Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Advisory, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to noon. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Middle school students participate in 9th grade Advisory with extra support.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Advisory, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to noon. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Middle school students participate in 9th grade Advisory with extra support.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Advisory, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to noon. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Advisory, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to noon. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Advisory, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to noon. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Advisory, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to noon. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Advisory, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to noon. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
12th grade Advisory is focused on post-graduation planning and capstone projects.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Advisory, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to noon. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
12th grade Advisory is focused on post-graduation planning and capstone projects.
Let’s play guitar! Whether you are a first time player or a 10-year veteran, all are welcome in the Guitar Workshop. Study with professional guitarist Gregory Eichler alongside your fellow peers, as we explore everything from playing a single note to reading chord progressions and beyond! We will also be enjoying various listening sessions of some of the greatest guitarists and musicians who ever lived. Don’t have a guitar? Interested in a different instrument? WE GOT YOU! The Lighthouse Music Studio has a wide selection of guitars, but also pianos, drums, bass guitars, and more! Although this will be a Guitar-focused class, there will be much to learn on a variety of instruments.
This class provides individualized tutoring and instruction within a small group setting for students working in a wide range of math concepts, from pre-algebra skills through advanced mathematics, including skills such as Algebra 2, Pre-Calc, or Calculus. The course provides computer programs for various math courses, tutorial videos, and worksheets to supplement classroom instruction. The teacher will work with students individually at their own pace to craft goals based on their specific math needs.
This is a survey course designed to provide a general overview of a broad subject. Instead of delving deeply into a single play, we will explore excerpts that spotlight villains from ten different plays: Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, and the chillingly dark Titus Andronicus. Each week, we will focus on one villain from one play, engaging with these characters and examining some of the most significant works of art in English literature. By the end of the course, students will create a final project of their own design, reflecting their learning.
General Trigger Warning: The fictional characters in these plays engage in behaviors that may be upsetting or triggering for some, including violence, suicide, and actions that could be considered offensive by today’s standards. We will not shy away from these topics in class, but it is important that all participants approach these discussions with respect and sensitivity, recognizing that others may find them challenging.
How do mRNA vaccines like the COVID vaccine actually work? Why are birds considered a type of dinosaur? How did the incredible diversity of plants and animals around us evolve, how do they function, and how can we protect them? And what's the story behind horseshoe crabs?
This class will cover an adapted version of the 10th-grade biology curriculum, with an additional emphasis on evolution and ecology. We will begin with molecules, progress through cell biology and genetics, and then delve into evolution and ecology. If time permits, we also plan to cover some aspects of human anatomy and physiology. The class will include occasional readings, lectures with slides and guided notes, and frequent discussions on the concepts we’re learning, especially those related to fascinating organisms.
This class is offered in conjunction with a lab, Biology: Cells Through Ecosystems - Lab. It is recommended that students take both the class and the lab if possible, as they are designed to complement each other.
This course is an introduction to creating original performances and telling stories drawn from our own lived experiences. We will explore how to craft these stories both as a collective theatrical ensemble and as solo artists. By studying the work of writers, illustrators, performance artists, filmmakers, and comedians, we’ll learn to cultivate and present stories from our own lives in similarly compelling ways. The course will culminate in a final showcase featuring original performances created by students. No previous experience is required—we’ll be exploring new frontiers of storytelling together. This course is designed for both extroverted performers and introverted writers alike.
*This course spans two class periods.
Chemistry is the study of matter and change—how the building blocks of the universe are rearranged to create everything we see and touch. It's a valuable subject because it connects all the sciences in different ways and deepens our understanding of the physical world around us. This introductory course will cover atomic structure, chemical bonds and reactions, the periodic table, stoichiometry, and the states of matter. Each class will build on the concepts explored previously, so regular attendance is crucial. While strong math skills are not required for this introductory course, a more advanced class may be offered in Block 2 if there is enough student interest. Students who wish to complete this course virtually can follow along through Khan Academy and Google Classroom.
