Redwood City School District · 2024-25 School Accountability Report Card · Published 2025-26 School Year
School Accountability Report Card
North Star Academy
This School Accountability Report Card (SARC) is published annually as required by California state law and provides information about the condition and performance of North Star Academy. It is intended to help families and community members understand how our school is doing and how it compares to district and state benchmarks.
About the School
School Profile & Mission
About North Star Academy
North Star Academy is Redwood City School District's compacted curriculum program, serving students in grades 3-8. Students are admitted through a district application process. The program uses a compacted curriculum model - students move through the core curriculum at an accelerated pace, freeing time during the school day for deeper exploration, enrichment activities, and creative and independent study. North Star students are expected to demonstrate personal growth in self-discipline, leadership, community involvement, and academic excellence.
Our Mission
North Star Academy offers an educational experience where students demonstrate critical, logical, and creative thinking skills throughout the core curriculum, and use emerging technologies as tools to solve problems, think critically, express creativity, and communicate effectively. The program focuses on creativity, task commitment, and high academic rigor to support students in developing to their fullest potential. All students are expected to demonstrate personal growth through the development of self-discipline, leadership skills, community involvement, and character growth.
School Profile
Address400 Duane Street, Redwood City, CA 94062
Phone(650) 482-2411
PrincipalErin Kekos
Emailekekos@rcsdk8.net
Grade SpanGrades 3 - 8
Total Enrollment527 students
ModelDistrict compacted curriculum program
What Makes Us Special
Curriculum ModelCompacted curriculum - students advance at their own pace
Enrichment TimeBuilt-in time during the school day for deeper learning
Performing ArtsRobust performing arts program including Theater productions
STEMEngineering, robotics, and computer programming
Parent CommunityHighly engaged Parent Club and Dad's Club
Campus19 classrooms, computer lab, library, gym, multipurpose room
Enrichment Activities & Programs
Field TripsPerforming ArtsMultimedia Presentations
EngineeringChessRobotics
Computer ProgrammingComic Book Making
Science Fiction StudiesVisual Arts
After-School SportsIndependent Study
Theater Productions
District Information
North Star Academy is part of the Redwood City School District. District phone: (650) 482-2200 · Superintendent: Dr. John Baker, Ed.D. · rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)
Student Population
2024-25 Enrollment
527
Total Students
49.5%
White
17.8%
Asian
16.5%
Two or More Races
13.3%
Hispanic / Latino
Enrollment by Grade Level
Student Demographics
A Different Demographic Profile
As the district's compacted curriculum program, North Star's demographic profile differs significantly from other RCSD schools. Only 8.7% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged and 2.5% are English Learners - compared to district-wide averages that are considerably higher. RCSD is committed to expanding access and outreach so that North Star reflects the full diversity of the communities it serves.
Pupil Outcomes - State Priority 4
Academic Performance
Results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), showing the percentage of students in grades 3-8 meeting or exceeding grade-level standards. Science is tested at grades 5 and 8.
95%
ELA - Met or Exceeded
95%
Math - Met or Exceeded
95%
Science - Met or Exceeded
Sustained Excellence - Two Consecutive Years
North Star maintained a 95% proficiency rate in ELA and Math for the second consecutive year - the highest scores in the district by a wide margin and nearly double the state average. Science reached 95.3%, up from 90.9% the year prior. These results reflect the school's compacted curriculum model and depth of academic engagement across all grade levels.
English Language Arts - % Meeting/Exceeding Standard
North Star
District
State
Mathematics - % Meeting/Exceeding Standard
North Star
District
State
Science (Grades 5 & 8) - % Meeting/Exceeding Standard
2023-24
2024-25
2024-25 Results by Student Group
| Student Group | ELA % Met/Exceeded | Math % Met/Exceeded |
|---|---|---|
| All Students | 94.7% | 94.9% |
| Female | 95.7% | 93.8% |
| Male | 93.7% | 95.9% |
| Asian | 94.7% | 98.9% |
| Filipino | 100.0% | 92.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 89.9% | 87.0% |
| Two or More Races | 94.3% | 97.7% |
| White | 95.8% | 94.6% |
| English Learners | 54.6% | 63.6% |
| Socioeconomically Disadvantaged | 82.9% | 80.0% |
| Students with Disabilities | 86.7% | 93.3% |
Student groups with 10 or fewer students are omitted to protect privacy. Results include Smarter Balanced and California Alternate Assessment participants in grades 3-8.
