As we navigated the bumpy road home from PetSmart, I cradled a plastic cup between my knees. Inside, a blue dragonscale betta swam circles in the sloshing water. Since I was eight years old, I’ve kept bettas in my bedroom aquarium. One afternoon this past August, Dad and I pulled into the driveway with a pack of frozen bloodworms, a canister of freeze-dried pellets, and Loki Laufinson (pun very much intended).
Read MoreDr. Brooke Helling has been teaching for 24 years. She is a teaching and learning specialist as well as the dean of students at NSA. Her role as a Teaching and Learning Specialist involves writing and revising courses, coaching teachers, planning professional development, and more. As dean of students, she is responsible for student safety and discipline.
Read MoreWhen my mom was about 17 or 18, she spent two months in India on a mission trip. Although the experience was difficult, it changed the way she viewed life and made a lasting impact on her.
Read More“Why am I learning this? It’s not like I’ll be using this in the real world!” This is a question I imagine that almost every student has asked at one point or another. Whether you’re solving quadratic equations or writing an essay on the food chains of the animals where you are living, it’s universal for a student to ask themselves, “What’s the point?”
Read MoreNSA has shown me more than I ever anticipated. It has developed me in ways I never expected. NorthStar Academy's classes are taught through a biblical worldview. I am not sure what I expected that term to mean– probably something like “Here’s a Bible verse to go with your assignment.” I was not expecting to be challenged and confronted.
Read MoreMrs. April Meyer is the Navigator’s amazing teacher advisor. For most years of the Navigator’s existence, she has been guiding staff after staff towards being the best student newspaper possible. This trend continued this year as she provided amazing feedback on articles, led our semi-weekly calls, helped each staff member in a unique way, and taught the NAVI280 Live course.
Read MoreAs the teacher advisor for the Navigator, I have been blessed to have many strong and accomplished editors-in-chief over the past twelve years, and Alex M. is no exception. He has been our leader for the 2026 school year, and his direction has made the Navigator a superior newspaper. When I first met Alex, he was a freshman, and I have had the privilege of seeing him grow over the years. I’m excited for where God will take Alex in the future!
Read MoreAlex M. is a senior here at NSA, who resides near Atlanta, Georgia with his family. His whole family is from the American South, and he loves a good homemade mac and cheese! Some of his hobbies include making songs with Suno AI, playing video games, and just chatting with friends. A fun fact about Alex is that he is very tall in real life but hates heights.
Read MoreMarch is an exciting month for NSA! Events like the Reel Contest and SEE will take place, along with the start of elections for the 2026-2027 StuCo members. If you are considering joining StuCo next year, interested in attending calls for SEE, or simply curious about NSA’s events, this article is for you!
Read MoreNSA 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.
Read MoreHere 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreHey 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!
Read MoreHere 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
Read MoreTrophies, 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.
Read MoreSeptember 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.”
Read MoreAfrica 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.
Read MoreSeniors, 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?
Read MoreNSA’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.
Read MoreSummer can be a fun time of relaxing, traveling, and meeting with friends and family. How did the Navigator staff enjoy the season?
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