The NorthStar Narrative

The educational landscape is transforming before our eyes. As Principal Katie Ahmadzai reveals in this illuminating conversation, Christian education has evolved far beyond traditional classrooms into a diverse ecosystem serving each student's unique needs.

What drives parents to consider different educational models? Katie explores how the foundation of Christian education—recognizing each child as created in God&apo...

Leadership coach Audrey Boydston shares how intentional collaboration and clear purpose transform teams, drawing from her 25 years of experience across corporate and educational settings.

• Moving beyond processes to focus on people and helping them do their best work
• Establishing clear purpose, mission, and values for any successful team
• Sharing knowledge rather than hoarding it to empower the entire team
...

Stephen Carter shares how entrepreneurial education is transforming Christian schools by developing critical skills and purpose-driven mindsets in students. What started as a simple coffee cart has grown into a nationwide movement helping students discover their unique calling through entrepreneurial thinking and real-world application.

• Entrepreneurship defined as "taking a risk to create something new for the good ...

Dr. Seana Sundermeyer shares her expertise about Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, explaining the differences between these options and offering guidance on how students can choose the right path for their academic journey.

• AP courses align with College Board standards and prepare students for both the AP exam and university-level work
• Dual credit courses are approved by Colorado Christian University and ...

Stephanie welcomes her 9-year-old son Holton to share his basketball journey and the unexpected life lessons from his recent concussion.

• Holton's basketball passion and why he'd choose to play against Steph Curry
• His dream basketball move involves a behind-the-back crossover into a reverse layup
• The story of Holton's concussion during a church league game
• How sitting out his final game ta...

A heartfelt conversation unfolds as Michaela and Riley share insights from their roles on the NorthStar Academy Student Council. They discuss leadership, community, and the importance of connection within their online academy.

• Michaela and Riley introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds and hobbies 
• Overview of their student council roles and responsibilities 
• Insights into how collaboration shapes thei...

Cody Johnson's journey from student at NorthStar Academy to aspiring diplomat is a testament of faith, adaptability, and the importance of lifelong learning. Through personal stories of travel and growth, he emphasizes embracing opportunities, learning from diverse cultures, and the necessity of self-awareness in achieving one's calling. 

• Embracing faith while navigating uncertainty 
• The transformative experience o...

Zoe and Rachel, club coordinators at NorthStar Academy, share their experiences of building community within an online educational environment. They emphasize the importance of connection, leadership, and fostering a sense of belonging through diverse clubs, illustrating how these initiatives create meaningful relationships among students. 

• Discussion on their personal experiences at NorthStar 
• Importance of online...

Join us as we delve into the heart of NorthStar Academy's community, where Addie and Maia explore their role in student leadership. Listen as they discuss the challenges of communicating in an online school setting and the invaluable lessons learned from embracing diverse perspectives. The joy of collaboration and the fulfillment of helping peers succeed emerge as powerful motivators, painting a vivid picture of what it means ...

Embracing gratitude can transform how we navigate life's hardships. Join us as we chat with Tina Tandy on her retirement and discuss the power of thankfulness during tough times. Listen as Tina and Stephanie share heartfelt reflections that inspire us to maintain our faith and embrace a broader perspective, finding peace and joy amidst the trials. With Thanksgiving around the corner, it's the perfect moment to appreciate ...

Step into the vibrant world of student leadership with NorthStar Academy's own Isabelle Phillips and Hallie Griffin, whose remarkable stories promise to inspire and educate. Join us as Isabelle, the Student Council content creator, and Hallie, the ad coordinator, share their unique experiences from an international online school setting. They offer a window into how they balance an array of responsibilities—from student counci...

We are excited to have Kristi Steele back on today! Kristi brings nearly a decade of experience to the table around college admissions. Discover how she has demystified the scholarship process in her course, "Unlock the Secrets to Scholarships for College," tailored for families navigating the intricate financial maze of higher education. Listen as Kristi shares invaluable tips on treating scholarship applications like pi...

Rihanna Ring-Howell returns to our podcast, bringing with her a treasure trove of experiences and insights from her journey through writing and life transitions. Graduating from the Author Conservatory in 2024, Rihanna has honed her craft in fiction writing and business, culminating in the publication of her short story in the anthology "Voices of the Future." Hear firsthand how Rihanna's unique experiences have shap...

What does it take to navigate a career change during a global pandemic? Mackenzie Reynolds shares her story of resilience, faith, and divine timing as she transitioned through different jobs and countries. 

Imagine moving from the comfort of the Southern United States to the high-altitude challenges of La Paz, Bolivia. Mackenzie recounts the hurdles she faced, from severe altitude sickness to language barriers, and how the...

Can an online school truly foster deep, meaningful connections? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Tiana and Nathan, two of NSA's Student Council, as they share their inspiring journey of building a welcoming online community. Drawing from their rich experiences in England and the Middle East, they unveil innovative strategies like hosting virtual calls and assigning committee members to virtual school buildings on ...

Join us for an uplifting episode as Allen Hester, our Spiritual Life Director, hosts another episode to dive into the essence of our core values and how they influence our decisions and unify our community. You'll hear personal stories, laughter, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude that showcase the dedication of our faculty and staff to fostering both spiritual and academic growth. 

Discover why knowing our '...

Transitions are a natural part of life, but how do we navigate them with grace and faith? In this episode of the NorthStar Narrative, our Spiritual Life Director, Allen Hester, steps into the interviewer’s role to chat with Stephanie Shafer about the multifaceted experience of transitions. Stephanie candidly shares her personal experiences with change, touching on the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it—from fear and uncerta...

Simplify the world of AI with our guests, Merissa Sadler-Holder and Ephraim Lerner! Learn the key differences between traditional AI and generative AI such as ChatGPT, and understand why this technology is becoming more accessible and relevant for everyone, regardless of technical expertise.

We discuss the importance of being aware of how our data is used and the need for opting out of data sharing when necessary. Special ...