Experts vary on how many students are currently exhibiting "school refusal" or "school avoidance." Somewhere between 5% and 28% of students in the US find themselves extremely reluctant to attend school regularly. It's a thing.
LightHouse is not a therapeutic school and we do not diagnose or treat school refusal.
We meet each student where they are, without judgement or shame. We are not angry or disappointed when a young person is struggling. We know that this is not their preference.
Advisors build close, collaborative, respectful, voluntary relationships with each young person, scaffolding a self-directed curriculum. Our competencies provide a flexible structure for students to develop, pursue, and document their individualized learning at a pace that is appropriately challenging.
We rely heavily on circle practice and restorative practices to manage conflict. We care deeply about each individual and work closely with each family to create a network of care. We listen. As much as possible, we play.
We create the conditions and community for young people to remember who they really are and reimagine what they are capable of. Here's what our students and parents have to say:
"I switched to LightHouse after having a horrible sophomore year in public school. My depression and anxiety were the worse they’d ever been. Being in such a new environment was scary at first, but it gave me the opportunity to repair my mental health. I’ve been able to regain parts of myself I thought were lost."
Yaritza, Class of 2024
"I was a suicidal freshman on day one. I was scared and didn’t think I belonged in school anymore. I needed support and love and that’s exactly what LightHouse gave me. Without that support, I would not be here today. I’ve gained emotional stability and confidence I was nowhere near four years ago. Today, I’m a college student, and I’m so much happier than I ever thought I’d be."
Z, Class of 2020
"The most defining moment of my time at LightHouse has been meeting friends for the first time since 4th grade. I had been homeschooled for many years before that, and didn’t really understand how socializing worked too well. The people I met at LightHouse have been some of the largest positive influences on my life by far."
Quinn, Class of 2022
Yeiren, Spring, 2023
Tell us your story:
When everything about school is different, you will love learning.