In this class, we will explore the geography of the world, learning about different continents, their countries, and their locations. We will discuss the cultures of these places and the significant events that have occurred there over time. The game When Taken will help guide some of our class discussions and fuel our curiosity. Additionally, we will create our own maps of the places we’ve lived, as well as where our families have lived. Note-taking is required!
There’s no dividing line between robots and sculpture, drawing and science, engineering and crafting. In this class, you’ll learn to create whatever you want, as long as we can find the materials. Come with an idea or ask for inspiration. Bring a favorite art form and discover a new one to complement it. Use your mind, hands, and eyes together to make things that are beautiful, functional, and expressive—creations that can teach others as much as they express yourself.
When you hear the word "witch," you might think of broomsticks, crooked noses, black cats, and often, women. Historically, early witches were knowledgeable women specializing in healing and spellwork, known as "wise women" in their communities, whose guidance was highly valued.
By the 1400s, the image of witches had shifted to feared, powerful women associated with the Christian devil. They were hunted, tortured, and coerced into confessions of heinous acts, often targeting women living on the fringes of society or those whose lives were unconventional. Single women and widows were particularly vulnerable.
It is estimated that around 3 million women were executed under accusations of witchcraft. In this class, we will explore the hysteria surrounding witchcraft, delve into the stories of these women, and examine how mass hysteria and fear have been used to oppress individuals and cultures.
This course introduces students to the concept of culture, its significance within communities, and its role in shaping the norms, values, and practices that allow individuals to live, work, and build together. Through interactive lessons, discussions, and activities, students will explore how culture influences behavior and decision-making within a community, and how individual actions can impact the collective well-being of a group.
In our new building we have a space to set up a bike repair shop! Let's build out the space together, gather the appropriate tools, learn how to use them, and build and repair some bikes.
Our new facility has TWO live venues! De la Luz Soundstage is a 500 person capacity performing arts center and De la Luz Divine is a 100 person capacity theater. Both are launching in September, 2024 and will offer a range of events, shows, and concerts as well as rentals. Each event will be produced by a cohort of experienced staff, LightHouse students, and other youth from the community including LightHouse alumni, college interns, and other youth from the extended Holyoke community. Youth will learn how to produce an event from start to finish, from talent buying and booking artists, to marketing, ticket sales, artist hospitality, and day of show. Producers will each be given a number of "golden tickets" to each show to share with friends, family, and community members who would benefit from the experience.
Our new facility has TWO live venues! De la Luz Soundstage is a 500 person capacity performing arts center and De la Luz Divine is a 100 person capacity theater. Both are launching in September, 2024 and will offer a range of events, shows, and concerts as well as rentals. Each event will be produced by a cohort of experienced staff, LightHouse students, and other youth from the community including LightHouse alumni, college interns, and other youth from the extended Holyoke community. Youth will learn how to produce an event from start to finish, from talent buying and booking artists, to marketing, ticket sales, artist hospitality, and day of show. Producers will each be given a number of "golden tickets" to each show to share with friends, family, and community members who would benefit from the experience.
In this class students will submerge themselves in the best shows television has to offer and analyze their respective influences on culture at large. We’ll cover an array of genres from shows like The Wire all the way to FX’s Atlanta. Passionate TV heads welcome. This class is only for students aged 16 and older due to mature content.
In our new building we have a space to set up a bike repair shop! Let's build out the space together, gather the appropriate tools, learn how to use them, and build and repair some bikes.
This class will serve as a lab companion to Biology: Cells Through Ecosystems. In this lab, we will conduct experiments that illustrate the concepts covered in the main class, help develop scientific skills, and showcase some of the wonders of the natural world. Our labs will cover various areas of biology, with a particular emphasis on evolution and ecology. Examples of activities include identifying plants collected from local forests using a taxonomic key, constructing a phylogenetic tree to understand how organisms are related, simulating the evolution of animal populations, examining cells under a microscope, and designing experiments to answer questions you’re curious about. If time permits, we may also discuss the concepts we’re learning and explore ecological topics that might not be covered as thoroughly in the main class.
