How does the program work?

Each student is matched with their own personal tutor. Students and tutors meet at the library and spend time reading together to build vocabulary and strengthen reading comprehension. Most importantly, the program helps students develop a love of reading in a supportive, one-on-one environment.

Do students at Reading All Stars work one-on-one with a tutor or in a group?

Reading All Stars is a one-on-one model. Each student is matched with their own tutor who works with them consistently throughout the year.

What do I need to do to apply?

To apply please complete the application here.

How long after I apply will my student be able to start tutoring?

If there are spaces available, we should be able to have your student begin tutoring within 3 weeks of submitting your application.

How will I know if my student has been accepted?

You will receive an email or phone call from Northstar staff once your student has been accepted into the program and assigned a tutor.

Does Northstar charge any fees for participation?

No, all of our programming is provided for free.

Where and when does tutoring take place?

Tutoring takes place at the Mt. Pleasant Library (3160 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20010). We work with students on Saturdays from 10:30 am–12:00 pm.

Does my student have to bring any supplies with them to tutoring?

No, we will have all materials and supplies for each session. 

Will snacks be provided?

Students are not permitted to eat in the library, however they will be given snacks to take with them when they leave. Please notify Northstar staff if your student has any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Can I bring other students to tutoring with my child?

No, please do not bring any other students to tutoring, unless they are part of the Northstar program.

Can I attend sessions with my student?

While we welcome parents to bring their students to tutoring sessions and meet their tutors, we ask parents not to stay during the tutoring sessions.

Can I contact my student’s tutor?

Yes — absolutely! Just let Northstar staff know if you would like to be put in contact with your student’s tutor and we can ask their permission to share contact information.

What additional information should I give Northstar?

Please let Northstar know if your student has any allergies or other health concerns, behavioral issues, or any academic information that could be helpful (including IEPs).

What are mentoring sessions?

We encourage tutors to take their students out on mentoring activities. Mentoring activities are scheduled directly with parents and each activity must be cleared with you in advance. Before a tutor takes your student on the first outing you must both sign a permission form. Please note—mentoring activities are an optional part of the program and your student does not have to participate if you would prefer them not to.

How does the program work?

Each student is matched with their own personal tutor for every day they attend. For example, if a student attends on Mondays and Wednesdays, they will have one consistent tutor who works with them every Monday and a second tutor who works with them every Wednesday throughout the school year. During each session, students receive one-on-one support in math and reading using materials aligned with what they are learning in school.

Is tutoring one-on-one or in a group?

Tutoring is primarily one-on-one. Each student is matched with their own tutor who works with them consistently throughout the year.

What do I need to do to apply?

To apply please complete the application here. Please note, only students who live at Columbia Heights Village properties are eligible to participate at this location.

Are there certain restrictions on who can apply?

Students participating at the Columbia Heights Village location must be live at one of CHV's properties.

How long after I apply will my student be able to start tutoring?

Depending on the time of year, we should be able to have your student begin tutoring within 3 weeks of submitting your application.

How will I know if my student has been accepted?

You will receive an email or phone call from Northstar staff once your student has been accepted into the program and assigned a tutor.

Does Northstar charge any fees for participation?

No, all of our programming is provided for free.

Where and when does tutoring take place?

Tutoring takes place at Columbia Heights Village (2900 14th St NW Washington, DC 20009). We work with students on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00–7:30 pm.

Does my student have to bring any supplies with them to tutoring?

No, we will have all materials and supplies for each session. 

Will snacks be provided?

Yes, we will provide snacks for students. Please notify Northstar staff if your student has any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Can my student attend one session a week or do they have to sign up for both?

Your student is welcome to attend once a week instead of both sessions. However, you will need to choose which session they will attend and plan to attend that same day each week. Because Northstar matches each student with their own tutor, we can only accommodate students on the specific days they signed up for.

Can I change my student’s schedule later in the year?

We ask that families stick to their chosen schedule for consistency, but if your availability changes, please reach out to Northstar staff and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

What is your attendance policy?

Students are allowed no more than 3 unexcused absences per semester. If your student cannot attend a tutoring session, please let us know as soon as possible. Because students work with their own personal tutor each week, it is important for us to be able to tell the tutor not to come if your student will be out.

What if my student’s tutor isn’t able to attend a session?

We ask students to attend the session even if their tutor won’t be there. We will have your student work with a different tutor for the evening when their regular tutor is absent.

Can I bring other students to tutoring with my child?

