Introduction

Star Academy is a state certified non-public school. The Shining Star Foundation, in San Anselmo, CA is the officially listed (501(c)(3)) charitable organization for Star Academy. The school accepts referrals and funding from public school districts which are unable to meet the needs of students with complex learning disabilities. You can find the Shining Star Foundation's status listed with the IRS. We're also listed with other reputable charitable giving guides such as Guide Star.org.

Star Academy is a unique combination of public and private educational systems, representing the best of both worlds. Star Academy is certified by the State Department of Education as a non-public school, with teachers who meet California Special Education Credentialing requirements.

The school was founded in 1987, and incorporated in 1990 with classes through the 8th grade. In 1994 classes through the eleventh grade (and occasionally through the twelfth grade) were added. The state has certified the school for 44 students. The specialized learning programs at Star have a teacher-student ratio of one to four or one to five.

Administration

The Director of Star Academy is Soula Dontchos, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and special education school director. Ms. Dontchos has had extensive experience working with exceptional children and their families as well as supervising interns and staff in the areas of education and counseling. She is a former staff member and Consultant for the Ann Martin Center in Piedmont and former Director of the Sky's The Limit School and Oakes Children's Center.

Certification

Star Academy is certified by the State Department of Education as a non-public school (NPS), and operates as a non-profit 501© organization.Star Academy is distinquished from most private schools; our teachers meet California Special Education Credentialing requirements. The Shining Star Foundation and Star Academy do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, or national origin.