A Northstar Legacy Lives On
Amongst the pomp and circumstance of student-focused commencement traditions, there is another, lesser known honor to be celebrated.
Every June, Northstar recognizes one person to receive the Pat West Legacy Award. The recipient is a faculty or staff member who has distinguished themselves in support of Northstar’s mission and community. The award acknowledges continued excellence and outstanding service both within and outside the classroom.
Officially created by the Northstar Board of Directors in 2018, this Excellence in Education award is a lasting commemorative to Dr. Patricia West, former Head of School. Dr. West was a lifelong advocate for special education and made a significant impact on Northstar, both the students and staff. She served as Head of School for over 13 years.
During the June graduation ceremony, Northstar secretly invites the recipient’s family to come surprise them in the audience at the moment of the announcement as well as celebrate with the team afterward.
The most special part? Recipients are nominated by their peers. These fellow team members see first-hand how hard nominees work and intimately understand their impact on the Northstar community.
As 2024 award recipient Angela Harper said, “[It’s difficult] to capture how much it means to me to have won the Pat West Legacy Award, because to be selected from such an incredible pool of teachers is such an honor. It's BEYOND an honor. It is truly a joy to work here. Our school is a place of so much support and love for the kids, and to feel it as a faculty member is just overwhelmingly wonderful.”
After Pat West passed away in early 2026, her daughter Jessica and son Jamie presented the award to the ninth winner, Marissa Downs.
"It was a full circle moment for me," said Downs, "Jessica trained me when I first got to Northstar, so it was really special to have her be the one to present it now."
The award continues to honor the dedicated and hardworking faculty and staff. As Northstar grows, Dr. West’s legacy lives on in this special annual tradition.
A Peek Inside the Admissions Process
Every parent who has weighed school options for their child knows the feeling of uncertainty that comes with the school search.
"Is this the right school for my kid?"
"What is the application process like?"
"How does this all work?"
Especially for parents of special needs children, finding the right educational home for your kid can feel daunting. At Northstar, we recognize that many families may have tried different schooling options for their growing child before finding the right fit, and investigating all the options can be emotionally draining. Here is a brief overview of what the admissions process looks like at Northstar and what prospective families can come to expect during the process.
Step One: Inquiry
So, you've heard about a school that might be a good place for your student. After chatting with friends and doing some cursory Googling, you've found the Northstar website. First, fill out this Admissions Inquiry Form. It gives you the opportunity to share more information about your student and your family's situation. All information is 100% confidential.
Once completed, the form gets sent directly to our Director of Admissions, who will reach out to you to talk about how Northstar could serve your student.
Step Two: Tour & Discussion
Come see us! There's nothing quite like strolling across our beautiful 10+ acre campus and stepping into our friendly classrooms in-person. Along with your tour, we'll have an in-depth discussion about your student's unique needs and accommodations. If you'd like, your prospective student is welcome to accompany you for the tour.
Bring your questions, share your story, and let's get to know each other. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about applying to Northstar.
After this, you'll start the online Admissions Application. This is when you'll submit documentation about your student. This may include an IEP, evaluations, eligibility minutes, 504 plan, notes from doctors, or other relevant information about your student's disability and academic needs. Northstar does not conduct extra standardized tests during the admissions process.
Step Three: Observation
Time to shadow! One you submit the application, we invite your student for their shadow days. For two days, your child will live as a Northstar student. This includes everything from going through the morning arrival car line to walking through a full day's class schedule to eating lunch with their peers.
The benefit of these shadow days is two-fold. First, it allows Northstar faculty a chance to meet your student face-to-face before they enroll. After the shadow days, teachers provide feedback to the Admissions team about your student's unique abilities and their recommendation of acceptance. Northstar. Secondly, these shadow days give your student an opportunity to get a taste of what daily lessons are like, meet new friends, and truly imagine themselves as a Northstar student.
Step Four: Consideration & Discussion
The Admissions Committee reviews all documentation, including all application materials as well as teacher feedback from the shadow days. We carefully consider each application and keep families updated throughout the decision process. This process typically takes a couple of weeks.
We offer year-round rolling admissions, which allows students to join our school at any time during the school year, space permitting.
Step Five: Enrollment
Celebrate! After you're notified of your student's acceptance, you may apply for need-based financial aid through the FACTS system. We contact you to discuss your student’s enrollment details, sign an enrollment contract, and set a start date. We are always thrilled to welcome new students to Northstar and help them feel settled in their new educational home.
At Northstar, we understand that school admissions procedures can be overwhelming in the best of circumstances. If you have any questions, big or small, about our programs and enrollment process, please reach out!
Click here to schedule a time to chat with us and start your journey with Northstar today.