The North Star School is an LCPS program designed for high school students who are under-credited and/or experiencing social anxiety related to the traditional school setting.

The North Star School strives to create an environment in which students can perform to the best of their ability.  We value Service, Trust, Attitude, and Respect (S.T.A.R) as the pillars of character in our school.

The North Star School offers two programs: The Alternative Education Program (AEP/4x4) and the Individual Student Alternative Education Plan Program (ISAEP/GED).

The Alternative Education Program (AEP/4x4) Description & Referral Process

The AEP/4x4 program is for students working towards the Standard Diploma or the Advanced Studies Diploma.  Attending our program affords students many advantages including:

• A smaller campus that provides less distraction and overwhelm for many of our students.

• A student-to-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.  With ten or fewer students per class, our students are afforded a more personalized learning path and personalized attention.

• An “everyday schedule.”  Our students attend the same classes every day.  (We do not utilize an A-day/B-day schedule like our traditional high schools). 

• A 4x4 class schedule that allows students to complete four classes in the first semester, and an additional four classes in the second semester.  Students only need to focus on four classes at a time yet can earn eight credits per school year.

• The AEP/4x4 program also offers the Independent Learning Center (ILC) where students can work through courses with the support of content-certified teachers and the use of digital curriculum in a blended learning model.  Scheduling in the ILC is based on student needs and goals.

• The AEP/4x4 program can support students who move into LCPS during the school year from another school system that uses a 4x4 class schedule.

• The AEP/4x4 is a viable option for rising seniors who wish to graduate in January so they may begin their post-secondary studies and/or enter the workforce a semester early.

• Students adhere to the same behavioral and attendance expectations found at their home high school, follow the same curriculum, and complete the same requirements for promotion/graduation as all LCPS high school students.

• Please review The North Star School AEP/4x4 informational video!

Students are referred to The North Star School AEP/4x4 program by their school counselors.  The North Star Admissions Team reviews referrals.  The parent and student will then be invited to meet with The North Star School administration and school counseling team to discuss potential enrollment and scheduling options. The student’s family and The North Star School team will determine if our AEP/4x4 program can meet the student’s needs.  The student’s home high school staff will be notified of the outcome.  There are two admissions referral windows each year for AEP/4x4: one for Fall admissions and one for Spring admissions.  The admissions referral windows and timelines are usually April 15 to June 1 for Fall admissions and November 15 to January 15 for Spring admissions.  Families who are interested in their child being referred to this program should reach out to their school counselor. 

The Individual Student Alternative Education Plan Program (ISAEP/GED) Description & Referral Process:

Students in this program work towards their GED.  Requirements for admission to this program the student must:

• Be 16 to 18 years of age

• Have a reading level of grade 7.5 or higher

• Earn qualifying scores on four GED pretests: Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and History

Additional information can be found on the Virginia Department of Education ISAEP website and brochure

Students are referred to The North Star School ISAEP/GED program by their school counselors.  The North Star ISAEP/GED Coordinator will contact the referred student and parent to set up their pretests.  If the student qualifies through pretesting, the parent and student will be invited to meet with The North Star School administration and school counseling team to discuss potential enrollment.  (The referring counselor will be notified if the student does not qualify). The student’s family and The North Star School team will determine together if the ISAEP/GED program can meet the student’s needs.  The student’s home high school staff will be notified of the outcome.  The ISAEP/GED admissions window is open all year until May 1 on a rolling admissions basis.  Families who are interested in their child being referred to this program should reach out to their school counselor. 

Our school day is 9:50 am to 4:00 pm for both programs.  Our programs begin later and dismiss earlier than the traditional high schools due to travel time to and from The North Star School campus. Students are provided LCPS bus transportation.

Please contact Dave Royhab, the North Star School Director of School Counseling, with any questions about our programs.

Referral Information for LCPS HS School Counselors