ...
09/26/2026

Weekly hiking group runs the whole North Star year but there’s something extra special about these early fall trips 🌿🍂🍃

Did you know a North Star teen hosts monthly classic movie nights at the Sunderland Public Library? The completely FREE ...
09/23/2026

Did you know a North Star teen hosts monthly classic movie nights at the Sunderland Public Library?

The completely FREE showings include an expert introduction by Theodore Higby, a 4th year liberated learner with a passion for early cinema.

The September event was extra special: the first public viewing of Letty Lynton in Western Mass in over 90 years!

Experimental music fills the Maker Room in ‘Off the Record’ class as teens explore the art of sound 🎧🎛️🔊
09/17/2026

Experimental music fills the Maker Room in ‘Off the Record’ class as teens explore the art of sound 🎧🎛️🔊

The first day of classes is off to a marvelously messy start in the backyard with ‘Messy Mondays’ facilitated by Kristin...
09/14/2026

The first day of classes is off to a marvelously messy start in the backyard with ‘Messy Mondays’ facilitated by Kristin, a North Star parent!

Our freezer is stocked with local tasty treats for the 30th Anniversary Party this Sunday! A big thanks to the crookedst...
09/11/2026

Our freezer is stocked with local tasty treats for the 30th Anniversary Party this Sunday! A big thanks to the crookedstickpops team for making a delivery of six (!) fresh flavors, these pops are gonna go fast!

It’s officially North Star season! We just wrapped up our first warm-up day of the week where new and returning members ...
09/08/2026

It’s officially North Star season!

We just wrapped up our first warm-up day of the week where new and returning members participate in fun optional activities, meet with their advisors, and get to know the building.

A gaggle of teens are hard at work painting a new mural on our shed so keep your eyes peeled for the finished product by the end of the week…🎨🖌️🐞

Last weekend a North Star team of 5 staff members and 6 teens hit the road to attend the 2026 Alternative Education Reso...
06/16/2026

Last weekend a North Star team of 5 staff members and 6 teens hit the road to attend the 2026 Alternative Education Resource Organization | AERO Conference in Manchester, New Hampshire! We spent 3 days listening and learning with fellow educators, teens, parents, and youth rights advocates.

A big highlight was when three North Star teens and two Bay State Learning Center alumni took to the stage for a keynote panel on their experiences with the Liberated Learners model!

You still have a chance to see Journey Through Oz! Join us today for our closing show at 3:00 at the Shea Theater Arts C...
05/24/2026

You still have a chance to see Journey Through Oz! Join us today for our closing show at 3:00 at the Shea Theater Arts Center!

Address

45 Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA
01375

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+14135820193

Website

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