Academic Program and Curriculum

Rather than reinventing traditional high school education, Lighthouse Academy of Nations will seek to make it available to non-native students through innovative programming. Lighthouse Academy meets the needs of these students by placing them in a classroom where the content being taught is targeted to their English language ability as well as their academic level. In matching instruction to a student’s unique language needs, grade-level content will be more understandable.

Coupled with small class size, targeted instruction offers English Language Learners the academic rigor of a traditional high school education as well as accelerated language acquisition.

What is Scaffold English Immersion?

Lighthouse Academy of Nations will be based on the Scaffold English Immersion (SEI) model which means all classes are taught in English, not in the native language of the students. This method helps students improve English language fluency while also progressing in the subject area by matching materials and instruction to their current English abilities. Teachers are experts in the field of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction while also meeting the state academic standards in math, science and social studies.

A Caring Environment

Special attention will be given by teachers in dealing with the special needs of new Americans, some of whom are experiencing post-traumatic stress. On staff counseling will be available for those students and families who need it.

Our School Day

The typical day will run from 7:30 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. This provides for a 7:25 hour instructional day, with 35 minute break for lunch. Breakfast will run from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Instructional periods are in 100-minute blocks with a 35 minute student advisor period each day.

Unique Learning Opportunities Offered Only at Lighthouse Academy

• Courses in government and democracy
• After-school tutoring
• Free computers and use of computer lab
• Support for families raising children in a foreign culture
• Adult education programs

How does Lighthouse Academy Prepare our Children to Succeed?

• Our curriculum prepares each student for college or technical school
• We provide computer skills in basic business software
• We insist on students obtaining and demonstrating skills.
• After 2 years of enrollment, we offer business internships in grades 11 and 12
• We assist in the search for scholarships and colleges
• We offer mentors from area colleges and universities

Mission and Vision

Mission

Lighthouse Academy of Nations is committed to the academic excellence of students from immigrant and refugee families. The school seeks to prepare its students to succeed in post-secondary education and in employment, and as active citizens of Minnesota, the United States and the world. We value cultural, religious, ethnic and geographic diversity as central elements of a rigorous education, and we recognize the importance of academic, emotional and moral development to the success of our students.

Vision

The vision of the founders of Lighthouse Academy of Nations is that students who learn with us will have a steadfast belief in their worth as human beings and will be grounded emotionally, spiritually, and academically to fulfill their aspirations in a changing, challenging world community.