by Ken Danford | Aug 31, 2025 | self-directed learning
Welcome, Emme Geryk, new Core Staff and Outreach Coordinator. Emme will primarily be in the North Star common room, offering her cheerful attention to our community. She will also be responsible for our social media accounts and other local outreach projects. With...
by Ken Danford | Jun 25, 2025 | self-directed learning
My colleague Tomis Parker recently shared with me the draft of an article he is writing that focuses on the question, Why Does the Left Hate School Choice? Tomis contends that opposing school choice is a dead-end, voter-losing strategy for Democrats, and that they...
by Ken Danford | Jun 24, 2025 | self-directed learning
I am thrilled to share that North Star is receiving a grant of $150,000 from The Novo Foundation for the 2025-2026 academic year. Our connection to this foundation developed through the consulting we do with the Liberated Learners network, and the funds are intended...
by Ken Danford | May 28, 2025 | self-directed learning
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,...
by Ken Danford | Apr 27, 2025 | Uncategorized
Today, on a breezy Sunday afternoon amidst my various activities, I received an email that DOGE is canceling North Star’s Americorps program with six weeks to go. I am outraged on behalf of our Americorps Service Volunteer, our local Dial/SELF Americorps Program, and...
by Ken Danford | Jan 18, 2025 | self-directed learning
Here’s a lovely and inspiring book review that starts the new year off in the right direction! I routinely offer my book to inquiring parents and visitors to North Star as a souvenir for their time. I don’t know how many folks actually read it, but apparently some...
by Ken Danford | Jan 5, 2025 | self-directed learning
Happy New Year! I am looking forward to a busy 2025, and excited to share that I have three public events scheduled already! The field of education reform, school choice, and alternatives to school has expanded enormously in the past couple of years, and there are...
by Ken Danford | Dec 1, 2024 | Uncategorized
On Tuesday, November 26, North Star staff and teens conducted the 29th Bake-a-thon, making pies for the Amherst Survival Center’s Community Thanksgiving meal. We continue to value our alliance with that important local organization. Many of you may have received the...
by Ken Danford | Oct 8, 2024 | self-directed learning
A Message for Potential Founders and Starters of New Microschool Programs in ESA States! I have attended several conferences in the past year and I am encouraged by the range of people and groups offering start-up coaching to teachers and parents interested in joining...
