"NorthStar" will expand from 33,000 square feet to more than 50,000 square feet.
“Having that extra space has allowed us to be using about 12 percent of building capacity and yet spreading out students both during satellite day school and then in the after-school setting,” "NorthStar" Executive Director Scott Hazelrigg tells 6 News.
The expansion will give secondary level students their own space, away from the younger children.
The "NorthStar" focus is academic achievement, but officials know there’s much more to effective learning.
“If you’re struggling with food insecurity, if you’re struggling with safety insecurity outside of these walls, then we know that’s even hard to care about school,” Hazelrigg says.
Shari Scott says right now it’s important for her to know her children are safe while away from home.
“You definitely don’t want them out in the pandemic,” said Scott.
"NorthStar" is currently working on another expansion for its younger students, which they hope to open in February of next year.
(Picture courtesy of "NorthStar Foundation)