The admission process at LightHouse is as flexible as our academic programs. We schedule tours and meetings with families every week. A typical admission process includes one or two shadow days on campus. Enrollment is open as long as we have space available throughout the year.
In addition to accepting private enrollment, LightHouse also maintains multiple public school partnerships, including a partnership with Holyoke Public Schools' Opportunity Academy.
LightHouse welcomes a diverse community of young people who are ready for a new kind of learning experience. Our admissions process looks beyond conventional measures to focus on who you are, not just where you’ve been.
We do not rely on standard academic metrics—test scores, transcripts, or GPAs for admissions decisions. We want to understand what has and has not worked for you in other settings, but we know that past school performance is not always a reflection of future potential, especially in an environment like LightHouse.
Admission and waitlist placement are primarily determined on a first-come, first-served basis, reflecting our belief that any teen who is interested can benefit from our program.
However, to ensure a balanced and thriving learning community, we also consider the following factors:
Age: LightHouse serves teens ages 13–19, with occasional exceptions made at the discretion of our core staff. There is no ideal entry age; instead, we seek a healthy mix across age groups.
Capacity to Pay: As a nonprofit independent school, LightHouse offers sliding-scale tuition made possible by generous donors and funders. While ability to pay is never a sole deciding factor, we do consider it as we work to sustain a financially diverse and accessible program.
Background and Interests: We aim to build a community that reflects a wide range of identities, experiences, and passions. What you share with us about your background, goals, and interests helps us shape a vibrant, inclusive learning environment.
Full tuition for 2025-2026 is $17,500, with a limited number of scholarships available at various levels. Tuition is pro-rated for enrollment during the school year.