A New Way to School

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein

Admission

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.

 

Learn More About our Public Partnerships

Admissions Criteria

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.

Apply Now

Tuition

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. 

Come visit!

Contact us by email or call 413.420.8299 for information or to schedule a tour.
Email LightHouse
Schedule a talk with our admissions director

Ready?

Apply now
[email protected]
413-420-8299

Menu

Get monthly news

Login to Alma
Copyright © 2025 LightHouse Holyoke. All rights reserved.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram