At NorthStar Academy, we recognize the diverse needs of our families and offer two main programs: NSA Flex, our Virtual Program (VRP) and NSA Live, our Enriched Virtual Program (EVP). Let’s take a look at each program and break down the similarities and differences.

Understanding NSA Flex, NorthStar Academy’s Virtual Program (VRP):

NorthStar Academy’s Virtual Program (VRP), or what we like to call NSA Flex, stands as our most widely-utilized program, providing a personalized and caring environment for students in 4th-12th grade. Delving into the intricacies of VRP, parents can expect the following key features:

Content Expert Teachers: In VRP, our teachers wear multiple hats – they are not only content experts but also course authors. This dual role ensures that they can promptly and effectively address students’ questions, fostering a robust learning experience.

Engaging Multimedia Resources: VRP courses leverage a variety of engaging multimedia resources, offering students a rich and interactive learning journey. Through videos, interactive presentations, and more, students find themselves immersed in dynamic educational content.

Accessible Support: To enhance student support, VRP teachers host daily office hours from Monday through Friday. Additionally, a calendar is in place, allowing students to schedule one-on-one meetings for personalized assistance, clarification of material, and encouragement.

Timely Feedback: All submitted work in VRP is graded by teachers within 3 business days, ensuring prompt and constructive feedback. Furthermore, emails from students receive responses within one business day, creating a responsive and supportive learning environment.

Flexibility in Learning: VRP offers flexibility through asynchronous courses, allowing students to choose the optimal time and place to complete their lessons. With the ability to craft their schedules, students can work at their own pace, spanning 52 weeks for a 36-week year-long course or 26 weeks for an 18-week semester course.

Understanding NSA Live, NorthStar Academy’s Enriched Virtual Program (EVP):

Designed for students in 8th-12th grade, the Enriched Virtual Program (EVP) caters to those who seek a more interactive and accountable learning experience. Exploring the key features of EVP, parents can gain insights into its distinctive elements:

Live Interaction: EVP introduces a weekly live class session, fostering real-time interaction among students and instructors. This live element enhances engagement and provides a structured rhythm to the learning experience. Live sessions in EVP are scheduled to accommodate different time zones, ensuring accessibility for students worldwide.

Firm weekly assignment due dates: Having assignments due each week allows all of the students to stay at the same pace in EVP courses, creating a sense of accountability and structure.

Cohort Learning: Students in EVP form cohorts, sharing the same course at the same time. This sense of community enriches the learning experience and allows students to collaborate and connect with peers.

Communication Channels: EVP students have various communication channels at their disposal, including email, chat, and the option to hold live meetings with instructors throughout the week.

Important Considerations for EVP: Understanding the unique features of EVP, it’s crucial to note a few important considerations:

• Students are permitted to miss up to 3 live classes per semester, with the requirement to listen to recordings of missed sessions.
• Live session times adhere to Central Daylight Time in the summer and Central Standard Time in the winter.

Comparing Similarities and Differences:

Now, let’s delve into a comparative analysis of NSA Flex and NSA Live to provide a clearer understanding for parents seeking the best-suited program for their child’s education:

Similarities:

• Content Excellence: Both VRP and EVP boast content expert teachers, ensuring high-quality instruction and academic rigor.
• Flexibility: Both programs offer flexibility in learning, allowing students to choose optimal times each day for completing lessons.
• Individualized Support: Teachers in both VRP and EVP are committed to providing individualized support, whether through daily office hours (VRP) or live sessions and communication channels (EVP).
• Interactive Resources: Engaging multimedia resources are a common thread in both programs, creating a dynamic and immersive learning experience.

Differences:

• Live Interaction: EVP introduces a weekly live class session, fostering real-time interaction among students and instructors. This live element is not present in VRP.
• Accountability Structure: EVP incorporates firm weekly assignment due dates, providing a structured framework for students. VRP, while offering timely feedback, provides more flexibility regarding assignment completion timelines.
• Subject Offering: Every course that NSA has is offered in VRP, however, due to the structure of EVP, not all courses are offered. Click here to see our current EVP courses.
• Program Costs: EVP comes with an increased price point due to the live elements and additional features, as outlined in the Tuition Costs page.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, NSA Flex (VRP) and NSA Live (EVP) cater to the diverse needs of students in grades 4-12, offering flexibility, engagement, and accountability. Whether opting for the personalized and asynchronous nature of VRP or the live and interactive experience of EVP, families can find a tailored solution to meet their educational goals.

Want to learn more? Give us a call at 1-888-464-6280, or email us at [email protected]. Making an informed decision about your child’s education has never been more accessible, and NorthStar Academy is here to guide you every step of the way.