No, please do not bring any other students to tutoring, unless they are part of the Northstar program.

Can I attend sessions with my student?

While we welcome parents to bring their students to tutoring sessions and meet their tutors, we ask parents not to stay during the tutoring sessions.

Can I contact my student’s tutor?

Yes — absolutely! Just let Northstar staff know if you would like to be put in contact with your student’s tutor and we can ask their permission to share contact information.

What additional information should I give Northstar?

Please let Northstar know if your student has any allergies or other health concerns, behavioral issues, or any academic information that could be helpful (including IEPs).

What are mentoring sessions?

We encourage tutors to take their students out on mentoring activities once they have worked with their students for 6 weeks. Mentoring activities are scheduled directly with parents and each activity must be cleared with you in advance. Before a tutor takes your student on the first outing you must both sign a permission form. Please note—mentoring activities are an optional part of the program and your student does not have to participate if you would prefer them not to.

How does the program work?

Each student is matched with their own personal tutors who they work with for the duration of the school year. Students have the option of signing up for 1–3 sessions per week. During each session, students receive one-on-one support completing their homework or working on math and reading, using materials aligned with what they’re learning in school. Tutors also help with homework and focus on building strong academic skills and relationships over time.

Is the program online or in person?

Students have the option of both online and in-person sessions. Online sessions can be scheduled directly between the parent and tutor. In-person sessions take place at Sasha Bruce (741 8th St. SE, Washington, DC 20003) on Mondays from 6:30–8:00 pm.

Is tutoring one-on-one or in a group?

Tutoring is primarily one-on-one. Each student is matched with their own tutor who works with them consistently throughout the year.

What will my student work on during tutoring?

Homework is always the first priority during tutoring sessions. We ask that students bring their homework with them, even if it has already been completed, so that they can go over their work with their tutor. If a student doesn’t have homework, or the pair completes the homework before the end of the session, students and tutors will be provided with educational materials. Please feel free to notify Northstar staff if there are particular academic areas your student needs help with.

Are there certain restrictions on who can apply?

Only participants enrolled in Sasha Bruce programming—and specifically notified by Sasha Bruce staff—are permitted to participate at this location.

Does Northstar charge any fees for participation?

No, all of our programming is provided for free.

Does my student have to bring any supplies with them to tutoring?

We will have all materials and supplies for each session. They are, however, encouraged to bring their homework with them (even if it has already been completed).

Can I contact my student’s tutor?

Yes — absolutely! Just let Northstar staff know if you would like to be put in contact with your student’s tutor and we can ask their permission to share contact information.

What additional information should I give Northstar?

Please let Northstar know if your student has any allergies or other health concerns, behavioral issues, or any academic information that could be helpful (including IEPs).

What are mentoring sessions?

We encourage tutors to take their students out on mentoring activities once they have worked with their students for 6 weeks. Mentoring activities are scheduled directly with parents and each activity must be cleared with you in advance. Before a tutor takes your student on the first outing you must both sign a permission form. Please note—mentoring activities are an optional part of the program and your student does not have to participate if you would prefer them not to.

How does the program work?

Each student is matched with their own personal tutor for every night they attend. That tutor (or tutors, if attending multiple nights) will work with your student consistently throughout the school year. During each session, students receive one-on-one support in math and reading, using materials aligned with what they’re learning in school. Tutors also help with homework and focus on building strong academic skills and relationships over time.

Is tutoring one-on-one or in a group?

Tutoring is primarily one-on-one. Each student is matched with their own tutor who works with them consistently throughout the year.

What will my student work on during tutoring?

Homework is always the first priority during tutoring sessions. We ask that students bring their homework with them, even if it has already been completed, so that they can go over their work with their tutor. If a student doesn’t have homework, or the pair completes the homework before 8:00 pm, students and tutors will be provided with educational materials. Please feel free to notify Northstar staff if there are particular academic areas your student needs help with.

Do you offer online tutoring/how does it work?

Yes! Online tutoring is available for students at this location. Sessions are scheduled directly between the tutor and parent at a time that works best for both. Most online tutors meet with their students once a week for 60 to 90 minutes. If you’d like your student to receive more support, we’re happy to match them with multiple tutors for additional weekly sessions.

What do I need to do to apply?

To apply please complete the application here.

Are there certain restrictions on who can apply?

Students participating at the Hyattsville Teen Center location must either live in or attend school in the City of Hyattsville. If you are unsure if you qualify, you can check your address/your student’s school address here (please note, not all addresses that contain “Hyattsville” are technically within the city borders).

