At Lighthouse Learning, students are known as individuals—not numbers. We prioritize social-emotional learning, relationship-building, and intentional community. Academically, students are grouped by ability rather than grade level in reading, writing, and math at the elementary level. In middle school, students receive targeted instruction based on their current skill level, ensuring they are challenged appropriately and supported where needed.

Our mastery-based, self-paced approach means students move forward when they demonstrate understanding—not simply because time has passed. We begin with a pre-assessment process to determine each child’s starting point and use ongoing progress monitoring throughout the year.

Families receive:

• Growth and progress reports

• Standardized assessment results (used for PEP Scholarship documentation)

• Ongoing communication about academic progress

While we are not a test-driven school, we do use data intentionally to guide instruction, support growth, and clearly communicate results with families. Our goal is simple: meet students where they are and help them grow with confidence.

We believe strong communication builds trust and partnership. Families can expect consistent updates through our Playground App and email:

• Sundays: Week at a Glance shared in the Playground App

• Wednesdays:

  • Teacher emails

  • At-home learning focus guides

  • Student celebrations and schoolwide MVP recognitions (families welcome to attend!)

• Fridays: Weekly Family Email from our director, Mrs. Oliver

The Playground App serves as our central communication hub, offering:

• Daily and weekly announcements

• Schoolwide updates

• A direct messaging feature for parent–staff communication

Lighthouse Learning blends the best of all worlds:

• A strong focus on life skills and character development

• A culture centered around families, students, and positive learning experiences

• Mastery-based learning instead of grade-level pacing

• Flexible enrollment options

• Smaller student-to-teacher ratios than in public schools

• A more accessible cost structure compared to traditional private schools

Yes. All Lighthouse Learning teachers are certified and background checked, and selected for their experience, professionalism, and heart for students.

Students who thrive here are often:

• Curious and creative

• Multi-passionate learners

• Kind, respectful, and community-minded

• Hands-on and movement-oriented

• Motivated by growth and feelings of mastery

Family support is key. Our most successful students:

• Have parents who partner with the school

• Are goal-oriented or learning to become so

• Enjoy working toward progress at their own pace

Families pay the following out of pocket:

• First month of tuition

• Curriculum fee

• Application fee

• Enrollment fee

We accept FES-UA and PEP Scholarships, which are applied to the remaining balance.

Important funding details:

• Lighthouse Learning bills monthly, one month in advance

• Step Up provides funding quarterly, which does not align with our billing cycle

• Any portion not covered by the scholarship is divided across the remaining months of the school year

Key dates:

• Step Up reservation due: 15th of each month

• Remaining parent balance due: 23rd of each month

If Step Up funding is temporarily unavailable, families pay the full invoice and seek reimbursement directly through Step Up once funds are released.

Yes—homework is part of our academic accountability system.

• Homework is assigned on Wednesdays for Academic Students (K–5 & Middle School)

• Assigned work is due the following Monday

• Homework supports reinforcement of skills, responsibility, and independent learning

Students who attend our Academic Track (Monday-Wednesday) are provided with purposeful, intentional extentions to be completed at home as homework. These assignments will be due on the following Monday. If a child who attends our Academic Track is also enrolled in our STREAM Enrichment Track, he/she will be provided a block of time on Thursdays and Fridays to complete assignments with guided support.

Arrival is at 8:30 AM. Class begins coming inside from outdoors at 8:55 AM. Dismissal is at 3:00 PM. Students must be picked up no later than 3:15 PM. We also offer morning and afternoon Extended Day.