STAR Academy is Making a Positive Impact — Reflections from Students and Parents on the Newell Normand Podcast
A recent episode of the Newell Normand Podcast on Audacy took a heartfelt, insightful look at how STAR Academy is transforming the educational experiences of students and their families. Hosted by former Jefferson Parish Sheriff and community voice Newell Normand, the conversation highlighted real-world outcomes that go far beyond numbers — touching on attendance, discipline, academic performance, and student attitudes toward learning.
Students Enjoying School Again
One of the most compelling takeaways from the episode is how STAR Academy has helped students rediscover a love for school. Instead of viewing the classroom as a place of struggle, many participants now approach learning with curiosity, enthusiasm, and confidence. According to the podcast, students are showing “amazing gains in academic performance, discipline, and school attendance,” a testament to how this model reengages learners who may have previously felt disconnected.
Educators and parents featured in the discussion also emphasized that attendance and engagement are rising — two critical predictors of long-term academic success. When students feel prepared, valued, and supported, they’re more likely to show up and participate actively in their education.
Parents Seeing Meaningful Change
What sets this episode apart is the focus not just on students, but on parents’ perspectives. Families described noticeable differences at home: improved study habits, increased confidence, and positive conversations about school that weren’t happening before. For many parents, the transformation wasn’t just academic — it was emotional and relational. Hearing their children say they “enjoy learning” has been one of the most meaningful outcomes of the STAR Academy experience.
A Model That Works
Throughout the podcast, the STAR Academy approach emerged as more than a curriculum tweak — it’s a framework that prioritizes student agency, relevance, and supportive structures. Rather than one-size-fits-all instruction, STAR Academy emphasizes personalized learning paths, collaboration, and project-based activities that reflect how students learn best.
Listeners of the episode came away with a clear message: when schools invest in strategies that meet students where they are and equip them with tools to succeed, the impact ripples outward — affecting families, communities, and the school culture as a whole.
Why It Matters
In an era where many schools are still recovering from pandemic learning disruptions, the STAR Academy story shared on the Newell Normand Podcast offers a powerful case study in meaningful educational innovation. Rather than focusing solely on test scores, it highlights the human side of learning — showing how confidence, attendance, and family support can grow alongside academic achievement.