How long after I apply will my student be able to start tutoring?

The Hyattsville Teen Center is one of our most popular locations and due to space constraints, we are often at capacity for in-person tutoring. While we encourage you to complete an application, we may not be able to accommodate your student at this time. If you are open to online tutoring, we will be able to match your student with a tutor within a few weeks.

How will I know if my student has been accepted?

You will receive an email or phone call from Northstar staff once your student has been accepted into the program and assigned a tutor.

Does Northstar charge any fees for participation?

No, all of our programming is provided for free.

Where and when does tutoring take place?

Tutoring takes place at the Hyattsville Teen Center (5812 40th Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20781). There is free, onsite parking. During the school year, sessions are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30–8:00 pm. Summer sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30–8:00 pm. Please make sure to arrive a few minutes before 8:00 pm to pick up your student.

Does my student have to bring any supplies with them to tutoring?

We will have all materials and supplies for each session. They are, however, encouraged to bring their homework with them (even if it has already been completed).

Will snacks be provided?

Yes, we will provide snacks for students. Please notify Northstar staff if your student has any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Can my student attend one night a week or do they have to do all three?

Your student is welcome to attend once a week instead of all three nights. However, you’ll need to choose which night(s) they’ll attend and stick to that schedule each week. Because Northstar matches each student with their own tutor, we can only accommodate students on the specific nights they signed up for.

Can I change my student’s schedule later in the year?

We ask that families stick to their chosen schedule for consistency, but if your availability changes, please reach out to Northstar staff and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

What is your attendance policy?

Students are allowed no more than 3 unexcused absences per semester. If your student cannot attend a tutoring session, please let us know as soon as possible. Because students work with their own personal tutor each week, it is important for us to be able to tell the tutor not to come if your student will be out.

What if my student’s tutor isn’t able to attend a session?

We ask students to attend the session even if their tutor won’t be there. We will have your student work with a different tutor for the evening when their regular tutor is absent.

Can my student just come on nights when they have homework?

No, Northstar is not a drop-in program and students are required to come on the nights they have signed up for unless they are sick or have another commitment.

Can I bring other students to tutoring with my child?

No, please do not bring any other students to tutoring, unless they are part of the Northstar program.

Can I attend sessions with my student?

While we welcome parents to bring their students to tutoring sessions and meet their tutors, we ask parents not to stay during the tutoring sessions.

Can I contact my student’s tutor?

Yes — absolutely! Just let Northstar staff know if you would like to be put in contact with your student’s tutor and we can ask their permission to share contact information.

What additional information should I give Northstar?

Please let Northstar know if your student has any allergies or other health concerns, behavioral issues, or any academic information that could be helpful (including IEPs).

What are mentoring sessions?

We encourage tutors to take their students out on mentoring activities once they have worked with their students for 6 weeks. Mentoring activities are scheduled directly with parents and each activity must be cleared with you in advance. Before a tutor takes your student on the first outing you must both sign a permission form. Please note—mentoring activities are an optional part of the program and your student does not have to participate if you would prefer them not to.

How does the program work?

Each student is matched with their own personal tutor for every afternoon they attend. That tutor (or tutors, if attending both days) will work with your student consistently throughout the school year. During each session, students receive one-on-one support in math and reading, using materials aligned with what they’re learning in school. Tutors also help with homework and focus on building strong academic skills and relationships over time.

Is tutoring one-on-one or in a group?

Tutoring is primarily one-on-one. Each student is matched with their own tutor who works with them consistently throughout the year.

What will my student work on during tutoring?

Homework is always the first priority during tutoring sessions. We ask that students bring their homework with them, even if it has already been completed, so that they can go over their work with their tutor. If a student doesn’t have homework, or the pair completes the homework before 5:00 pm, students and tutors will be provided with educational materials. Please feel free to notify Northstar staff if there are particular academic areas your student needs help with.

Are there certain restrictions on who can apply?

Students participating at the Oxon Hill location must be a student at the school.

How long after I apply will my student be able to start tutoring?

Depending on the time of year, we should be able to have your student begin tutoring within 3 weeks of submitting your application.

How will I know if my student is able to start?

You will receive an email or phone call from Northstar staff once your student has been accepted into the program and assigned a tutor.

Does Northstar charge any fees for participation?

No, all of our programming is provided for free.

Where and when does tutoring take place?

