Our Mission & Core Values

Our Mission

Northern Light School is committed to providing a high quality education for children from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The faculty and staff create an atmosphere where every child can grow academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, to become healthy, productive members of their families and communities. The focus is on academic excellence as well as non-violence, acceptance of differences, respect for the environment, and the moral advancement of humanity—so that the children develop an understanding that they have a responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others.

Our Motto

Northern Light School's Class of 1996 and founder Michelle Lewis had the opportunity to meet Muhammad Ali over 20 years ago. Ali shared with our students at the time that each one of us is called to aspire to be great and to do great things—especially for others. His legacy lives on with our students where each child is compelled to a life of service to others through their many talents. We continue to honor his legacy with our school motto:

IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING!

Commitment to Inclusion and Equity

At Northern Light School, we believe a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community is critical for preparing passionate learners and engaged citizens. Inspired by the core ideals of the civil rights movement, NLS is deeply committed to advancing the cause of social justice through culturally responsive programming that affirms the diversity of our community and gives young people the tools to “promote the moral advancement of humanity,” as our mission powerfully states. We encourage all stakeholders – supporters, families, faculty, and most of all, students – to embrace differences, honor identity and value full membership and belonging for all.

At Northern Light School, we recognize the importance of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff members, including those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. This includes respecting their right to express gender identity, modify gender expression when crucial to one’s well-being, and to respect the existence of and contribution of LGBTQ+ people throughout history. We understand that to be engaged in learning, one must feel safe to express oneself and feel valued as a member of the community.

Our commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment stands in keeping with Northern Light’s historic commitment to diversity, empathy, and the pursuit of social justice.