2025-2026
February Publication - 2026
When people think of February, the holiday that most often comes to mind is Valentine’s Day, where love is celebrated with hearts, balloons, and usually, lots of chocolate. However, February has another important holiday, one that celebrates the concept of kindness–National Random Acts of Kindness Day and National Random Acts of Kindness Week.
Ironically, you needed to be a genius to get to Genius. The security protocols of the planet were locked down tight in fear of the knowledge inside being destroyed or used for evil. Navi had to assess his options and tools before even thinking of going.
If you are ready for a new puzzling challenge, check out the Navigator Crossword Puzzle below, which was created by a member of the Navigator staff. Below the Crossword Puzzle is the set of questions you are trying to answer using the articles in our February 2026 Publication.
*Always check with your parents before following any advice or suggestions in this article. The Navigator is not responsible for any consequences resulting from following our advice.
There is something particularly special about spending the day of love with friends. Valentine’s can become Galentine’s, rings can become friendship bracelets, and roses can become sunflowers. In light of the fact that NSA is an online school, here is a list of homey ways to spend this year’s Galentine’s Day.
Senior year comes, and the famous “what are you going to do after high school” question is the center of every family reunion. For those who know exactly what they want to do, this is an opportunity to talk all about it, but for those who are not sure, the priority is figuring out how to shift the conversation away from that topic as soon as possible.
The world of creative writing is expansive. There are many subcategories of creative writing, including poetry, fiction, fantasy, and more. These come with its own set of challenges. Writer's block is a real issue that can be hard to overcome. Here at NSA, there is a class that can help with that.
If you are ready for a new puzzle, check out the Navigator Search-A-Word below created by a member of the Navigator staff. Below the Search-A-Word is the list of words you can find in the puzzle, good luck Navigators!
For many teenagers, personal finance is not something that is thought of often. Of course, some may have a job that provides them with a bit of income, but since their parents are the primary providers of their household, finances are not a primary concern. However, it is never too early to start managing money well. The sooner one starts thinking about their finances, the better prepared one is for the future. That is why here at NorthStar they offer a Personal Finance course as part of the economics program.
January Publication - 2026
If you are interested in joining the Navigator, but unsure about the nuts and bolts of the class, this article is for you. My hope for this article is to draw you a little closer to our community of writers and to help you decide if this class is for you!
If you are ready for a new puzzling challenge, check out the Navigator Crossword Puzzle below, which was created by a member of the Navigator staff. Below the Crossword Puzzle is the set of questions you are trying to answer using the articles in our January 2026 Publication.
If you are ready for a new puzzle, check out the Navigator Search-A-Word below created by a member of the Navigator staff. Below the Search-A-Word is the list of words you can find in the puzzle, good luck Navigators!
A poem by Nathan J. R.
Author’s note: This is my testimony from a unique point of view. This essay is close to my heart; it's my testimony of how I came to the Lord. It's a raw, rough, deep look at how I was really feeling and the doubts I was having. I hope that whoever reads this can learn from my mistakes.
NSA is home to many amazing seniors. These students have put in a tremendous amount of effort and are preparing to enter a new phase of their lives. As they reflect over the past years, the things they have accomplished, the lessons they have learned, and the people they have met, they can take all of these things and look forward to turning over a new page in life. Onyi U. is a prime example of one of these seniors.
On our tour of the NSA world, just below North America, is a large and diverse continent–South America! It is filled with amazing people, animals, landmarks, and food that you can find nowhere else, like the massive statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil or the lush tropical forests in French Guiana.
Disclaimer: Please check with your parent or legal guardian for approval to watch any of the content listed in this article. Thank you.
December Publication - 2025
I have been blessed to meet so many amazing people in my life. Some of them are friends I talk to on a daily basis and others are contacts I keep in my phone who receive a “happy birthday” text once a year.
I knew the process of going to college was somewhat of a chore, but I did not quite expect all that has already transpired. A college search and ultimate application was a long process that both went better then what I expected and was more overwhelming then I could have imagined.
Here at the Nav, we love to highlight classes, teachers, events, and even students! Needless to say, the Navigator cherishes the stories of the people of NSA. This year, we want to highlight the class of 2026. These seniors have spent countless hours doing school, volunteering, participating in sports, and being active parts of their community.
Personally, I love Christmas music. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, I start playing my holiday songs as I do my homework. Because we all enjoy it so much, debates frequently erupt with my family over what is the best Christmas music.
It is easy to assume that students at an online school spend more time typing and calling rather than kicking soccer balls or jogging around a running track. However, here at NorthStar, that is not the case. After sending out a form and collecting responses, I discovered that our school has a very vibrant and active athletic spirit.
If you are ready for a new puzzling challenge, check out the Navigator Crossword Puzzle below, which was created by a member of the Navigator staff. Below the Crossword Puzzle is the set of questions you are trying to answer using the articles in our December 2025 Publication.
As fall is now well under way, so are the clubs! There are now several clubs available for NorthStar students to join, including the Board Game Club, Gaming Club, Book Club, Missions Club, and Creative Writing Club, and more are expected to open soon.
If you are ready for a new puzzle, check out the Navigator Search-A-Word below created by a member of the Navigator staff. Below the Search-A-Word is the list of words you can find in the puzzle, good luck Navigators!
