How My Faith Developed at NSA

By Ellie B.

NSA 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. 

I have been asked to write about and defend my opinion. I have been asked to address controversial topics. I have been asked to choose and justify a perspective on historical events. And the key? All of this had to be from a biblical worldview. The classes I have taken thus far have enabled me to grow in my faith and knowledge of God. Each difficult question made me dig through Scripture to find answers. This has brought me not only deeper knowledge of the Bible, but also a better understanding of how to apply it, even in complex situations that might not have a clear solution. As I have practiced defending my perspective from a biblical worldview, I have become more confident in doing so. 

Greater knowledge of the Bible has increased my faith in God. It has shown me how the Bible has answers for every situation I face, how it can guide me through anything, how it gives me a clear path, even when things are uncertain. The way my faith has been strengthened during my time at NSA will serve me well after I graduate, when I no longer have the structure of my home, school, and current life to ensure I stay on the right path. The foundation that I have built will keep me stable. As Matthew 7:24-25 says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (BibleGateway).  

Regardless of what I do after high school, I know that my faith will be questioned by others and challenged by the world. I feel more prepared to defend my worldview when faced with opposition because of NorthStar than I did when I first started here. 

While I know I will fail, stumble, and struggle throughout my life, the way my faith has grown because of NorthStar gives me hope that I will be able to continue seeking and serving God through all of it. NorthStar has grown me in incredible ways over my time here so far, and I cannot wait to see how I grow over the course of my last year at NSA and in my life after high school.

Ellie B. lives in Virginia, USA with her parents, brother, and dogs. This is her fourth year at NSA, and her second year at the Navigator. She has a passion for ballet and has plans to pursue it professionally in the future. Ellie also enjoys reading in her free time. 



✝️Spiritual Life, 👤NSA PeopleEIC NSAMay 2026 Publication, 2025-2026