This lab is intended to supplement Biology: Cells Through Ecosystems, and it is recommended that students take both courses together if possible.
How can you tell if something is true? How do you determine whether the result of a scientific experiment is reliable or just a coincidence? How can you extract meaningful information from a pile of unorganized data?
This class covers a standard introductory statistics curriculum with a focus on the practical application of statistical tools, rather than just the theoretical foundations. We will begin with probability and basic measures like mean and median, then move on to discussions of correlation, distributions, building confidence intervals, and testing hypotheses. You’ll learn how to design experiments that produce valid data, analyze that data correctly, and interpret the results. We’ll also explore how to recognize when a published study may have methodological flaws.
This class builds on concepts of probability and the scientific method you may have already encountered, equipping you with the tools to analyze data and design experiments in real-world situations. It’s particularly valuable for students interested in fields like political science, sociology, activism, economics, business, marketing, and virtually all areas of science, where these tools are essential.
Let’s design and build projects on a computer, then print them out and make them work! We’ll conduct experiments to create hinges, gears, threads, and attachment systems, enabling you to produce complex jewelry, toys, tools, and machines—even ones that don’t fit on standard 3D printer beds. We’ll create cool projects that snap together, light up, and move!
*This course spans two class periods.
Learn to sew or take your skills to the next level.
Our new facility has TWO live venues! De la Luz Soundstage is a 500 person capacity performing arts center and De la Luz Divine is a 100 person capacity theater. Both are launching in September, 2024 and will offer a range of events, shows, and concerts as well as rentals. Each event will be produced by a cohort of experienced staff, LightHouse students, and other youth from the community including LightHouse alumni, college interns, and other youth from the extended Holyoke community. Youth will learn how to produce an event from start to finish, from talent buying and booking artists, to marketing, ticket sales, artist hospitality, and day of show. Producers will each be given a number of "golden tickets" to each show to share with friends, family, and community members who would benefit from the experience.
In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of live sound engineering and lighting design. Areas of focus include system architecture, live concert workflow, audio theory, microphones, digital console operation, and mix engineering. Class time will be augmented with hands-on experience as part of the production team at De la Luz Soundstage and De la Luz Divine, the concert venues at LightHouse. Students will help setup the sound and lighting for concerts, working alongside audio and lighting professionals to operate the show.
Empower your voice and learn to communicate with purpose and empathy in this engaging course on Conscious Communication and Youth Voice. Develop critical thinking skills to analyze media messages, understand diverse perspectives, and express your own ideas. Practice active listening, empathy, and assertiveness while exploring current social issues and learning how to advocate for positive change in your community. Through collaborative projects and public speaking opportunities, you'll gain confidence in sharing your unique perspective and building connection with peers and adults.
Illustration is a fantastically diverse and engaging field, and one that stands on the shoulders of 50,000 years of history. Today’s illustrations can be oil paintings as easily as picture books or 3D-animated shorts. In this class, students will learn the craft of picturemaking from the ground up, including the fundamentals of drawing, composition, and color theory. They’ll explore different visual styles, work towards finding their own voice as an artist, and experience firsthand what it means to take an idea from sketch to final. Along the way we’ll have critiques, look at prominent figures in the history of illustration, and discuss the very definition of art itself. Sign up! Come along! What story would you like to tell?
Open Music Studio is a student driven course that revolves around musical projects, practice, performance, and research. This class gives students the freedom to explore their creativity with music as a vehicle. Although there is guided instruction, students are encouraged to bring their ideas and initiative, and set their own goals for what they would like to accomplish in their studies.
