About Our School

A young girl smiling and holding the straps of her pink backpack in a school hallway.
Three children playing with colorful building blocks and wooden sticks at a table in a classroom, smiling and having fun.
Kids playing on a playground with two girls holding onto a green ring structure and a boy laughing in front of them.
A teacher and five young students sitting around a table in a classroom, one student raising their hand, all smiling and engaged.
A smiling family of three standing outside a school building, mom, dad, and son in casual clothing.
Three children, two boys and one girl, laughing and playing on a playground slide outside a school building.
Group of diverse children sitting on the floor and talking in classroom

Our Mission

Interstellar Charter School is a launchpad for students to become explorers and innovators who look beyond what seems possible. We create a joyfully engaging environment grounded in rigorous, knowledge-building instruction, meaningful real-world projects and service, and future-focused character development so that all students are empowered to thrive in school, career, and life.

Our Vision

Interstellar students will boldly navigate complex challenges, build new knowledge, and create solutions that uplift their communities. They will be thinkers, makers, and innovators—prepared for advanced academic study, future careers, and a lifetime of exploring what lies beyond the horizon.

A launchpad for

explorers & innovators

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.

  • Outline drawing of a telescope on a tripod mount, set against a black background.

    We Wonder & Build Knowledge

    Interstellar students build deep knowledge across disciplines by exploring rich texts, tackling real problems, and making connections across subjects. Through wonder, curiosity, and academic rigor, they grow into highly literate, mathematically fluent problem solvers who connect ideas, explore big concepts, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

  • Outline drawing of a wrench with a house and ladder inside the open end.

    We Learn by Doing

    Interstellar students engage in daily interdisciplinary project blocks that bring together STEM, Social Studies, and the Arts. Through collaborative, hands-on work, creative performances, and service opportunities, they learn by doing and begin to see themselves as builders, problem solvers, and contributors to their community and the wider world.

  • Icon of three people standing together.

    We Build Connection & Confidence

    Interstellar students engage in daily experiences that strengthen their resilience, self-awareness, and social skills, and nurture a joyful, inclusive school culture. These routines help them feel connected, valued, and confident as they grow—both within our school community and beyond it.

  • Black background with a white outline of a hand holding a pencil.

    We Prepare for Life

    Interstellar students actively practice age-appropriate life skills—including public presentation, technology and AI literacy, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy—building the future-focused habits and competencies they will need to excel in school, careers, and life.

  • Outline of a star inside a circle on a black background.

    All Students Shine

    Interstellar students flourish in a community strengthened by a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. To ensure every child can thrive, we expand access through targeted interventions, enrichment opportunities, support for multilingual and divergent learners, after-school programming and transportation—removing barriers so all students shine.

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    Investing in Educators

    Interstellar students thrive when their teachers are well supported, fulfilled, and growing with the school. To this end, we recruit, develop, and retain exceptional educators through professional learning, ongoing coaching, and competitive compensation. Our collaborative staff culture—paired with intentional systems that minimize administrative burden—empowers teachers to lead, innovate, and focus their time on the most important work: supporting Interstellar students to reach beyond limits and realize their full potential.

Vision & Commitment

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

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.