Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Star Learning Collective?
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North Star Learning Collective is a microschool emphasizing personalized instruction, the humanities, and project-based service learning. It is not a school in the traditional sense in which courses are offered for credit, a homeschool cooperative, or an ‘umbrella’ group, but a modern concept of the one-room school house. North Star Learning Collective seeks to support homeschoolers, online students, and those seeking an alternative to traditional public school in grades 6-12. The concept is that we– the family, student, and teacher– are collectively guiding the child’s education.
Each student will have an Individualized Learning Plan that will outline what the student's goals are and what course of study is necessary to meet those goals. We have a hybrid approach, meaning students will learn part-time at home and part-time at the Collective. In the morning the focus will be academics and each child will receive support with their individualized core academic curriculum (math, English, history, science, etc.). Curriculum may be provided by the family and/or recommended by North Star Learning Collective. In the afternoon we will focus on collaborative enrichment activities emphasizing project-based service learning and the humanities using a variety of curricula. We will assist in logging the work that students do at North Star Learning Collective which can be used as documentation for homeschool portfolio reviews and to meet service learning requirements.
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How do I enroll my child?
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We will begin enrolling students in early August. Spaces are limited due to the microschool concept of small groups and personalized instruction. Once a family and North Star Learning Collective have mutually decided that our microschool is a good fit for the student, an enrollment application will be sent to the family. There will be a $150 non-refundable enrollment deposit which will secure each family's space. Sibling discounts are also applied if enrolling multiple children.
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How much does it cost and what's included in tuition?
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We are currently offering a standard 2-day plan for $4,800 annually, or $480 per month for 10 months. According to their plan, a student may come on Monday/ Wednesday or Tuesday/ Thursday. Custom plans may be available based on space.
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Tuition includes complimentary math (Zearn, grades 6-8) and literacy (Lexia, grades 6-12) curriculum, after school math or literacy tutoring, and assessments in reading and math to track progress throughout the year. Additional curriculum may be provided by the family or recommended by North Star Learning Collective to round out the student's academic studies. All curriculum for afternoon enrichment activities is included in tuition.
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When will it open and what are the hours?
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North Star Learning Collective will open on Monday, September 8, 2025 and the last day of the year will be Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Daily operating hours will be Monday-Thursday from 9am-3pm. We recognize that some families have children enrolled in Charles County Public Schools, and our calendar will reflect their calendar for closures and a few early release days.
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What curriculum will be used?
Families may opt to receive support using their own curriculum and/or use our complimentary math (Zearn, grades 6-8) and literacy (Lexia, grades 6-12) curriculum. Additional curriculum may be provided by the family or recommended by North Star Learning Collective to cover all subjects. While a range of options exist, including high-quality low-cost and free curriculum like Khan Academy or New Visions, it’s important that families choose a curriculum that the student can connect with that fits their educational philosophy and values. Students may choose from a variety of courses, including Algebra I, U.S. and World History, LSN Government, Earth Systems science, and more. Curriculum for afternoon enrichment activities will be drawn from various sources reflecting a variety of themes, including Black history, social-emotional learning, and project-based learning.
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What are Maryland Policies for Homeschoolers?
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While many families enrolling in North Star Learning Collective are already homeschooling their children, some students may be in online school or traditional public or private school. Parents choosing to homeschool their child should be registered as homeschoolers with the Maryland State Department of Education and should submit appropriate forms to their local superintendent prior to enrolling in North Star Learning Collective. Rather than registering with their local school district as homeschoolers, parents may also opt to join a nonpublic entity registered to supervise home instruction of Maryland students (an 'umbrella' group). Umbrella groups provide guidance for homeschool families and conduct portfolio reviews twice a year.
Parents are ultimately responsible for complying with home instruction regulations and providing documentation for portfolio reviews. Parents may design a program for their child that utilizes a variety of instructors and locations. When children from multiple families are involved, instruction from another adult must be supplemental to the family’s instructional program. For more information, please click on this link for Home Instruction Frequently Asked Questions from the Maryland State Department of Education.
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What should I do if I still have questions?
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If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything that will help you make the best decision for your child and family, or if you are ready to enroll, please email info@northstarlearn.com.
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