About Our School

Our Mission

Interstellar Charter School empowers joyful, confident learners through knowledge, thinking, application, and creativity. Serving as a launchpad for young learners, we build strong academic foundations that prepare students to explore, create, and reach beyond what seems possible. We provide a joyful, inclusive learning environment grounded in explicit, standards-based instruction and knowledge-rich learning experiences. Students develop strong academic foundations in literacy and mathematics while intentionally fostering curiosity, creativity, and positive learning habits. Through clear instruction, guided inquiry, and meaningful application, students gain the skills and understanding needed to thrive in school and in life.

Our Vision

Interstellar is a school community where all students experience a sense of belonging, find joy in learning, and develop both academic excellence and character. Students grow into thoughtful, capable learners who value effort, curiosity, and collaboration. They approach learning with confidence, engage respectfully with others, and apply their knowledge creatively and responsibly as active members of their communities.

Grounded in strong academic foundations and joyful learning, Interstellar prepares students to uplift their communities and pursue advanced academic study, future careers, and a lifetime of exploring beyond the horizon.

A launchpad for explorers and innovators where knowledge sparks thinking, creativity, and purpose.

The Interstellar experience is taking shape through a collaborative co-design process with seasoned education leaders, parents, and Long Island families working side by side. Grounded in the science of learning and shaped by our core beliefs, the Interstellar experience empowers children to grow, discover, and ultimately thrive in school, career, and life.

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    We Wonder & Build Knowledge

    Interstellar students develop curiosity about the world by building deep knowledge and conceptual understanding through rich texts, discussion, writing, and exploration. Learning is grounded in science, social studies, literature, and the arts. Teachers guide curiosity through purposeful questioning and structured learning experiences ensuring students are academically and socially prepared.

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    We Learn Through Application

    Interstellar students deepen understanding by applying their learning through purposeful, hands-on experiences that follow explicit instruction. Through interdisciplinary guided inquiry, creative expression and problem-solving, students use their knowledge to build, design, write, perform and explain. This application strengthens understanding, builds persistence, and helps students see learning as purposeful, connected, and transferable.

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    We Build Connection & Confidence

    Interstellar fosters a joyful, inclusive school culture where students feel known, valued, and supported. Through strong relationships, predictable routines, and shared expectations, students develop empathy, self-awareness and respect for others. Confidence develops as students build competence, reflect on progress and feel a sense of belonging within a caring school community.

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    We Prepare for Life

    Interstellar helps students develop the habits and skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. Students learn self-regulation in order to effectively communicate, collaborate with peers, persevere through challenges, and make responsible choices. These habits are woven into academic learning to encourage students to become thoughtful, capable life-long learners.

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    We All Shine

    Interstellar students flourish in a community strengthened by diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences—including families and community partners. To ensure every child can thrive, we expand access through data-informed instruction, targeted interventions, enrichment opportunities, and intentional support for multilingual and diverse learners—so all students shine.

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    We Invest in Educators

    Interstellar students thrive when their teachers feel supported, valued and are able to grow. We develop exceptional educators through meaningful professional learning, ongoing coaching and competitive compensation. A collaborative staff culture, paired with systems that reduce administrative burden, empowers teachers to focus on what matters most—supporting students.

Vision & Commitment

Professional basketball player, Tobias Harris, in a Detroit Pistons uniform holding a basketball against a blue background. parallax-up

Interstellar Charter School is fueled by the vision and commitment of NBA veteran Tobias Harris, a proud Long Island native whose life and leadership have been shaped by the transformative power of public education. Tobias credits his own school experience—not only for preparing him academically, but for instilling confidence, community, and a belief that young people deserve every opportunity to discover their gifts.

As an athlete, philanthropist, and mentor, Tobias has spent years supporting youth empowerment. His work has included tutoring programs, scholarship opportunities, basketball camps, and community partnerships that reach students across the country. Interstellar continues that mission as an investment in the possibilities of every child.