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 our children develop an understanding that they have a responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others.

Our Core Values

At Northern Light School, our values guide everything we do - in the classroom, on the playground, and in the world beyond our walls.

Courage
We encourage students to take risks, embrace challenges, and stand up for what is right, even when it’s not easy.
Accountability
We teach students to own their choices and actions, to strive for excellence, and to understand that their decisions have an impact on themselves and others.
Respect
We honor the dignity, identity, and voice of every individual. Our students learn to value differences, celebrate diversity, and treat others and themselves with kindness.
Empathy
We believe understanding others is essential for building community. Students are encouraged to listen deeply, practice compassion, and respond to the needs of others with care and integrity.

Together, these values form the foundation of a Northern Light School education, equipping our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world and to lead lives of meaning, justice, and connection.

Commitment to Inclusion, Equity, and Justice

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 diversity, empathy, and justice continues to guide us as we prepare young people not only for academic success, but for lives of leadership, service, and impact.