Tutoring takes place at Oxon Hill Middle School (9570 Fort Foote Rd. Fort Washington, MD 20744). We work with students on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30–5:00 pm. Please make sure to arrive a few minutes before 5:00 pm to pick up your student.

Does my student have to bring any supplies with them to tutoring?

We will have all materials and supplies for each session. They are, however, encouraged to bring their homework with them (even if it has already been completed).

Will snacks be provided?

Yes, we will provide snacks for students. Please notify Northstar staff if your student has any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Can my student attend one night a week or do they have to sign up for both?

No, participating students must attend both sessions each week.

What is your attendance policy?

Students are allowed no more than 3 unexcused absences per semester. If your student cannot attend a tutoring session, please let us know as soon as possible. Because students work with their own personal tutor each week, it is important for us to be able to tell the tutor not to come if your student will be out.

What if my student’s tutor isn’t able to attend a session?

We ask students to attend the session even if their tutor won’t be there. We will have your student work with a different tutor for the evening when their regular tutor is absent.

Can my student just come on nights when they have homework?

No, Northstar is not a drop-in program and students are required to come on the nights they have signed up for unless they are sick or have another commitment.

Can I bring other students to tutoring with my child?

No, please do not bring any other students to tutoring, unless they are part of the Northstar program.

Can I contact my student’s tutor?

Yes — absolutely! Just let Northstar staff know if you would like to be put in contact with your student’s tutor and we can ask their permission to share contact information.

What additional information should I give Northstar?

Please let Northstar know if your student has any allergies or other health concerns, behavioral issues, or any academic information that could be helpful (including IEPs).

What are mentoring sessions?

We encourage tutors to take their students out on mentoring activities once they have worked with their students for 6 weeks. Mentoring activities are scheduled directly with parents and each activity must be cleared with you in advance. Before a tutor takes your student on the first outing you must both sign a permission form. Please note—mentoring activities are an optional part of the program and your student does not have to participate if you would prefer them not to.

How does the program work?

Each student is matched with their own personal tutor for every afternoon they attend. That tutor (or tutors, if attending both days) will work with your student consistently throughout the school year. During each session, students receive one-on-one support in math and reading, using materials aligned with what they’re learning in school. Tutors also help with homework and focus on building strong academic skills and relationships over time.

Is tutoring one-on-one or in a group?

Tutoring is primarily one-on-one. Each student is matched with their own tutor who works with them consistently throughout the year.

What will my student work on during tutoring?

Tutoring sessions focus on strengthening each student’s math and reading skills through individualized instruction and educational materials. Tutors work with students on activities that are appropriate for their grade level and academic needs, with a focus on building skills, reinforcing concepts, and increasing confidence.

If there are particular academic areas or skills that you would like your student to focus on, please let Northstar staff know so that we can incorporate them into tutoring sessions.

Are there certain restrictions on who can apply?

Students participating at the Center City (Shaw) location must be a student at the school.

How long after I apply will my student be able to start tutoring?

Depending on the time of year, we should be able to have your student begin tutoring within 3 weeks of submitting your application.

How will I know if my student is able to start?

You will receive an email or phone call from Northstar staff once your student has been accepted into the program and assigned a tutor.

Does Northstar charge any fees for participation?

No, all of our programming is provided for free.

Where and when does tutoring take place?

Tutoring takes place at Center City Charter School Shaw (711 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20001). We work with students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30–5:00 pm. Please make sure to arrive a few minutes before 5:00 pm to pick up your student.

Does my student have to bring any supplies with them to tutoring?

We will have all materials and supplies for each session.

Can my student attend one session a week or do they have to sign up for both?

Participating students must attend both sessions each week.

What is your attendance policy?

Students are allowed no more than 3 unexcused absences per semester. If your student cannot attend a tutoring session, please let us know as soon as possible. Because students work with their own personal tutor each week, it is important for us to be able to tell the tutor not to come if your student will be out.

What if my student’s tutor isn’t able to attend a session?

We ask students to attend the session even if their tutor won’t be there. We will have your student work with a different tutor for the session when their regular tutor is absent.

Can I bring other students to tutoring with my child?

No, please do not bring any other students to tutoring, unless they are part of the Northstar program.

Can I contact my student’s tutor?

Yes — absolutely! Just let Northstar staff know if you would like to be put in contact with your student’s tutor and we can ask their permission to share contact information.

What additional information should I give Northstar?

Please let Northstar know if your student has any allergies or other health concerns, behavioral issues, or any academic information that could be helpful (including IEPs).

