Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT GRADES DO YOU OFFER?
We serve learners in kindergarten through 8th grade with plans to expand to high school grades as our students grow.
IS LIGHTHOUSE MICROSCHOOL A MONTESSORI SCHOOL?
We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy, but we are not a Montessori school. We have many Montessori materials for the children to learn with and explore. The main difference is that the Montessori method encourages an environment prepared by the teachers and the learners interact with the materials that the teacher has provided. At Lighthouse Microschool, the environment is learner-prepared and teacher supported. 
HOW LONG IS LIGHTHOUSE MICROSCHOOL IN SESSION EACH YEAR?
We operate on a 12 month schedule with frequent breaks and a very flexible schedule. This year we will begin school the week of August 10th. 
WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF LIGHTHOUSE MICROSCHOOL?
We have a very unique daily schedule at Lighthouse Microschool. Our doors open at 7:20am and we close at 5:45pm Monday through Friday. This may change slightly depending on the needs of our families. Learners can attend for a full day or half-day as it works best for them and their family. The tuition is the same. Many children enjoy sleeping in and then completing their work in the afternoon. Other learners may enjoy completing their schooling in the mornings and then devoting afternoons for sports or other activities. The individual schedules will be as individualized as their learning plans.  The child is at the center of their educational adventure and learning does not only exist inside our classrooms. We welcome the learners to explore their passions and bring their learning back to share with their co-learners. Also, our scheduling is very flexible and features many break opportunities. This is very helpful for families who want to take a vacation during the school year. No one has to wait on traditional holiday breaks for family time and fun.
DOES LIGHTHOUSE MICROSCHOOL TAKE FIELD TRIPS?
Absolutely! Exploring our world is a wonderful aspect of learning and we are excited to take part in many fun and educational adventures around town and more as opportunities become available.  
HOW MUCH HOMEWORK IS USUALLY ASSIGNED?
None. Homework has no proven benefit for learning and we never assign it. Evenings should be spent on family time, extracurricular experiences, and exploring life. Many learners may desire to explore a passion or interest in the evenings as well, and we believe they should be able to do that as they feel inspired.
IS LIGHTHOUSE MICROSCHOOL A RELIGIOUS SCHOOL?
While we are registered as a religious private school, we are not like a traditional parochial school at all. 

While some of our material may have a bit of religious information in them, we usually do not promote those and skip over those pieces----which would make us "mostly secular" in nature and intent.

The reasoning for this is that we believe it is the parent's place to provide religious education should they choose to do so. We are there to help if needed, but will not be making religious education a part of our daily work unless it is a particular interest to a particular student. 

Similarly, discussions of religious topics will be respected if initiated by a student.

So basically, we are mostly secular as a rule, but will not shy away from allowing honest, respectful, and open dialogue about events current or historical with the students if they bring it up. 

We welcome families from all religious or non-religious backgrounds to be part of our community. 
WILL CHILDREN BE GROUPED INTO GRADES?
We believe that children learn best when working with children younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to individualized curriculum, all ages of students work together in groups.
DOES LIGHTHOUSE MICROSCHOOL SERVE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN?
We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities. However, we believe that many minor learning disabilities are commonly misdiagnosed. We encourage parents to contact us about this if they are unsure. Often, children who are struggling will thrive in the atmosphere we provide and we can help many children through our personalized learning approach. 
ARE LEARNERS REQUIRED TO TAKE A STATE TEST?    
No, they do not have to take a state test! Yay! This allows the child to learn more freely and  more authentically. No testing means no "teaching towards a test", no testing stress, and no arbitrary and biased grading.
If a learner wishes to take a skills assessment test, those can be made available. 
SO, HOW ARE THE LEARNERS ASSESSED FOR GROWTH AND PROGRESS?
We trade in high-pressure performance assessments and other traditionally-used measurements in favor of holistic documentation of student learning.  Through our true personalized learning plans, each learner maps out their own track and is supported as they set goals, work towards them, and complete them. They are then able to demonstrate their learning through creative means. It is through this collaboration, goal setting, trial and error, critique, and exhibition that the learner shows growth and progress.

IS LIGHTHOUSE MICROSCHOOL ALIGNED WITH COMMON CORE/STATE STANDARDS?

No-we are not aligned with State Standards as a whole. We consider ourselves to be State Standards cognizant rather than aligned.

Most people are asynchronous when it comes to grade-level standardization and we seek to allow our learners to let the sky be their limit on their learning. We don't limit our learners subject matter to what has been assigned to a certain grade level. They can explore any topic they find interest in with support and the connections they make for themselves through that exploration will stick with them more than any state-assigned leveled topic. However, if the learner is interested in mastering all the standards for their age grade, their guide will help them achieve those goals.  
MAY I VISIT CAMPUS OR GET A TOUR?
Sure-we will begin tours in early August. We are finalizing our new location and it will be ready to tour at that time.