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About Us

We are a two day per week homeschool hybrid enrichment center where students come together for focused academics, collaboration, and real-world skill building.

Our Mission

Northstar Academy South Bay exists to help students become capable, curious, and confident young people who can think critically, lead themselves, and thrive in real life.

We believe education should cultivate responsibility, strong character, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our Values

Responsibility & Ownership

We entrust students with real responsibility so they develop independence, confidence, and follow through.

Challenge with Support

Growth happens when meaningful challenge is paired with high expectations and steady guidance.

Purposeful Learning

We build skills that matter beyond school: thinking critically, communicating effectively, building resilience, and leading with character.

Love of Learning

Curiosity isn't a phase. It's a foundation worth protecting and strengthening.

Whole-Person Development

We nurture intellectual growth alongside physical health, emotional maturity, and the habits that build strength of character.

Partnership with Parents

We work in alignment with families to support consistent progress and shared goals.

The Apogee Code

At Northstar Academy South Bay, character is not a side conversation. It is the standard.
Our campus culture is anchored in what we call the Apogee Code — a shared commitment to the qualities that help young people grow into capable, grounded, and trustworthy leaders.

WE PRACTICE

Integrity
doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

Bravery
having the courage to try, to speak honestly, and to grow through challenge.

Compassion
treating others with empathy and understanding.

Politeness
communicating with respect and maturity.

Honesty
telling the truth and taking responsibility for our actions.

Honor
keeping commitments and carrying ourselves with dignity.

Loyalty
supporting our team, our families, and our community.

These are not simply words posted on a wall. They mentor daily interactions — in project work, in discussions, in moments of success, and especially in moments of difficulty.

Students are coached to reflect on their choices, repair when needed, and strengthen these traits over time. We believe that academic growth matters deeply — but without character, it is incomplete.

Our goal is not only to develop capable minds, but strong, honorable young people.

Meet the Team

Victoria and Michael Naylor - Co-Founders

Victoria and Michael Naylor bring complementary strengths and a shared passion for education to the founding of Northstar Academy. Victoria has over 20 years of experience in public and private education, holds a teaching credential in mathematics, and a Master's degree in Education. She also currently homeschools their three children. Michael is a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in owning and operating multiple small businesses, bringing real-world leadership and business experience to the program. Together, they are deeply excited to bring this innovative, hybrid homeschool model to their community and are passionate about offering what they believe is the best possible education for children of all ages — one that develops strong character, independence, and lifelong leaders.

Sara and Jason Rojas - Co-Founders

Family has always been at the center of Sara and Jason's life and work. They have intentionally built their lives around being present for their two boys and supporting them as they grow into confident, capable young men. For nearly seven years, Sara has homeschooled their children, seeking an educational environment that nurtures self-awareness, independence, and lasting confidence. With a background in anthropology and a deep interest in how people learn and grow, Sara brings a thoughtful, whole-person perspective to education. As a self-employed family — with Jason running his own business and Sara operating a handmade paper goods company — they value flexibility, discipline, and meaningful work. Their shared experiences as parents and entrepreneurs ultimately led them to build a learning community centered on mentorship, character development, and real-world learning — the kind of environment they had long hoped to find for their own family.

Why We Started
Northstar Academy South Bay

As parents first, and educators as well, we started noticing subtle shifts in our own children that made us pause. Even bright, capable children, including our own, at times started to lose confidence or disengage from learning when it felt rushed, standardized, or disconnected from their interests.

We knew learning could feel different.

Through our own homeschool journey, we saw how powerful it was when children were given both structure and ownership: when they were challenged thoughtfully, supported consistently, and encouraged to think deeply rather than simply complete assignments.

We envisioned a learning community where students are known personally, guided intentionally, and given space to discover their strengths, interests, and unique gifts. A place where academic growth, character formation, and purposeful development go hand in hand.

We created Northstar Academy South Bay to help young people grow into confident, capable individuals prepared not only to succeed academically but to pursue meaningful work and joyfully contribute to the world around them.