Welcome to
Polaris Global Academy
Polaris Global Academy (PGA) provides a platform for students from anywhere in the world to achieve more than they thought possible. We empower students to realize their potential by surrounding them with high-achieving peers, top international teachers, rigorous curriculum, a robust learning management system, and a supportive community. At PGA, we recognize that every student possesses remarkable ambitions and unique talents. Our mission is to thoughtfully nurture these qualities, helping each student achieve their fullest potential. The star that represents our school is a symbol of these beliefs. Known as the North Star, Polaris has been a steadfast navigational aid for travelers. Polaris Global Academy is a guiding star for students seeking admission to top universities. I invite you to walk with us and realize your true potential.
-Kevin Ferrone, Head of School
Meet our Administration Team:
Lindsay Keller
Academic Coordinator
Vivien Kyle
Head of Admissions
Le Son
Student Success Manager
Yvonne Wang
Student Success Coach
Meet our Teaching Team:
Carrie Frizzell
Math
With over five years of college-level experience teaching pre-calculus and calculus, Carrie Frizzell has also tutored students from elementary through high school, with a focus on middle and high school. She’s passionate about connecting with students and helping them build confidence in math—confidence she hopes will carry into other areas of their lives.
Crystal Green
Math
Crystal Green has over 18 years of experience teaching math and holds an M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Oklahoma. A National Board Certified Teacher and department leader at Philadelphia’s largest high school, she leads professional development and fosters collaboration. With 10 years of AP Calculus teaching and experience as a College Board exam grader, Crystal specializes in tech-driven instruction that engages diverse learners and boosts outcomes.
Jacque Monterroso
ESOL
Jacque Monterroso has over 10 years of experience as a cyber teacher, specializing in online ESL instruction for children and adults. She has also taught English, history, and math for grades 6–8, and STEAM at the preschool level. Jacque holds a B.A. in Education, a K–6 teaching certificate, certifications in middle school social studies and math, and an M.Ed. focused on ESL.
Adam Rozalowski
Social Studies
Adam Rozalowski has 15 years of teaching experience across three continents, specializing in AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, and social studies. He’s taught in U.S. and international schools in face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats. Adam has helped 100+ students gain university admission and organized Krakow’s first youth TEDx. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Groningen University.
Maria Munarriz
Language Arts
Maria Munarriz has 27 years of high school teaching experience, including over 15 years of AP English Literature and Language, with pass rates consistently above state and national averages. She’s also taught American and British Literature, Journalism, and Creative Writing. Maria holds a BA in English and an MA in Communication Studies from the University of Miami, along with a 6–12 teaching certificate. She’s passionate about helping students read critically and write effectively.
Tim Dalzell
Language Arts
Tim Dalzell is an ELA, test prep, and college essay teacher as well as a curriculum designer. He holds a master's degree in English and another in Educational Leadership. Tim has worked at top international schools and brings with him a proven track record of helping students pass their AP exams, obtain their target scores on the IELTS and SAT, and gain admittance to selective universities.
Irene Kurtz
Science
Irene is a seasoned science teacher with hands-on experience in scientific laboratories and applications. For over a decade, she has taught, lectured, and tutored students from elementary to college-level in science and mathematics. As the recipient of teaching awards and national grants, Irene is passionate about providing her students with numerous opportunities and resources. Irene holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame.
Morgan Williams
Computer Science & Life Instructor
Morgan Williams is an experienced educator with a strong background in both Computer Science and Life Science. She has taught students around the world in classroom and online settings for nearly two decades, always bringing curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning to her teaching.
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She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology (Pre-Medicine) and a Master of Science in Teaching from The College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. In Computer Science, Morgan led a SciGirls Code initiative and was selected for the Minnesota Coding Cohort, where she collaborated with educators and industry experts to explore innovative teaching methods. Her approach to Life Science is inquiry-based and student-centered, rooted in real-world application and engagement.
