High School

As the parent of a rising high schooler, you are probably realizing that a new chapter is on the horizon. It's a bittersweet season. You want the young person in your life to have an exciting and meaningful high school experience filled with memories, but you also know they need to be diligent in planning their future. What does this look like?

At Daystar Academy, our program is designed to help every student strike that balance and create a path to their best-fit college, a rewarding career, and a fulfilling life.

 

Below, you'll find an overview of what we offer, including:

Attend a Shadow Day

Your student is invited to spend a half day meeting peers and teachers, experiencing our high school culture and learning about unique programming that includes athletics, travel, academics and extracurriculars.This day is designed to show students the breadth of the high school experience at Daystar.

 

Schedule a Shadow Day

 

A Day In The Life . . .

Click here to visit Daystar Academy High School virtually! While this low budget production lacks bells and whistles, it gives a glimpse into our school culture, diversity and intimate class sizes. 

A Culture of Community

Our focus on a diverse, caring community of students with character comes from a foundation of Christ-centered values. It turns out that creating strong character and soft skills of empathy, collaboration and cooperation not only are the right thing to do, but they are the right thing to do. Our students leave Daystar ready to work with all people, value all viewpoints, and treat all people as neighbors with success. We are creating the adults the world needs.

In addition to academics, the IB program aims to develop globally-minded individuals who help to create a better and more peaceful world. Deliberate focus on the IB learner traits creates adults that are inquirers, open-minded, knowledgeable, caring, thinkers, risk-takers, communicators, balanced, principled, and reflective.

Environment Matters

Students in high school need a sense of community, safety, and security as they develop their identity and set goals for the future. At Daystar Academy, we emphasize three core values:

How You Learn Matters

Hands-on, project-based learning, an inquiry-based approach, and opportunities to explore outside the classroom prepare students for the real world.

What You Learn Matters

A distinction of the International Baccalaureate framework is that students learn how rather than what to think, and focus more on asking questions than taking notes. Using the Bible as a lens through which we view the world provides a solid foundation. Learn more about the IB program below.

Who You Learn With Matters

A diverse community made up of various ethnic, racial and socio-economic backgrounds allows students to work together and transcend division.

What's an IB World School?

At the heart of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a purpose to develop students who will change the world for the better. Our rigorous academic programs not only build a strong foundation for college, they equip students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners.

Grades 9-10 (Middle Years Program)

In grades 9-10, students learn to make connections between their studies and the real world. They are encouraged to think critically, problems solve, and become more culturally aware. During these years students become drivers of their own learning, culminating in a personal project that reflects their unique interests and talents.

Grades 11-12 (Diploma Program)

Juniors enter a two-year learning experience that equips students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This highly respected college-prep program is recognized worldwide. In addition to a strong core curriculum, students complete three independent projects: a theory of knowledge presentation, an extended essay, and a CAS project (creativity, activity, service). The IB Diploma proves to be an invaluable asset whether they desire to enter a competitive university or have other post-secondary plans. 

How will an IB education benefit your High Schooler?

Through it, young people become:

  • Internationally minded and motivated to play an active role in creating a more peaceful world.

  • Energized by the opportunity to be in the driver's seat of their learning, now and in the future.

  • Equipped to approach challenges facing the world today with an open mind and keen critical thinking skills.

  • Prepared with the academic and contextual skills that allow them to adapt seamlessly to college life.

  • Emotionally mature, responsible young adults who have the interpersonal skills to collaborate with individuals from all walks of life.

 

Take a look at what college admissions officers say about the IB program:

"William and Mary recognizes the International Baccalaureate program as extremely rigorous; the best possible preparation for both college work and life in the twenty-first century..."

"IB students who attended [Virginia Tech] as freshmen significantly outperformed all other freshmen, including students who had taken Advanced Placement courses."

"GPA is not nearly as important a factor in [Harvard] University admission as the IB Diploma. If a student has to choose, choose the Diploma over protecting the GPA."

And from our parents:

"We really like Daystar for our high schooler . . . They help students think beyond themselves to see the bigger community, or even world, as well as how God might use them. Along with that, instead of memorizing facts, they focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which is great preparation for life beyond high school."

Dave & Anne V.

A Biblical Perspective

Daystar Academy is one of the few faith-based International Baccalaureate World Schools, welcoming students from all backgrounds and traditions. Our Christ-centered approach teaches students to seek truth for themselves using the Bible, and allows them to reflect on what it looks like to share God's love with others. We believe that a biblical perspective, coupled with the global approach of the IB program, equips students to positively impact communities around the world.

Worship - Discipleship groups create a strong campus community and gives students the opportunity to learn together through prayer, song, and studying scripture.

Mentoring - In small class sizes, teachers have the opportunity to mentor students on their spiritual journey, helping them think critically, answer big questions, and mature in their faith.

Service - Students are encouraged to utilize their unique gifts and talents to impact neighbors locally and globally. All high school students complete an extensive service learning project.

A Roadmap to Success

At Daystar, we walk alongside students as they make post-secondary plans. We spend four years readying students to pursue their unique goals, exceed expectations, and thrive socially in new environments. 

Expanding Horizons

Staying Active

All high schoolers take physical education classes that promote skill-building and team play. Students can also participate in interscholastic and intramural athletics as Daystar Falcons; we offer basketball, soccer, track and field, tennis, volleyball, and cross country.

Expressing Creativity

Visual arts courses allow students to hone their artistic skills, and students can partake in our improv team, music groups, or school wide performances. Students frequently visit the nearby Museum Campus and the Art Institute, as well as the downtown business and arts districts.

Developing Life Skills

Whether in student council, Model UN, or other school wide engagement activities, students are constantly growing outside the classroom. Annually, we vary club offerings to meet student interests in topics such as photography, cooking, film, pottery, and outdoor exploration.

The World as a Classroom

All grades at Daystar use the city as a classroom. Daystar high schoolers use the world! Each year, high school students can expect to go on 10-15 learning excursions that enhance their classroom learning. In addition to these local learning experiences, students will also have the opportunity to participate in overnight learning expeditions including an annual retreat and international trips. During the 21/22 school year, students traveled to Costa Rica to enhance their studies of ecology, language and culture. 

Introducing Daystar XP

Daystar High School's Travel Program

Each year, high school faculty propose four trips based on curriculum goals within the IB framework. Students apply for trips based on interest and qualify based on a variety of merit goals and application requirements. Travel is highly tuition-subsidized and parents pay a minimal registration fee. 

Past Daystar XP Travel Opportunities

See for Yourself

Schedule an on-campus tour and see first-hand why families choose Daystar Academy. If you have questions about the admissions process or our program, please contact us at admissions@daystaracademy.org.

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