What are mentoring sessions?

We encourage tutors to take their students out on mentoring activities once they have worked with their students for 6 weeks. Mentoring activities are scheduled directly with parents and each activity must be cleared with you in advance. Before a tutor takes your student on the first outing you must both sign a permission form. Please note—mentoring activities are an optional part of the program and your student does not have to participate if you would prefer them not to.

How does the program work?

Each student is matched with their own personal tutor for every night they attend. That tutor (or tutors, if attending both nights) will work with your student consistently throughout the school year. During each session, students receive one-on-one support in math and reading, using materials aligned with what they’re learning in school. Tutors also help with homework and focus on building strong academic skills and relationships over time.

What are mentoring sessions?

We encourage tutors to take their students out on mentoring activities once they have worked with their students for 6 weeks.  Mentoring activities are scheduled directly with parents and each activity must be cleared with you in advance. Before a tutor takes your student on the first outing you must both sign a permission form. Please note — mentoring activities are an optional part of the program and your student does not have to participate if you would prefer them not to.

What do I need to do to apply?

To apply, please complete the application here.

Are there certain restrictions on who can apply?

Students participating at the Mt. Pleasant library location must be in grades K-12th. Please also note that this program is for low-income families and income requirements are included on the application.

How long after I apply will my student be able to start tutoring?

The Mt. Pleasant library is one of our most popular locations and due to space constraints, we are often at capacity. While we encourage you to complete an application, we may not be able to accommodate your student at this time.

How will I know if my student has been accepted?

You will receive an email or phone call from Northstar staff once your student has been accepted into the program and assigned a tutor.

Is tutoring one-on-one or in a group?

Tutoring is primarily one-on-one. Each student is matched with their own tutor who works with them consistently throughout the year.

Can I bring other students to tutoring with my child?

No, please do not bring any other students to tutoring, unless they are part of the Northstar program.

What will my student work on during tutoring?

Homework is always the first priority during tutoring sessions.  We ask that students bring their homework with them, even if it has already been completed, so that they can go over their work with their tutor. If a student doesn’t have homework, or the pair completes the homework before 7:45, students and tutors will be provided with educational materials.  Please feel free to notify Northstar staff if there are particular academic areas your student needs help with.

Does Northstar charge any fees for participation?

No, all of our programming is provided for free.

Does my student have to bring any supplies with them to tutoring?

We will have all materials and supplies for each session. They are however encouraged to bring their homework with them (even if it has already been completed).

Will snacks be provided?

Yes, we will provide snacks for students. Please notify Northstar staff if your student has any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Where and when does tutoring take place?

Tutoring takes place at the Mt. Pleasant Library (3160 16th St. NW Washington, DC 20009). There is no on site parking, but the site is reachable by bus or metro.  We work with students on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45 pm. Please make sure to arrive a few minutes before 7:45 pm to pick up your student.

Can my student attend one night a week or do they have to sign up for both?

Your student is welcome to attend once a week instead of both nights. However, you’ll need to choose which night(s) they’ll attend and stick to that schedule each week. Because Northstar matches each student with their own tutor, we can only accommodate students on the specific nights they signed up for.

Can I change my student’s schedule later in the year?

We ask that families stick to their chosen schedule (Monday or Wednesday) for consistency, but if your availability changes, please reach out to Northstar staff and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

What is your attendance policy?

Students are allowed no more than 3 unexcused absences per semester. If your student cannot attend a tutoring session, please let us know as soon as possible. Because students work with their own personal tutor each week, it is important for us to be able to tell the tutor not to come if your student will be out.

What if my student’s tutor isn’t able to attend a session?

We ask students to attend the session even if their tutor won’t be there. We will have your student work with a different tutor for the evening when their regular tutor is absent.

Can my student just come on nights when they have homework?

No, Northstar is not a drop-in program and students are required to come on the nights they have signed up for unless they are sick or have another commitment.

Can I attend sessions with my student?

While we welcome parents to bring their students to tutoring sessions and meet their tutors, we ask parents to not stay during the tutoring sessions. You are of course welcome to stay in the library while your student participates in tutoring.

Can I contact my student's tutor?

Yes — absolutely! Just let Northstar staff know if you would like to be put in contact with your student’s tutor and we can ask their permission to share contact information.

What additional information should I give Northstar?

Please let Northstar know if your student has any allergies or other health concerns, behavioral issues or any academic information that could be helpful (including IEPs).