Education has always been more than books and classrooms. At its best, it reflects the voices, values, and lived experiences of the students it serves. In communities where many young learners bring diverse languages and traditions to the table, schools that honor this richness stand out. Midway Star Academy is one such place. From its earliest days, the school has grown with a clear sense of purpose: to provide an environment where every child is not only taught but truly seen.
The academy’s mission is rooted in creating a learning space that builds on the cultural experiences of its students. It does this by setting high expectations while weaving personalized learning into the daily curriculum. This approach keeps students engaged and motivated, while also lifting their academic performance. The vision is equally clear. Midway Star imagines a school where every student is known, valued, and supported as an individual, with programs that adapt to each child’s unique strengths and interests.
Over the years, the academy has expanded its reach. It introduced stronger support for English language learners, brought families closer to the classroom through regular events, and invested in professional growth for teachers. Midway Star today is a vibrant community where academic excellence, cultural inclusivity, and active participation go hand in hand.
Building Strong Foundations across Grade Levels
Midway Star Academy serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade with a program designed to nurture growth at every stage. In the elementary years, children build a firm base in reading, writing, math, and problem-solving while exploring science and social studies with curiosity. By middle school, the coursework becomes more rigorous, sharpening critical thinking and teamwork skills.
What remains consistent throughout is the academy’s dedication to English language development and culturally responsive teaching. Every lesson honors the diverse backgrounds of students, making the classroom not just a place of learning but also a celebration of identity.
Leadership with a Vision for Students
At the heart of Midway Star Academy’s success is its leadership team, led by the Academy’s Director Mohamed Warsame and Assistant Director Hassan Hade. Their approach centers on building a school environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
Families are seen as partners in this journey, and the message from leadership is clear: every child deserves high expectations and a community that believes in their potential. Warsame and his team work to instill confidence and essential skills in students, preparing them not only for academic achievement but also for life beyond the classroom.
Open Doors and Equitable Access
Midway follows an open-enrollment model, welcoming students in grades K–8 from across the community. There are no entrance exams or selective requirements; admission depends solely on space. When applications exceed capacity, a lottery system ensures fairness. The academy is especially committed to families with limited means, offering free and reduced-price meals, transportation support, and school-wide events that remove barriers to participation. These initiatives reflect the school’s belief that opportunity should never be out of reach. At Midway Star, equity is not a policy; it is a practice that shapes how every child is welcomed and supported.
Steady Growth and a Diverse Community
The institute currently educates 421 students across grades K–8, reflecting significant growth in recent years. In 2019, the school served about 288 students, and today that number has risen by nearly 45 percent. The student body is richly diverse, with the majority of families tracing their heritage to East Africa.
Approximately 99 percent of students identify as Black or African American, and 95 percent qualify for free or reduced-price meals. These numbers highlight both the academy’s expanding reach and its central role in serving a community that values strong academics alongside cultural identity and inclusion.
Meeting Students Where They Are
Midway Star Academy recognizes that every child learns differently and brings unique cultural experiences to the classroom. Teachers use culturally responsive methods and differentiated instruction to ensure lessons connect with students’ lives while advancing academic growth. Strong English language development programs further support learners as they build confidence in communication.
Small-group interventions allow for personalized attention, while family engagement creates a bridge between home and school. Targeted academic supports provide additional structure so that no student is left behind. At Midway Star, the goal is not only achievement but also belonging, where every child feels valued and understood.
Strengthening Community Connections
The academy views education as a shared responsibility between school and family. To support this vision, the academy partners with families and local organizations to provide a range of community services. Parent workshops offer guidance on academic and social development, while translation and interpretation support ensure that language is never a barrier.
The school also connects families with vital social resources, extending care beyond the classroom. Cultural celebrations and family engagement events further strengthen these ties, turning the school into a hub of connection where relationships, traditions, and shared goals build a stronger, united community.
A Vibrant Student Life
Life at Midway Star extends well beyond the classroom. Students take part in a variety of extracurricular activities that build teamwork, discipline, and school spirit. Basketball and soccer teams for both boys and girls provide opportunities to compete, grow, and connect with peers.
Enrichment also comes through camping trips, cultural events, and field trips that broaden horizons and spark curiosity. These experiences allow students to learn in new settings, strengthen friendships, and celebrate their identities. At Midway Star, student life is designed to nurture joy, resilience, and discovery alongside academic achievement.
Leadership and Departments Driving Success
Midway Star Academy operates through a network of key departments that ensure the school runs smoothly. Academic Affairs, Student Support Services, and Family Engagement work closely under the guidance of the Executive Director, Principal, Instructional Coaches, and Department Heads. Each team has a clear role, from implementing curriculum and fostering student well-being to building strong connections with families.
Collaboration among these leaders allows the school to address challenges efficiently and create a consistent learning environment. Their combined efforts ensure that students receive quality instruction, personalized support, and a community where everyone feels valued and supported.
Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At Midway Star Academy, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the heart of school life. The academy creates a culturally responsive environment where students and families feel recognized and valued. Policies and programs ensure that every child has fair access to both academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Initiatives include parent engagement programs for multilingual families, professional development for staff on culturally responsive teaching, and targeted intervention support to help students succeed. Through these efforts, Midway Star builds a community where differences are celebrated, equity guides decisions, and every student has the resources and support to reach their full potential.
Comprehensive Student Support
Midway Star Academy provides a range of student support services designed to help every learner succeed. Mentorship opportunities guide personal and academic growth, while individualized academic interventions address specific learning needs. Social-emotional learning programs further support students’ well-being, ensuring they develop confidence, resilience, and the skills to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Looking Ahead
Midway Star Academy is committed to continually enhancing educational outcomes across all programs. Future goals include expanding targeted interventions to support students at every level, integrating innovative instructional strategies to enrich learning, and increasing family engagement to strengthen the home-school connection. Additionally, the academy plans to add a high school and pre-kindergarten either in FY 27 or FY 28, depending on how soon the application is approved.
These initiatives aim to equip students with the skills, confidence, and support they need for long-term success, ensuring that the academy remains a place where every learner can thrive.
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