The new year of 2022 has generated unprecedented interest in North Star. Since January, we’ve had over forty inquiries, which is more than double what I would normally expect to receive in these months. For the most part, this is terrific news, as I love having these conversations and it feels important to be sharing our approach with interested families. More inquiring families leads to more members, which is good for North Star, both financially and by providing fresh energy to our community. Additionally, the teens and parents themselves feel the immediate thrill of empowerment and frequently express improved relationships and outlooks about life. Parents of inquiring and new members often tell staff at North Star, “Thank you. This is the most hopeful and healthy our family has felt in years.”

I have one layer of concern, and one question I’d love for readers to answer. First, the concern: At this time of year, people are leaving school because they are unhappy. As in, miserable. As in, they cannot see making it from now until June with their current situation. I meet teens who are depressed, who feel defeated, who are bullied, who are tired, who don’t see the point of school curriculum and assignments, who are overwhelmed with homework, and who simply refuse to attend school one more day. I’m glad to offer an outlet – to provide an immediate solution. But it does make me sad to hear about so much negativity.

I frequently state that our culture knows how to offer activities that kids love: camps, sports, afterschool programs in the arts, music, and dance, and so much more. We could, theoretically, make school more like the things kids love to do. This awareness means I believe that the distress caused by school is something we choose to create. I know many teachers and school reformers share this concern, but I do not see any genuine change on the horizon.

The question I have for each of you reading this post is: What accounts for this deluge? Is it specific to 2022? Is it a sign of things to come, or is it simply an unusual blip in our cycle of outreach? I have a few thoughts:

• • As the pandemic risks decline, many adults are not eager to return to full-time hours in an office. I believe teens are feeling the same way about returning to full-time school.
  • Over the course of the pandemic, the term “homeschooling” has become familiar and de-stigmatized. I no longer feel an urgent need to explain or defend our use of that word in describing North Star’s approach when I’m speaking with inquiring parents.
  • Good energy builds its own momentum. Our current members are referring their friends to join, and visitors to North Star see and feel the joy in our community.
  • Life is increasingly difficult and stressful for teens outside of school. Teens are dealing with the pressures of social media, the worries about finding a place for themselves in society, and the existential dread of climate change and war. Maybe a surge of teens feeling despondent this year isn’t really about schooling at all?
  • Other ideas? I welcome your conjectures. Thanks.

Meanwhile, North Star is glad to welcome so many new members this spring and hold space for others in the fall.