John James
ELA
As an IB English and AP Language & Literature teacher with two decades of experience having taught in the USA, Kuwait, Thailand, Japan, China, and Singapore. I create a structured yet engaging environment focused on critical thinking, note-taking, and discussion. My teaching style centers on engaging students with interactive discussions, personalized feedback, and strategies that make complex ideas accessible. I believe in motivating each student to reach their full potential by fostering confidence and a love of learning as students develop skills they can carry beyond the classroom. By creating a supportive online classroom, I encourage every student to participate actively and think independently in each lesson, using motivation techniques tailored to individual learning styles.
Brian Harrod
Computer Science
Brian Harrod is an experienced AP Computer Science instructor with a strong background in both traditional and virtual education. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he has successfully led AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles courses, incorporating hands-on coding, problem-solving, and real-world applications into his curriculum. He specializes in fostering positive relationships that support a deep understanding of programming languages. His extensive experience allows him to adapt to diverse learning needs and help students excel in computer science.
Kimberly Emmert
Language Arts
Kimberly Emmert, M.Ed., is a dedicated educator with 16 years of experience in the classroom, specializing in AP English and AP Seminar courses. A published author, she has a passion for inspiring advanced academic students and consistently achieves higher-than-average pass rates on their AP exams. Kimberly believes every learner deserves exceptional guidance and thrives on challenging her students to foster a love of learning.
Grahme Smith
Science
Grahme Smith is an experienced science educator with over two decades of teaching in both traditional and online settings. He currently teaches AP Chemistry at the North Carolina School of Science and Math and has designed and taught courses across biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Grahme has led professional development programs, mentored teachers, and created NGSS-aligned curriculum for national education platforms. His work spans charter schools, virtual academies, and public high schools, always focused on equity, innovation, and engagement. He holds teaching credentials in multiple states and a Master’s in Education from the University of Hawaii.
Israel Canales
History
With roughly a decade of teaching experience in both the United States and abroad, Israel specializes in making Social Studies engaging, relevant, and meaningful for students. As an AP U.S. History and AP Psychology teacher, former Department Head, and Dean of Students, he emphasizes academic excellence, critical thinking, and leadership development. He also mentors students through Model United Nations, guiding them to become confident global citizens. Israel holds a Master’s in Education with a specialization in Globalized Education and is dedicated to creating inclusive, student-centered classrooms that inspire curiosity and success. He believes in nurturing both intellect and character to prepare students for a changing world.
Mark Stephansky
AP Biology
As a National Board Certified Teacher, Mark has been at the forefront of many innovative initiatives during his career in education. From Gardening in the Classroom to Research in Immunology, Mark has brought a wide variety of curriculum offerings to his school system as the Science Curriculum Director at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School in Whitman, MA. He has over 35 years of teaching experience with 22 of those years as an AP* Biology instructor. In addition to teaching at the high school level, Mark is also an adjunct biology instructor at Massasoit Community College in Brockton, MA and at Stonehill College in Easton, MA. Mark has had roles as an AP Biology reader, Table Leader, and Question Leader at the annual AP Reading since 2002. Mark is part of the Biology for the AP Course Advisory Board assisting the authors of a recently released textbook for AP Biology. During the Summer, Mark presents week-long workshops for teachers learning to develop their own AP Biology course.
Alina Masotti
Social Studies
Alina Masotti holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Texas at Dallas and has seven years of experience teaching AP World History, AP US History, and AP European History. She has also served as an AP History exam grader and is skilled in transcribing and preserving historical documents.
Anissa Moussi
French
Anissa is a dedicated French teacher with 10 years of experience delivering tailored language instruction to students and professionals worldwide. She has worked with global organizations and elite private schools to create engaging, effective learning experiences that meet diverse educational needs.
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Anissa developed a unique teaching method that blends language proficiency with cultural insight, offering students a modern and dynamic approach to mastering French. Based in the UK as an Online Education Specialist, she delivers high-quality virtual lessons designed for learners at every level.
Jennifer Smith
Economics, Social Sciences, Government & History
As an educator for over 20 years, Jennifer Smith loves her job. She has taught an array of subjects in the Social Sciences including AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP US Government, US History, Psychology and Criminal Law. She is especially passionate about AP Economics. She enjoys teaching students new concepts that are applicable to their lives as they enter young adulthood. Jenn works with students from all over the world including Asia, Europe, South America and North America. She also serves as an AP Economics exam reader each summer and has scored thousands of FRQ’s.