Northstar Announces Grand Opening of State-of-the-Art Gymnasium and Community Center

April 29, 2025
|In News
|By Maggie Latimer

Enhancing Educational and Athletic Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

Gymnasium and Community Center
Northstar Academy and Career Center’s gymnasium and community center is a nearly 16,000 square foot facility built with accessibility in mind. Northstar serves students with disabilities ages 5 – 24 who face physical, academic, or social challenges.

Northstar Academy and Career Center is proud to announce the grand opening of its new gymnasium and community center. This milestone marks a significant enhancement in Northstar’s commitment to providing comprehensive educational and extracurricular opportunities for students with disabilities.

The almost 16,000 sq ft facility features a state-of-the-art gymnasium equipped with an integrated audio induction loop system, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with hearing impairments. This system is the first of its kind in a K-12 school gym in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition to serving as a venue for physical education classes, the gymnasium will host school assemblies, performances, and graduations, fostering a sense of community and school spirit.

Cutting the Ribbon
Assisted by students on either side, (left to right) Wanda Ramsey, Assistant Head of School, Richard Bennett, M.D., Board Chair, and Crystal Trent, Head of School cut the ribbon to dedicate the new gymnasium and community center on Friday, April 25.

During a ribbon cutting ceremony, students, faculty, and community members dedicated the space with pomp and circumstance. Festivities included a performance by the Northstar Cheer Club, a speech from recent Northstar graduate Will Griffin, as well as remarks from Board Chair Richard Bennett, M.D. and Crystal Trent, Head of School.

“This new facility embodies our dedication to creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive,” said Trent, “It not only provides a space for physical development but also enhances social interactions and community building among our students.”

The event concluded with 9th grade student Emerson shooting a ceremonial first basket in a newly-dedicated basketball hoop.

Emerson Shoots the First Basket
Ninth grade student Emerson sinks the ceremonial first basket on her first try. The basketball, as well as new gym equipment, was purchased thanks to the generosity of the Women’s Giving Circle, a fun of the Catholic Community Foundation.

Northstar’s quest to enhance its educational home began in 2022, when the school combined its separate K12 Academy and Career Center campuses and moved to the current Nuckols Road campus. The school now looks forward to the completion of a 200-meter track and activity field. The conclusion of this capital project brings Northstar closer to its vision of an inspiring campus tailored to the diverse needs of its students.