The way in which children explore, communicate, encounter challenge, initiate follow through on tasks, and apply skills is best perceived in the context of a variety of work and play situations. Thus, a teacher assesses the resources, competencies and strategies a child applies to any given task on a daily basis. Progress is more formally assessed periodically by subject area and is considered both in the context of individual growth as well as in relation to the child’s developmental age group. Teachers meet with parents for conferences at the beginning of the year, and again at the end of the year, to share information and to reflect upon a child’s learning and growth. Teachers write comprehensive reports concerning each child’s social, emotional and academic development, as well as his/her individual strengths and challenges. These Mid-Winter Reports are sent home with parents at the end of February, just before the winter break.

Our older students who move on to public and private schools are often noted as being confident, well-rounded, academically prepared, socially adept, and enthusiastic learners. Many can be found on the CPS and NHS honor rolls, as well as on athletic teams and in artistic/theatrical productions.

Where Lighthouse differs most from conventional schools is in the early classes, especially for 5-8 year olds. The Lighthouse curriculum is designed to coincide with the developmental stages of childhood so that we are introducing information when children are developmentally ‘ready’ to make sense of it. We are committed to providing young children the time they require to develop fundamental language skills and to fully immerse themselves in the playful ‘work’ of childhood. While Lighthouse classrooms are rich in language art experiences and stories, books, poems, songs, and writing are primary features of every classroom, more formal academic lessons begin in the Primary Class, once a child is around seven years old. By the time a child is 9 or 10, curricular expectations are more in line with those set by the public schools. Today many Kindergartens and first and second grade classrooms impose academic demands and expectations for young children which contradict what developmental research tells us about how children grow, learn, and make sense of information in their early years. Since Lighthouse is committed to honoring the child with a developmentally appropriate education, our academic expectations differ for these younger students and so a transition in these early years can present challenges.

Our goals are for children to develop a healthy integration of body and self, to play cooperatively, to handle competition in a positive spirit, and to have fun. At Lighthouse School, children participate in both structured games and unstructured physical play. On weekly field trips, students explore our island and utilize the community’s parks and playing fields. Children work to develop fine motor skill and strength through handwork activities. Children are outside playing twice a day. Older students often take part in organized group games at recess. In addition, Primary and Upper Primary Classes take part in more formal activities such as Soccer, Ice Skating and Fitness Building. Middle School classes have P.E. units throughout the year including Rock Climbing with Strong Wings, Soccer, Health and Wellbeing, Yoga, Ice Skating, Dance/Hip Hop, and Fitness. Many Lighthouse students also take part in extracurricular activities such as soccer, hockey, ballet, and swimming.

Yes. We have an Extended Day  program that runs through 5:10 p.m. The Extended Day  program is simply structured to include hands-on activities, artistic projects and imaginative play indoors and out. Small, often multi-age groups provide intimate and trusting settings and enable instructors to work and spend time with individual children. The social curriculum of Lighthouse School is actively utilized to teach valuable lessons in empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. The warm and inviting Lighthouse classrooms provide children with a comfortable and supportive environment and a lively extension of home.

Nantucket Lighthouse School does not select children on the basis of arbitrary measures of ability. In making admissions decisions, we take into consideration observations from the interview, past school records and history, and information provided by parents on the application. We seek to create balanced classes in age and gender and to promote diversity in the student body in terms of learning style and cognitive development. We look for indications that a child can benefit from the experience of attending our school and can contribute to our school community. An important criterion is that parents understand and value the Lighthouse School philosophy and mission.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

The Nantucket Lighthouse School admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, religion, mental or physical ability, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to its students.  The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, religion, mental or physical ability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law, in the administration of its educational, admissions, scholarships and loans, athletic, and other policies and programs.

General Admissions Policy:

The School strives to build a diverse student body that reflects the School’s mission and values.  The School further strives to ensure an appropriate match between a prospective student/family and the mission and philosophy of the School.  In doing so, the School maintains an admissions process that affirms the dignity and worth of each individual and respects the needs of students and families to learn about the School’s programs and activities.  We encourage families to learn more about our School, and to take advantage of our Open Houses, Observation Days, tours, and knowledgeable Admissions staff.