Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Harding. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I was watching Good Morning America as I prepared for work, and the hosts introduced Geoffrey Canada and the Harlem Children’s Zone.

I was mesmerized. His passion and conviction enthralled me. I believed in his evidence that Black and Hispanic children in urban and underserved communities will academically excel when given the same rigorous education and wrap-around support as children in wealthier white neighborhoods. He highlighted the need and benefit of community schools that foster a culture of academic superiority and parent and community engagement. I was an hour late for work because I could not move. I stood in my living room and saw both my past and future before my eyes.

Mr. Canada spoke to my own experiences. I was raised in Ladera Heights, a predominantly black community in Los Angeles. I went to my neighborhood elementary school and was granted privileges that formed my philosophy on education. Parents were encouraged and celebrated for participating in school activities. Families sponsored or partnered with our school to ensure we had the same (if not better) resources as white students in any other community. Black success was engrained in the culture of our neighborhood, and my school was the center of the community.

My elementary school teachers were my neighbors; my parents still live next door to my 6th-grade homeroom teacher. We were supported, validated, and accountable for academic achievement by the whole community. Thus, hearing Geoffrey Canada echo those exact words about another institutional Black city, and the prospect of its children, confirmed that I received something extraordinary. And I was responsible for giving it back. To create the same pathway of excellence and academic achievement that I was given. That day, I decided I was an educator and have spent the past 15 years dedicating myself to that role.

After a decade of living on the east coast, I have returned home to do what I committed many years ago. My unique private practice serves Black and POC families, ensuring their children receive the best education, find joy in learning, and experience success in the classroom and their school community.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At North Star Academics, we are committed to creating innovative educational spaces that foster diversity and a sense of belonging for every student. We provide access to high-quality education, culturally responsive educators, and developmental support to Black and POC students and families.

We were founded on three core beliefs:

– All students should have equal access to high-quality education
– Parent engagement is fundamental to student learning
– Schools must be held accountable for meeting the needs of Black and BIPOC students

Many Black and POC students and families benefit from additional support in navigating the culture and expectations of private and independent schools. And likewise, many private and independent schools understand the need to incorporate Black and POC students and families into long-standing traditions. We partner with schools to meet the needs of these students by creating a plan, recommending accommodations, and supporting students throughout matriculation.

At North Star, we help our students succeed in the classroom and their school communities. We reassure every parent that their student can excel in the classroom and receive the best education possible.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In graduate school, my advisor had a sign on her wall “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” It would be naive for me to expect to create equitable learning experiences for students and schools without some struggles. But just like my students, I am resilient because I choose to be of service, and I believe I have a place in this work.

When people say it must have been hard to build an education practice, I always remind them that- I never thought I would have an education business.

I started with one student, and then her mother asked- would you work with my son too? He was a freshman who hated school and found no excitement in working with me. With respect and trepidation, I told her that I would do my best to support him until I completed my interviews for another job at a school’s headquarters. But three days after meeting him, I rescinded every job application and told his mother I would see him through high school.

I did not know what that meant then, but I knew he had won me. I had worked in education for years and saw him being underserved. I knew his family was worthy of more from their school, and this student displayed talent and genius in ways that his school had not invested in him. So, without knowing, I began North Star Academics and found my first favorite student.

Soon after, I started with another black family at the same school and met my next favorite kid. Again, he was a shy yet dynamic 6th-grade boy who found little pleasure in his classroom but was supported by a family that knew he could succeed. Again, I made another bold promise to his mother – I committed to seeing him through high school. And I am proud to say, five years later, both are on the honor roll at their respective high school and university! Two young men with privilege and promise, but minimal trust in their schools, are now academic leaders. Any struggle or setback I have faced is insignificant in comparison to the gratification of being of service.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

North Star has grown over the past three years to serve over 50 BIPOC children and families and partnered with the top schools across the city. And all by word of mouth from some of the city’s most notable and influential parents and families. I am both humbled and grateful to work with them. And, despite significant gains, I still find challenges in school meetings, academic matriculation plans, IEP evaluations, and building trust between communities. Despite these moments of spiritual sandpaper, our victories remind me of my purpose- to help black and BIPOC students find joy, success, and fulfillment in education.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.northstaracademics.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northstaracademics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/North-Star-Academics-102361719130124/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-academics/

Image Credits
Headshots: Skandia Shafer