Lighthouse Academy
A beacon of HOPE for the most vulnerable, troubled and disenfranchised individuals in our community

Throughout this community, at-risk teens who are expelled, court involved or are overwhelmed by life stressors, face a bleak and uncertain future in our traditional educational system.

Now in Kent County, there is a beacon of hope: Lighthouse Academy. Originally opened in January 2005 as a private program for expelled students, Lighthouse Academy recently received its charter school status through Ferris State University. This newly achieved charter status has allowed Lighthouse to broaden its scope and expand its population, now serving even more educationally at-risk students with its innovative approaches.  There are no tuition or enrollment fees. 

Lighthouse is a unique and innovative school of second chances -- reaching out to teens who have run out of other educational options.

A New Paradigm of Learning

Lighthouse Academy provides best-practice educational instruction, family support casework services, and clinical services to at-risk teens. The results? An innovative approach to education that is evidenced by:

• Solution-based, not problem-focused thinking

• Student-tailored curricula

• A holistic, individualized approach to goal-setting with each student

• Academic and personal guidance from a support team, including Master's level school social workers.

Smaller is Better

Smaller class sizes allow for greater personalization. Students benefit from working at their own pace and also have the advantage of:

• A state-of-the-art computer lab

• Experiential learning opportunities

• Guest speakers

And we bring a heritage of mercy and compassion into the classroom.

The Three R's -- Relationships, Rigor and Relevance

Students attending Lighhouse find a welcoming, non-intimidating setting where the hallmarks of relationships, rigor and relevance lead to success both in and out of school.

We ensure RELATIONSHIPS. Daily coaching and mentoring foster strong, open dialogue between students and staff that promotes achievement and self-esteem.

We ensure RIGOR. All students are given a challenging curriculum preparing them for college or employment.

We ensure RELEVANCE. Students find greater success when coursework clearly relates to their life goals.

Our ultimate aim is to help students aspire to their greatest potential beyond receiving a high school diploma - whether in military service, apprenticeships, technical training or college.

Filling a Critical Void

Approximately 1,000 Kent County youth are not attending school right now due to truancy, suspensions and expulsions. Once expelled, they often fall through the cracks. Most are too young to enter the work force, and many are already involved in substance abuse and/or crime. Research shows that 50% of these youth will be incarcerated within a year's time.

As a charter school, Lighthouse has expanded its scope to meet the needs of other educationally at-risk youth - those who may be placed by the court, or as recommended by their special education plan.

To find out if your child is eligible for enrollment or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (616) 949-2287.

The need to reach these youth is urgent. Lighthouse can make a difference in the future of our children, and the future of our community.