The NorthStar Narrative

NorthStar Academy is an accredited online private Christian school that currently serves students in over 90 countries and partners with many different schools all over the world. Pam Horneck, NorthStar Academy's principal, has always had a passion for education. She loves spending one-on-one time with students and working with small Christian schools. Listen as Pam shares her heart for Chris...

Have you heard about online school, but are concerned that it wouldn’t be a good fit due to no social interaction or student activities? Are you new to NSA and wondering how to connect and where to get started? If so, this podcast is for you! Listen as our Student Council President Cody Johnson shares what it’s like to be a student at NorthStar. Hear all of the different opportunities that student...

Do you know what tasks need to be completed during the college admission process? Would you like to learn more about ways to earn scholarship money? Have you wondered if your child should take dual credit classes? Listen as NSA's College Guidance Counselor Anita Walters provides information about college admissions, scholarship research, and dual credit classes. Hear as she shares advice, tip...

Medical professionals have been called heroes during the COVID-19 outbreak, but Madelyn Smith doesn't see it that way. Madelyn is an ICU nurse from Nashville, TN who was called to serve at one of the hospitals in New York City during this unprecedented time. Listen as she shares her experience and how she has seen God working in her life and the lives of those around her.

NorthStar Academy student Sheaffer Stanfill is the first person to ever shoot a perfect score at the Junior World Skeet Championship. He is also ranked #1 in the world in his age division for skeet shooters. Listen as he shares his experience as a student at NSA and how the flexibility allows him to pursue his dream. Sheaffer will share some struggles he had when first transitioning to online scho...

We have all faced changes and challenges throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, but one of the most devastating effects has been to the Senior class of 2020. Most of them left school the Friday before Spring Break with no idea that they were walking out for the last time. There is very little hope for a prom, awards day, and in some cases, even graduation. No last memories to wrap up their final year...

NorthStar Academy alumni Melissa Malone has always been passionate about advocating for others. This played a heavy role in her decision to become a lawyer. The rigorous courses and time management skills she learned at NSA helped to prepare her for law school. The flexibility of online courses allowed Melissa to participate in a mock trial program, giving her the scholarship opportunity to compet...

*Special Episode* If COVID-19 is spreading so rapidly, how do I protect myself from it? Can this virus live in hair? How long does it live on surfaces? Is it safe to get food and Amazon deliveries? Listen as Dr. Patel answers these questions and more about the circumstances we find ourselves in during this pandemic. Hear tips and advice about day-to-day life as we all practice social distancing an...

*Special Episode* Are you feeling anxiety as we face the current Covid-19 pandemic? Do you find yourself worrying about the future or what each day holds? Join us as Lori Newsom gives practical tips and advice to help you cope. She encourages us to look to God through all of this and help us navigate the waters of uncertainty. 

Hear how Bubba Crowder created Fund the Nations, a company that has raised 30 million dollars for various missions and fundraisers around the globe. But what is Bubba doing during the COVID-19 outbreak? Listen as he shares activities that you can do with your family, how communities can come together while still social distancing, and advice on how to stay healthy and stick to a good diet while yo...

Am I qualified to homeschool my child? What are the laws for homeschooling? How do I choose the right curriculum? How can I reignite my child's natural passion for learning?  Join us as we talk with Patty Farrer and hear about the decision-making process in transitioning her daughter to homeschooling.

*Special Episode* Are you a mom or dad that has found yourself juggling homeschooling your child and working from home? Are you a teacher that is now having to learn the ins and outs of “online” education and you aren’t sure where to start? Hear practical tips and advice from Rachel Knipe, Assistant Principal and Curriculum Director at NorthStar Academy. Hear how Rachel is balancing working at hom...

*Special Episode* Should the church continue to meet together during the Coronavirus pandemic? How can church leadership respond during this time? What is a church member’s responsibility when meeting together at the physical church isn’t an option? Listen as Jeremy Horneck, pastor of Crossway Baptist Church in Bakersfield, California answers crucial questions about what church looks like when the...

#004 Joe Hale needed a good option for educating his sons while his family was on the mission field in Asia. Hear how God used Joe, one teacher, and 8 students over 37 years ago to begin the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS). Listen to how Joe has “prayed hard and trusted big” for God to provide for this vast network that now serves over 5,000 students in 15 schools across 13 diffe...

Choosing a college can be overwhelming. Listen as Laura Dunn, Mississippi State’s Director of Student Success shares advice to prepare students for college. She will discuss factors to consider when choosing a college and the importance of fostering relationships and “real” connections with others. Whether you are considering going to college, have a child that is interested in going to college, o...

Do standardized tests cause you to have anxiety? Do you want to improve your ACT or SAT score? Listen as Sonya Fleck, founder of Academic Advantage, shares practical tips to prepare students for the ACT and SAT. Sonya has earned multiple college degrees including a master’s in Curriculum Design and created her own test preparation program focused on content and strategies. We discuss when students...

NorthStar Academy, an online private Christian school, serves students in 4th-12th grade and has students from more than 90 countries. NorthStar is part of a larger group of schools, Network of International Christian Schools. NICS has been in operation for 37 years and has 15 schools in 13 different countries. NICS serves over 5,000 different students from over 100 different nations. The mission...