LightHouse strives to engage a diverse array of teens in our program. Our admissions process values a variety of qualities in each potential student.

What we do not consider are standard metrics—test scores, previous academic completion, previous GPAs… While we are interested in whatever experiences and histories you choose to share with us, we do not expect that past performance in school is necessarily an indicator of success at LightHouse.

Our admission/waitlist process is heavily focused on first-come, first-served, as we believe that all teens who are interested have the potential to benefit. However, in order to create a community rich in diversity, we also will consider the following in making admissions decisions:

Age: LightHouse serves teens ages 13-19, with occasional exceptions on either end being made at the discretion of the core staff. There is no priority put on entering the program at a certain age, rather we seek to have a balance of ages in the program.

Capacity to pay: LightHouse is an independent, nonprofit organization that charges tuition on a sliding scale. Our ability to offer financial assistance to those who need it is based on the generosity of our donors and other funders. We must ensure that we enroll students whose ability to pay is varied, in order to support our budgetary needs. A student’s ability to pay will be considered as a part of their admission, though never as an exclusively limiting factor. We are committed to creating an accessible program.

Background and interests: LightHouse aspires to create a diverse community of teens and families, and thus will consider all aspects of an applicant’s background and interests that they share through the admissions process.