The Thiels’ connection to Daystar began as it does for many families in our community: with a shadow day. As their daughter entered ninth grade, they searched for a school that truly cared about its students. When Mindy Thiel and her family first visited Daystar in 2020, they sensed an immediate, genuine welcome–something they had not felt at their local school. “They greeted us by name,” Mindy recalls, “it felt like we’d been here from the beginning.” That first visit signaled they had indeed found the right place. “It was an immediate sense of peace that this is where we were meant to be.”
Daystar continues to offer the Thiel family a community defined by warmth and acceptance. Mindy’s children comment that the hugs and personal hellos from faculty and staff each morning have been “the best part of their day.” This culture of kindness extends well past the morning greetings. Mindy’s oldest daughter, now graduated, still meets up with former teachers for coffee or lunch—evidence of the relationships fostered at Daystar.
The acceptance Daystar students feel also yields powerful transformations. Mindy witnessed such a change in her oldest daughter almost immediately. “The once-quite and reserved child found her voice and her grades instantly improved,” Mindy explains. “They made her see that she mattered. As parents, we couldn’t have asked for more.” Meanwhile, Mindy’s younger daughter—naturally very social—has been equally supported and encouraged. “She loves going to school every day,” Mindy says.
The IB framework and XP (our international travel program) are key to this positive experience. “They’re both fantastic,” Mindy notes. Beyond these programs, Mindy also credits faculty, including Kathleen Dragen, Frank Slomkowski, Cassie Moore, Itzel Aguirre, and Tina Begley, for continually going above and beyond. “They’ve left a real impact on my daughters,” she adds. “Some have moved on, but the ones who remain continue to be such an incredible presence.”
Mindy values how Daystar weaves Christian principles like compassion, forgiveness, and service into everyday life, all resting on the school’s Christian foundation. “For families who value a faith-based education, integrating Christian principles into the curriculum can bring a sense of unity and shared purpose, both at school and at home.” Personally, Mindy has seen her children grow in their faith, encouraged by an environment that “gives them an opportunity to ask big questions and have their spiritual curiosity nurtured by teachers, peers, and family.”
Looking toward her children’s future, Mindy notes the importance of Daystar’s diverse population. “We love that there are kids from all nationalities and cultures,” she says. This multicultural community teaches students to see the world from multiple cultural lenses and to respect different perspectives. “Everyone is equal at Daystar,” Mindy says, “and I love that my children are learning about the wider world every day.”
Mindy’s advice to families considering Daystar is simple: come see it for yourselves. “I highly suggest to new families to schedule a shadow day,” she says. “Daystar offers so much more than people might realize.” For Mindy, it all comes down to one powerful truth: Daystar is a place where every child matters—a truth her daughters carry with them everyday. “I have zero regrets enrolling my children here.”
Empowering students to positively impact the world through a faith-based, culturally-engaged, globally-minded education.
