This week we have learned that recent North Star alums have been accepted on at least 15 of 17 college applications! Congrats to Hazel Kleinman-Eddy, Enzo Belmonte, Volt Ouroborros, and Lucy Lackman. The accepting colleges involved include: Sarah Lawrence, Reed, Bennington, Emerson, University of Colorado-Boulder, Coastal Carolina, Slippery Rock, UMass-Amherst, Clark, Hofstra, Fitchburg State, and SUNY-Purchase.
We celebrate the achievements of these youth. They are each mature, interesting, and thoughtful young adults well-prepared for the next step in their lives.
We also celebrate the admissions officers, institutions, and counselors involved who carefully consider all of these applications. They are willing to read essays, portfolios, and recommendations for students who have chosen non-conventional paths through their teen years.
On a broader note, North Star does not aim to have all of its alumni apply to college. Many pursue other interests or take on serious work or start their own projects. We know there are many ways to live a meaningful life, and that there are many paths to explore along the way.
Given the unusual nature of North Star’s program (no diplomas, no credits, no grades) that often scares away potential students and families, it’s worth noting the most common path among our alumni:
1. Leave School somewhere around the ages of 12-16.
2. Live an interesting life both inside and outside of North Star.
3. Get a part-time job.
4. Take the Hi-Set or GED (or obtain a credential in other homeschool-y ways)
5. Take one or more classes at a community college.
6. Move on from North Star somewhere around the ages of 16-18.
7. Decide whether to apply to a four-year college or pursue other interests.
It turns out this path is simple and effective. We wish more students, parents, educators, extended family members, and allies of youth more fully appreciated this truth. This road is currently available everywhere in the United States without applications, lotteries, or waiting lists. North Star exists to make this choice more appealing, sustainable, and community-oriented, and we are working to inspire others to join us through the Liberated Learners network.
Thank you to all of you already part of the team. We look forward to celebrating with other alums as we hear more news this spring. For now, we rejoice in this confirmation that School is Optional!