Research

Research Behind the North Star Academy Model

North Star Academy Microschool is intentionally designed. Our hybrid schedule, wellness focus, mentoring model, and instructional blocks are all grounded in decades of research on how adolescents learn, live, and thrive. Below is a summary of the key research pillars behind our design.

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Hybrid Learning, Done Intentionally

When schools blend in-person and online learning with purpose—clear expectations, strong teacher presence, and active engagement—students can perform as well as or better than in traditional models.

What The Research Says
Hybrid and blended models can slightly outperform fully face-to-face instruction when courses are thoughtfully redesigned.
Personalized pacing and technology-supported learning can boost student achievement and engagement.
At North Star Academy:
In-person days focus on connection, movement, community, and hands-on projects.
Online days prioritize focused academic work, reflection, and flexible pacing.
All courses are designed so students have consistent access to teachers, feedback, and support.
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Later Start Times & the Adolescent Brain

Adolescent brains and bodies naturally shift toward later sleep and wake times. Large-scale studies show that later middle and high school start times are associated with many benefits.

What The Research Says
More total sleep and better mood
Improved attendance and reduced tardiness
Higher academic performance and better overall functioning
Major organizations (e.g., American Academy of Pediatrics) recommend later start times for adolescents.
How North Star Uses This
We design our schedule to respect adolescent sleep cycles and cognitive readiness.
Earlier hours are protected for lighter tasks and connection; core learning happens when students are more alert.
The goal is healthier sleep, better focus, and more sustainable energy throughout the day.
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Shorter, Brain-Friendly Learning Sessions

Cognitive science is clear: students learn more effectively when information is delivered in shorter, focused segments with time for practice, movement, and reflection.

What The Research Says
Working memory is limited; long lectures overload students and reduce retention.
“Chunked” instruction and distributed practice (spacing learning over time) improve long-term understanding.
Active learning methods—short explanations followed by problem-solving, discussion, and application—reduce failure rates and improve performance.
How North Star Uses This
We avoid long, passive lectures. Learning is broken into mini-lessons, practice, and debrief.
Students get movement and reset opportunities built into the day.
All courses are designed so students have consistent access to teachers, feedback, and support.
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Every Student Has a Mentor

A consistent, caring relationship with at least one adult at school is one of the strongest protective factors for young people. High-quality mentoring and advisory programs have many added benefits.

What The Research Says
Better attendance and engagement
Improved academic outcomes
Reduced behavior issues and increased resilience
Stronger sense of belonging and school connection
How North Star Uses This
Students participate in daily check-ins with staff.
Each student is enrolled in Personal Wellness Coaching & Mentorship, which includes regular one-on-one meetings.
Our online advisory, North Star Community Navigation, helps students track progress, set goals, and stay connected—even on remote days.

The result is a school where no student is anonymous and every learner has an adult who knows their story, their struggles, and their strengths.

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Wellness + Core Academics: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Schools that intentionally support social, emotional, and physical wellness—alongside academic instruction—see measurable improvements in many areas.

What The Research Says
Test scores and grades
Classroom behavior and engagement
Long-term mental health and life outcomes
SEL programs lead to better behavior, stronger emotional skills, and significant gains in academic performance.
Regular physical activity is associated with improved attention, memory, and academic achievement.
Positive school climate and well-being are tightly linked to attendance, motivation, and achievement.
How North Star Uses This
Wellness is embedded in every course: English, science, math, social studies, and PE are all taught through a healthy-living lens.
Students learn about the mind–body connection, stress management, fitness, nutrition, and digital balance.
Our daily schedule, hybrid model, and mentoring systems are deliberately built to support the whole student—socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
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Key Research Highlights

For families and partners who want to dig deeper, our model draws on findings from peer-reviewed studies such as:

Hybrid/Blended Learning
Means et al., 2010, 2013; Bernard et al., 2009; Pane et al., 2015, 2017
Later Start Times
Bowers & Moyer, 2017; Carrell et al., 2011; Owens et al., 2010; Wahlstrom, 2014
Short, Active Learning Sessions
Sweller, 1988; Cepeda et al., 2006; Freeman et al., 2014
Mentoring & Advisory
DuBois et al., 2011; Rhodes, 2002; Herrera et al., 2011
Wellness, SEL & Academics
Durlak et al., 2011; Taylor et al., 2017; Singh et al., 2012; Rasberry et al., 2011; Weare & Nind, 2011
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