The Navigator has written many advice articles over the years. Just last month, one of our writers collected advice from NSA seniors in an article titled Advice to Freshman.
Hey everyone! Welcome back to another edition of Nav Advice! This version will be special; I’m going to be answering questions underclassmen have about anything senior year related. I hope you enjoy!
Christmas is an ancient holiday with both religious and secular roots that stretch back centuries. In modern times, though, it is often seen as synonymous with presents and Santa Claus. Modern consumerist trends have caused society to view it as a holiday more about receiving than giving.
Uncertainty, excitement, maybe even grief–these are all emotions that can come with big changes in life. For some of us, we may be about to face college; others may be starting online school for the first time. Whatever your case may be, transition can be a very difficult thing, and new seasons can feel daunting.
November Publication - 2025
If you are ready for a new puzzle, check out the Navigator Search-A-Word below created by a member of the Navigator staff. Below the Search-A-Word is the list of words you can find in the puzzle, good luck Navigators!
If you are ready for a new puzzling challenge, check out the Navigator Crossword Puzzle below, which was created by a member of the Navigator staff. Below the Crossword Puzzle is the set of questions you are trying to answer using the articles in our November 2025 Publication.
We often hear, “God has a plan for your life, just trust Him!” All of this is true; the Lord does have a plan for your life, and we should trust Him. However, those same people forget to explain that it takes patience to know what God's will is for our lives! You may be going through a season of uncertainty. How can you understand God's will when it feels like you are wandering aimlessly?
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations characterizes volunteering as “…when someone spends unpaid time doing something … to benefit the environment (and through that, other people)” (“What Is Volunteering?”). What does it look like for students at an online school, such as NorthStar, to volunteer? To push that thought further, why should students consider volunteering in the first place?
Thanksgiving is not all about football, autumn colors, and awkward family reunions; it is also about the food. The once-a-year, comfort-filled, feast that brings everyone to the table for their yearly dose of overeating is something that people all over the country look forward to. Everyone has their personal favorite dishes, but a few stand out as Thanksgiving icons. Let’s talk about three of the most beloved: stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and, of course, pumpkin pie.
Here is a quick quiz for our Navigator readers today: Asia… A. Is the largest continent by land mass B. Is the largest continent by population C. Contains 51 countries D. All of the above
Trophies, popularity, leniency from teachers – these are some of the things people first associate with a top-ranked student-athlete. However, the reality is incredibly different. While aspects of playing a sport at this high level are amazing and very rewarding, there are also many challenges that make one wonder whether the effort is worth it.
October Publication - 2025
This semester, students of NorthStar Academy continue to dive deeper into the roots of the Bible by taking one of NSA’s best beginner theological courses, Old Testament Survey. Taught by one Jason Harvel, this course invites the students to see the Old Testament not as a collection of stories and tales, but as one unified story about a God who keeps his promises.
If you are ready for a new puzzle, check out the Navigator Search-A-Word below created by a member of the Navigator staff. Below the Search-A-Word is the list of words you can find in the puzzle, good luck Navigators!
September 18, 2025. The Back to School Bash, an event hosted by NorthStar Academy’s Student Council, was in full force. As I looked through that day’s schedule, one call caught my eye: “Lore Drop #25-26.”
If you are ready for a new puzzling challenge, check out the Navigator Crossword Puzzle below, which was created by a member of the Navigator staff. Below the Crossword Puzzle is the set of questions you are trying to answer using the articles in our January 2025 Publication.
What makes games fun? Well there’s a lot of different reasons, but one key part is getting a reward or punishment based on your performance. In a board, card, or video game, the players get immediate answers or consequences to their actions. These systems of entertainment and the way they are presented provide some incredible opportunities.
Africa is a large and diverse continent, filled with many countries, languages, and cultures. (And no, Africa is not a country!) As an international school, NorthStar Academy serves around 100 students listed as living in Africa, though there may be even more when considering high-security families who prefer not to say where they live.
Seniors, the final year has come. You have weathered the storm of ACT/SAT prep classes, college visits, and all the in between. As the year progresses, look back at where it all started. Would your freshmen self be surprised at where you are now? Would they be proud of how hard you worked? What advice would have helped make high school easier?
Speaking as a senior, I see many direct ways that a topic like NorthStar’s ESOs (Expected Student Outcomes) are relevant. Surprisingly, the more I learned, the more I realized this subject is applicable to all grade levels. In an interview with Mrs. Peterman, a staff member of NSA’s Instructional Development Department, I got the opportunity to dive into the topic of being globally minded.
Disclaimer: Please check with your parent or legal guardian for approval to watch any of the content listed in this article. Thank you.
NSA’s Student Council (StuCo) is a team of responsible and dedicated individuals who desire to serve their school. “My goal is that StuCo only continues to foster and encourage that unique sense of community that NSA has, allowing it to continually impact students for many more years,” StuCo President Michaela said in an interview. Throughout the year, StuCo plans events, creates activities, and aims to engage the school’s community.
Summer can be a fun time of relaxing, traveling, and meeting with friends and family. How did the Navigator staff enjoy the season?
Starting a new school year is challenging for many students. There are new friendships to form, new teachers to meet, and new courses to adjust to. This often leads to anxiety and stress about what the future holds. Both new and existing students face these challenges, but God has an answer to these seemingly insurmountable stressors.