We will explore the shortcomings of the U.S. food system (including waste, food insecurity and ecological injustice), and we will look at examples of urban food and farming projects that address these challenges to create healthier communities, such as food rescue, urban farms and gardens, farmers markets, community composting, and more. We will define key terms, go on field trips, do hands-on projects like planting and cooking, and students will each create a project that addresses food access and community resilience in Holyoke.
It’s not about being funny, zany, or silly. It’s about listening to others, connecting the dots of a narrative unfolding in real time, and reacting with honesty. In this course, we will form an improv group built on trust, using classic theater games to establish a strong foundation. From there, we’ll learn the tools and techniques of long-form improv, culminating in the creation of a half-hour of spontaneous theater based on a single word suggestion from the audience. No acting or improv experience is necessary—in fact, it's encouraged! Some of the best improvisers are those who haven’t performed before; as observers and listeners, you bring a fresh perspective, and we need you in our ensemble!
All welcome! Let's play basketball together. We will walk over to the court at the skate park together and play pick up games and run drills while working on teamwork, collaboration, respect, support, and having fun!
Learn to sew or take your skills to the next level.
Dive into the fascinating world of darkroom printing, a traditional photographic process where images are developed by hand using chemical baths under red safelight conditions. This hands-on class starts with mastering darkroom equipment and learning how different filters and techniques like dodging and burning—a method to lighten or darken specific areas of a print—affect your images. You’ll also discover how these techniques can dramatically shape the mood and detail of your photographs. We’ll even build our own cameras, exploring the basic principles that led to the creation of photography. Exciting field trips to local galleries and colleges will show professional darkrooms in action. By the end of the course, you’ll not only understand the magic of transforming a blank piece of paper into a stunning photographic print but also develop your own beautiful artworks. Ready to watch your photos come to life in the darkroom?
Our new facility has TWO live venues! De la Luz Soundstage is a 500 person capacity performing arts center and De la Luz Divine is a 100 person capacity theater. Both are launching in September, 2024 and will offer a range of events, shows, and concerts as well as rentals. Each event will be produced by a cohort of experienced staff, LightHouse students, and other youth from the community including LightHouse alumni, college interns, and other youth from the extended Holyoke community. Youth will learn how to produce an event from start to finish, from talent buying and booking artists, to marketing, ticket sales, artist hospitality, and day of show. Producers will each be given a number of "golden tickets" to each show to share with friends, family, and community members who would benefit from the experience.
Learn the fundamentals of live sound engineering and lighting design. Areas of focus include system architecture, live concert workflow, audio theory, microphones, digital console operation, and mix engineering. Class time will be augmented with hands-on experience as part of the production team at De la Luz Soundstage and De la Luz Divine, the concert venues at LightHouse. Students will help setup the sound and lighting for concerts, working alongside audio and lighting professionals to operate the show.
Guided exploration of our new woodshop, tool by tool. Students will learn about each machine, explore and fine tune the safety protocols for each tool and power tool, and become certified for using each tool under staff supervision. Limited to 5 students. Begins in the second week of of the block.
This class provides individualized tutoring and instruction within a small group setting for students working in a wide range of math concepts, from pre-algebra skills through advanced mathematics, including skills such as Algebra 2, Pre-Calc, or Calculus. The course provides computer programs for various math courses, tutorial videos, and worksheets to supplement classroom instruction. The teacher will work with students individually at their own pace to craft goals based on their specific math needs.
"Girl Power: Empowering Female-Identified Youth Through Music" is a dynamic class that uses music as a tool for self-expression, confidence-building, and empowerment. Students will explore various musical genres and create their own compositions while engaging in discussions on social justice, gender equality, and the role of women in music. This class aims to foster a supportive community where female-identified youth can amplify their voices and become agents of change.
In this class, we will boldly go and change the world for the better. We will learn fundamental economic and entrepreneurial concepts. We will discuss and analyze real world problems, such as climate change, nutritional health, and access to healthcare, as well as student chosen topics. We will study the how and why these problems came to be, systems, and barriers to change. We will strategize and design possible solutions to these real world problems.