2024-25 Grade 5 Physical Fitness Test Participation Rates
| Component | Grade 5 Participation |
|---|---|
| Aerobic Capacity | 96% |
| Abdominal Strength & Endurance | 98% |
| Trunk Extensor Strength & Flexibility | 100% |
| Upper Body Strength & Endurance | 98% |
| Flexibility | 88% |
Instructional Materials - August 2025 Audit
All Students Have Materials
0% of students at North Star Academy lack their own assigned copy of required textbooks across all subject areas.
| Subject | Textbook / Program | Grades | Students Without Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading / Language Arts | Benchmark Advance/Adelante (2015, Gr. 3-5); Amplify ELA (2015, Gr. 6-8); Pearson Literature for California (2010, Gr. 6-8) | 3-8 | 0% |
| Mathematics | Illustrative Mathematics (2021, Gr. 3-5); IM 6-8 & Algebra (2024, Gr. 6-8) | 3-8 | 0% |
| Science | FOSS NGSS (2013, Gr. 3-5); Amplify Science (2018, Gr. 6-8) | 3-8 | 0% |
| History-Social Science | McGraw-Hill CA Vistas (2005, Gr. 3-5); History Alive! (2017/18, Gr. 6-8) | 3-8 | 0% |
Conditions of Learning - State Priority 1
Teaching Staff
North Star's credentialing rates have been above district averages in two of the three most recent reported years. The 2023-24 rate of 70.9% reflects broader district staffing pressures. Average teacher salary at site was $110,263 - the highest of any RCSD school.
Fully Credentialed Teachers - 3-Year Trend
North Star Academy
District
| Credential Status | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Credentialed (properly assigned) | 70.1% | 75.8% | 70.9% |
| Intern Credential Holders | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Without Credentials / Misassigned | 11.5% | 12.7% | 18.8% |
| Credentialed but Assigned Out-of-Field | 9.8% | 7.2% | 5.5% |
2023-24 Teacher & Administrator Salaries
| Category | RCSD Amount | State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning Teacher Salary | $64,041 | $61,597 |
| Mid-Range Teacher Salary | $97,976 | $98,902 |
| Highest Teacher Salary | $124,633 | $126,340 |
| Average Principal Salary (Elementary) | $160,238 | $158,383 |
| Average Principal Salary (Middle) | $160,238 | $165,207 |
| Superintendent Salary | $275,000 | $288,332 |
Professional Development
5 school days per year are dedicated to staff development and continuous improvement (2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26).
2025-26 Focus Areas
Grades 6-8 MathIllustrative Mathematics curriculum training
Grades 6-8 ELAECRW training
Grades 3-5 + SS/Science 6-8CA Reading & Literature Project (CRLP)
EL SupportCA EL Roadmap & ELD Framework (Komir Minds)
LeadershipSolution Tree / Professional Learning Communities
2024-25 Focus Areas
K-5 MathIllustrative Mathematics curriculum training
K-8 ELDLanguage Power supplemental curriculum
Grades 3-8Integrated EL Development strategies
TK-8Student Goal-Setting Conferences
MTSSTier 1 & Tier 2 Alignment; UDL Lens
Conditions of Learning - State Priority 1
School Facilities
North Star Academy was originally constructed in the 1950s and completely modernized in 1998, with further renovations through Measures A & B bond projects. The most recent FIT inspection was completed December 4, 2025.
Overall Facility Rating: Good
The campus earned an overall rating of Good on the December 2025 FIT inspection. The campus includes 19 classrooms, a computer lab, library, gymnasium, multipurpose room, staff lounge, playground, and athletic field.
| System Inspected | Rating | Work Orders / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas, Mechanical / HVAC, Sewer | Good | - |
| Interior Surfaces | Good | WO #113968 - Blinds need adjustment; WO #114261 - Remove shades |
| Cleanliness | Good | - |
| Electrical | Good | WO #114804 - Exposed wires; WO #115078 - Electrical plug not working |
| Restrooms / Fountains | Good | WO #114331 - Soap dispenser broken; WO #114593 - Water pressure low |
| Fire Safety / Hazardous Materials | Good | - |
| Structural / Roofs | Good | - |
| External / Grounds / Doors / Fences | Good | WO #114019 - Door needs unlock/replacement; WO #114339 - Door adjustment; WO #114261 - Locker repair; WO #113952 - Clear cobwebs from playground |
Engagement - State Priority 6
School Climate
Suspension Rate: 0.19% - Zero Expulsions
North Star's suspension rate of 0.19% in 2024-25 is the second-lowest in the district and a fraction of both the district average (1.27%) and statewide average (2.94%). Zero expulsions have been recorded across all three reported years. The rate has been reduced by 89% from 1.74% in 2022-23.
| Measure | School 2022-23 | School 2023-24 | School 2024-25 | District 2024-25 | State 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Rate | 1.74% | 0.19% | 0.19% | 1.27% | 2.94% |
| Expulsion Rate | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.06% |
2025-26 School Safety Plan
Last ReviewedAnnually in winter/spring by staff, parents, and administrators
Fire DrillsMonthly throughout the school year
Earthquake DrillsOnce per year
Lockdown DrillsTwice per year
Emergency SuppliesEmergency backpacks in every classroom; connex box on campus with additional supplies
Campus AccessAll visitors sign in/out at office; prior authorization required for classroom visits
SupervisionTeachers and administrators supervise before/after school and recess; paid yard duty during recess and lunch
2024-25 Chronic Absenteeism
North Star's chronic absenteeism rate was 2.3% in 2024-25 - the lowest of any RCSD school. Only 12 of 531 eligible students were chronically absent.
| Student Group | Eligible Enrollment | Chronically Absent | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Students | 531 | 12 | 2.3% |
| Female | 258 | 6 | 2.3% |
| Male | 273 | 6 | 2.2% |
| Asian | 95 | 3 | 3.2% |
| Filipino | 14 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 71 | 1 | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 88 | 0 | 0.0% |
| White | 262 | 8 | 3.1% |
| English Learners | 13 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Socioeconomically Disadvantaged | 49 | 1 | 2.0% |
| Students with Disabilities | 50 | 0 | 0.0% |
Engagement - State Priority 3
Family & Community Involvement
North Star's parent community is one of the most engaged in the district. From the active Parent Club and Dad's Club to classroom volunteering and Theater productions, families are true partners in the school's success.
Parent Club
North Star's Parent Club supports fundraising, school events, and community programs throughout the year. Visit northstarparentclub.com (opens in new tab) or follow on Facebook.
Dad's Club
A dedicated dad-focused volunteer organization supporting students, teachers, and campus life at North Star throughout the school year.
Theater Productions
Parents support North Star's performing arts program through volunteering for Theater productions - one of the school's signature community events each year.
Classroom Volunteering
Parents and community members volunteer in classrooms, support enrichment activities, and accompany students on field trip experiences throughout the year.
Leadership & Governance
School Site CouncilActive governance & resource allocation
Parent ClubFundraising, events & community programs
Dad's ClubVolunteer support for students & campus
Volunteer OpportunitiesClassrooms, enrichments, field trips, Theater
Contact to Volunteer(650) 482-2411
Stay Connected
NewsletterWeekly school newsletter - opportunities & updates
School Websitenorthstar.rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)
Parent Club Websitenorthstarparentclub.com (opens in new tab)
Parent Club FacebookFollow North Star Parents Club on Facebook
School Phone(650) 482-2411
Other SARC Information
Budget & Resources
$21,245
Total Expenditure per Pupil (2023-24)
$12,157
Unrestricted per Pupil
$9,088
Restricted per Pupil
$110,263
Avg. Teacher Salary at Site
Federal Funding Sources (2024-25)
Title IMigrant Education
Title II: Part ATeacher Quality
Title IIILimited English Proficiency
IDEASpecial Education
OtherMedi-Cal Billing Option
State Funding Sources (2024-25)
State LotteryInstructional Materials
State IDEASpecial Education
2024-25 Class Size Distribution
| Grade / Subject | Avg. Class Size | Courses 1-22 Students | Courses 23-32 Students | Courses 33+ Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 26 | 1 | 6 | - |
| Grade 4 | 28 | 1 | 6 | - |
| Grade 5 | 26 | 1 | 6 | - |
| Grade 6 | 28 | 1 | 18 | - |
| ELA (Secondary) | 24 | 2 | 6 | - |
| Math (Secondary) | 28 | - | 6 | - |
| Science (Secondary) | 28 | - | 6 | - |
| Social Science (Secondary) | 28 | - | 6 | - |
For More Information
Contact
North Star Academy
400 Duane Street
Redwood City, CA 94062
Phone: (650) 482-2411
Principal: Erin Kekos
Email: ekekos@rcsdk8.net
Web: northstar.rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)
Parent Club
Web: northstarparentclub.com (opens in new tab)
Follow North Star Parents Club on Facebook for events, news, and volunteer opportunities.
Redwood City School District & State Resources
District: (650) 482-2200
rcsdk8.net (opens in new tab)
CDE SARC Information (opens in new tab)
DataQuest (opens in new tab)
California School Dashboard (opens in new tab)