Our Story

Star Academy Boston’s story began with the shared vision of Larisa Bankovsky and Margarita Druker, who imagined a school that combined exceptional academics with a deep commitment to every child. Bankovsky and Druker envisioned a learning community built on core values: small classes, meaningful relationships, close partnerships with families, and a place where students feel known, supported, and inspired to pursue their potential.

On September 4, 2018, that vision became a reality when Star Academy opened its doors at 780 Mt. Auburn Street, our Watertown Campus.

That first year included a First Grade class of ten students and four Preschool classes. Those first families placed their trust in a young school and helped establish the sense of belonging that remains at the heart of Star Academy today. They are our pioneers.

With each passing year, our community has grown in leaps and bounds. New families joined our program each year, entrusting us with their children’s education. We recruited seasoned, decorated, and dedicated educators who brought their expertise and enthusiasm. Each year brought new grade levels and new, innovative academic programs for our students’ advancement.

In September 2021, the opening of our Wellesley Campus marked a significant step forward. Our second location allowed us to add more grade levels, including Preschool, a Lower School of Grades K-5 and a Middle School of Grades 6-8, and we eagerly began work on offering a complete and continuous educational journey through high school.

Star Academy Boston’s journey continued in September 2023 with the opening of the Upper School. In February 2024, our high school students moved into their own building on Brook Street in Wellesley, a space for deeper learning, collaboration, growing independence, and the shared experiences that make high school memorable. As the Upper School developed, so did its academic offerings and opportunities for advanced study, including college preparatory collaborations with local universities.

In June 2024, Star Academy Boston received approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enroll international students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. Through SEVP certification, the school became eligible to welcome students on F-1 visas, opening the door to new perspectives, cross-cultural connections, and an increasingly global school community.

In February 2025, Star Academy Boston received initial accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). This milestone reflected the collective dedication of our leadership, faculty, and staff and affirmed the school’s commitment to educational quality and continuous improvement. Star Academy is also a member of the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) and the Council of International Schools (CIS).

The year 2026 brought a particularly meaningful milestone: Star Academy Boston celebrated its first graduating class. A school that began with preschool children and one small class of first graders was now sending graduates to top universities, including Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Boston University, UC San Diego, the University of Florida, the UMass Amherst Isenberg School of Management, and the University of Tampa.

For our entire community, this moment represented years of learning, perseverance, and shared belief in what our students could achieve. It was a celebration of the graduates themselves, the families who encouraged them, and the teachers whose guidance helped them reach the next level in their educational journey. Their accomplishments will always hold a special place in our school’s history.

Over the years, Star Academy has earned the trust and appreciation of its families. That confidence is also reflected in the school’s overall grade of “A” on Niche, the national school review platform. Behind this recognition are the daily efforts of our educators, the growth and achievements of our students, and the experiences of families who have made Star Academy part of their lives.

In the fall of 2026, we turned a new page as Larisa Bankovsky stepped away from her leadership and teaching responsibilities at Star Academy Boston. We honor Larisa’s contributions with deep gratitude. Creating a school requires vision, courage, and an extraordinary commitment of time and heart. Her energy, determination, and insight brought the shared vision to life, guided Star Academy through its formative years, and established a foundation for its continued growth.

We thank Larisa for her years of dedication to our students, families, faculty, and staff, and for the many contributions she has made to Star Academy’s advancement and success. We wish her happiness, fulfillment, and continued success in the next adventures of her life.

Margarita Druker is the visionary Co-Founder whose leadership has shaped every dimension of Star Academy Boston – from its founding vision and academic programs to its daily operations, culture, and continued growth. Since the school’s inception, she has transformed her expertise in education, business, and leadership into a distinctive learning environment grounded in academic excellence, innovation, and individualized support. Margarita holds a Master of Science in Education and School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from Babson College at just nineteen years old. With the same hands-on dedication and forward-thinking vision that have guided Star Academy from the beginning, she continues to lead the school and advance its mission.

Star Academy Boston has always been built on an unwavering foundation of strong academics, individual attention, close relationships with families, and a deep belief in every student’s potential. These principles will continue to define its future. Together with our exceptional faculty and staff, Margarita remains steadfast in her dedication to ensuring that every child thrives and every family feels connected, heard, and supported.

As we look to the future of our school, we rely on our mission, our core values, and our founding principles as we adapt to navigate a changing world. Our goal is to support your student from preschool to graduation while preparing them to be their best selves and stepping into their lives after they leave our halls.

At its heart, the story of Star Academy is a story of the people who make up our community: ONE shared vision between TWO founders began with FOUR Preschool classrooms and TEN First Graders who took a leap of faith. That leap has grown into TWO campuses, FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY-SIX students and families who continue to place their trust in us, and SEVENTY-NINE faculty members who bring the vision to life every single day, so that our students find purpose within the walls of Star Academy Boston.

As our school grows, that spirit of care, partnership, and possibility remains our guiding force.

Today, Star Academy Boston is an independent day school serving students from preschool through Grade 12 across two campuses. Wellesley serves PreK through Grade 12, and Watertown serves PreK through Grade 4.