Lighthouse K-8
https://lighthousecharter.org/about/our-schools/lighthouse-lower/

Lighthouse is a member of the EL Education (formerly named Expeditionary Learning) network of schools. We believe when students and teachers are engaged in work that is challenging, adventurous, and meaningful, learning and achievement flourish. We are committed to creating classrooms where teachers can fulfill their highest aspirations, and students achieve more than they think possible, becoming active contributors to building a better world. 

When students enter adult life, they will be celebrated not for their performance on basic skills tests, but rather for the quality of their work and their character. That’s why EL Education builds students’ capacity for Three Dimensions of Student Achievement.

Three Dimensions of Student Achievement

MASTERY OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Students will: 

• Demonstrate proficiency and deeper understanding: show mastery in a body of knowledge and skills within each discipline

• Apply their learning: transfer knowledge and skills to novel, meaningful tasks

• Think critically: analyze, evaluate, and synthesize complex ideas and consider multiple perspectives

• Communicate clearly: write, speak, and present ideas effectively in a variety of media within and across disciplines

CHARACTER

Students will: 

• Work to become effective learners: develop the mindsets and skills for success in college, career, and life (e.g., initiative, responsibility, perseverance, collaboration)

• Work to become ethical people: treat others well and stand up for what is right (e.g., empathy, integrity, respect, compassion)

• Contribute to a better world: put their learning to use to improve communities (e.g., citizenship, service)

HIGH-QUALITY STUDENT WORK

Students will:

• Create complex work: demonstrate higher-order thinking, multiple perspectives, and transfer of understanding

• Demonstrate craftsmanship: create work that is accurate and beautiful in conception and execution

• Create authentic work: demonstrate original thinking and voice, connect to real-world issues and formats, and when possible, create work that is meaningful to the community beyond the school

Crew

We believe that students thrive when they are well-known at school. Crew (commonly known as advisory) exists to ensure that each Lighthouse student continues to have a strong relationship with at least one caring adult at school. The crew leader is charged with coaching students in setting goals, developing effective strategies to achieve designated goals, and ensuring consistent communication with families. These goals are revisited at least three times each year at Student Led Conferences. Taught in small groups, the Crew curriculum integrates students into Lighthouse’s culture, specifically the Core Values, Restorative Justice practices, and our academic expectations. It becomes the forum for reinforcing rituals, celebrating achievements, providing a space to repair relationships, and building community.