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Our Mission

LightHouse Holyoke is changing what school can be.

We are a collaborative learning environment for students in grades 6-12, structured around respect and compassion. We partner with students to cultivate the personal resources and academic skills to create the futures of their choice.

Our vision is to be a reflection of the world we want to see; a world where young people are celebrated for their individual gifts and identities, where all people are invited to learn with each other, from each other, and for each other, guided by a shared goal of connection and responsibility.

We believe that transformative education is a key to this future.

Our Story

LightHouse Holyoke was founded in 2015 by Catherine Gobron and Josiah Litant, inspired by their experience at North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens. Catherine served as Program Director there for 12 years, and Josiah was a longtime Board member. Drawing from that model, they launched LightHouse to expand access to self-directed education as a meaningful option for youth in Holyoke, MA.

Following a year-long listening tour and with the support of angel donor Gaye Hill, LightHouse opened in September 2015 with 19 students on the second floor of the STEAM Building at 208 Race Street. That same year, Holyoke Public Schools entered state receivership, creating space for innovative partnerships. In 2017, LightHouse became a founding partner of Opportunity Academy, piloting an "In-District Placement" program for 10 students at risk of dropping out. All 10 went on to graduate, leading to expanded collaborations with HPS and eight surrounding districts, ultimately serving up to 40 students annually.

In 2020, LightHouse began the accreditation process with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), which was completed in 2022.

In 2024, we purchased the former Gateway City Arts building at 92 Race Street, transforming the 40,000-square-foot space into a dynamic new home for our school. The facility includes a commercial kitchen, public-facing café, reopened performance venues — De la Luz Soundstage and Divine Theater — and the launch of new youth programs in culinary arts and live event production through the De la Luz Technical Arts Institute.

A community maker space featuring a bike shop, woodshop, and ceramics studio is currently under development in the 8,000-square-foot lower level.

Looking ahead, the second floor will house The Center for Resilience, a youth and family mental health and healing center, set to launch by the end of 2025.

In May 2025, we celebrated 10 years of growth, collaboration, and commitment to youth-driven education.