Our Approach

Tomorrow’s leaders need a different skill set—intrinsic motivation, vision, creative and critical thinking.

LightHouse offers students a way to discover and pursue their passions, and to develop the skills they will need as they move forward into the 21st century. We change the teacher-student relationship entirely to create a truly collaborative process that is founded in trust and mutual respect.

The research is clear: learning is most successful when it is personalized, meaningful, and active. Learning is something you DO. We are supporting students to do much more than get by or get through it, but to thrive.

Personal Guidance & Support

We know that learning extends beyond the classroom. Students work with their advisor to connect interests, classes, and projects into a personalized curriculum.

Your advisor will help you schedule tutorials, pursue independent study, and access resources both at LightHouse and in the community. This relationship is at the core of the LightHouse experience.

Seminar and Small Classes

Each day at LightHouse begins with Seminar—a two-hour advisory block where groupings of 10-15 students work in age-based cohorts that stay together through graduation. Guided by a dedicated advisor, Seminar blends individual support with group projects, creating a consistent foundation of connection, reflection, and growth.

Beyond Seminar, classes are intentionally small—usually five to ten students—to foster strong relationships and personalized learning. With a trimester system and new class offerings each block, students engage in fresh, flexible learning opportunities that meet their evolving interests and goals.

Our 8,000-square-foot basement Maker Space—featuring a woodshop, bike shop, and ceramics studio—offers considerable opportunity for hands-on exploration and skill-building. For interests not covered in classes, students can design independent studies, set up tutorials, or pursue learning off-site with support from their advisor.

Hands-On, Passion-Driven Learning

At LightHouse, learning is driven by curiosity, creativity, and real-world relevance. Teachers design classes around their own passions and the evolving interests of our students, offering subjects like Music Performance, Sci-Fi Literature, Mythology, Math Lab, Anthropology, Screen Printing, and more.

In 2024, we expanded our campus with the acquisition of the former Gateway City Arts facility, reopening the live venues as De la Luz Soundstage and De la Luz Divine. This milestone launched new vocational programs in Live Event Production and Stagecraft, where students can train in classroom settings before moving into internships and paid roles in fully operating onsite venues.

Learn More About Our Technical Arts Programming

Classes Aligned with Competencies

Advisors work with each student to document their progress toward our research-based set of competencies. Each class at LightHouse is designed around three relevant competencies selected by the teacher and seeks to further student skill building in these areas. Competencies can be attained through any and all learning experiences, however, and students and advisors work together to plan and document this growth.

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Tutorials, Independent Study, Dual Enrollment

In addition to classes and advising, LightHouse offers individual tutoring and guidance for independent study.

LightHouse has dual enrollment relationships with Holyoke Community College, Greenfield Community College, and Springfield Technical Community College. Juniors and seniors can take college classes for credit while also attending LightHouse. Dual enrollment offers the increased challenge of college exploration combined with the personal support of attending LightHouse.

LightHouse has auditing relationships with Mount Holyoke, Hampshire College, Smith, and other nearby colleges. This means our students can attend a college class without the cost or the stress, to learn, explore, and build an impressive transcript.

Life Beyond LightHouse: College, Internships, and Work

LightHouse students prepare for life beyond school through a flexible, real-world schedule designed to foster independence and purpose. Academic classes meet twice a week—on a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday rotation—leaving Fridays open as our “community day.”

On Fridays, students are supported to pursue offsite internships, paid work, college courses, or service opportunities. For those on campus, the day includes long-form workshops, staff-supported projects like building a picnic table or running a donation drive, and space for extended creative work. Whether exploring career pathways or contributing to the community, students learn to navigate adult life with confidence, curiosity, and care.

When everything about school is different, you’ll love learning.

Expand your vision of what education can be.

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