“Nothing is of more importance for the public wealth than to form and train up youth in wisdom and virtue.”
— Benjamin Franklin

When we say we nurture students with exemplary character, we take these words very seriously.

We are returning to a more traditional way of healthy and wholesome development. At Northern Academy of the Arts, education is based on positive, traditional values; inspiration from heroes found in history and classical literature; and a consummate sense of beauty.

We’ve all heard the saying “You are what you eat,” yet it’s becoming increasingly clear that we are also what we feed our eyes and brains. The images and information we are exposed to affect who we are and how we act.

The widely proven Mozart effect demonstrates the positive influence of classical music, and, on the other side of the coin, there is a well-researched link between violent video games and violent behavior. Everything our children are absorbing—from books, movies, and music to social media—are building who they are, for better or for worse.

At Northern Academy, our goal is to nurture healthy, upright people who know right from wrong, and want to make good and even great choices based on strong reasoning founded in respect for their own lives and others.

We are concerned about the negative influences on our children and teens, made easily accessible through smart phones and internet access.

Here at Northern Academy we believe that we must do better for this generation’s youth and have therefore created a healthy social environment.

We ban smartphones, social media, and unrestricted access to the internet. Here are two specific policies to note:

No smartphones. Not at school, and preferably not at home.

The students who need phones are advised to use safe and simple cell phones with no internet access. It’s common sense for academic reasons to keep smartphones out of classrooms, and out of mind during the school day.

No intimacy. Dating and intimacy between students is prohibited. We are a co-ed school, but we know it is better for students to learn age appropriate relationships and respect, with firm boundaries, that allow them to avoid the distraction and troubles of dating and to focus on what is really important at their age—learning, discovering their talents, and becoming their best selves.

Current research indicates that in order for schooling to be highly effective for students, a strong character education curriculum must be maintained within the school environment.

Here at the Northern Academy, we have constructed a solid educational environment that assists our students’ growth toward becoming self-aware and exhibiting, through their thoughts and actions, a highly developed moral character.

• Integrate character education into academic Instruction and art training

• Integrate a health, etiquette and ethics curriculum that guides and supports a healthy body, mind and spirit

• Teachers’ model the practice of our core values: integrity, compassion, and resilience

• Create a culture of caring and giving: nurture strong, healthy relationships within the school community and create internship and community service opportunities to contribute to the world community