Lehigh Learning Academy Programs: Transforming Lives and Cultivating Leaders

Lehigh Learning Academy stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for adolescents with special needs, while Lehigh University offers programs focused on developing visionary leaders in education. This article delves into the various programs offered by these institutions, highlighting their unique approaches and the profound impact they have on students and educators alike.

Lehigh Learning Academy: A Restorative Community for At-Risk Youth

Lehigh Learning Academy is a fully licensed, privately held, non-profit alternative school and day treatment center dedicated to serving the special needs of adolescents in Lehigh, Monroe, and Northampton counties. This grassroots educational institution is committed to improving the health, educational attainment, human welfare, and opportunities for at-risk youth in Eastern Pennsylvania by creating a safe, restorative community for students.

The academy's impact is evident in the testimonials of its students:

"I’ve made a lot of changes, developed different attitudes, and I now have a new outlook on life."
"Coming to this school was one of the best, if not the best decision I’ve ever made…I had a lot of anger and acted out upon it my whole life and got myself into a lot of trouble over the years, which caused people to look down upon me and caused me to look down upon myself. Being here, having the help and support of my teachers and peers alike has changed that image, both to me and those around me."
"When I came to this school two years ago, I did it as an easy way out. I'm glad I didn’t know then just how different this school was going to be from all the rest of them. I never would have made it without this school and the people in it."
"When I first came to this school I thought it would be terrible but this school has become more for me. It has become a place where I found the window and universe outside the box . I came out richer."
"I learned to mature."

These heartfelt statements underscore the transformative power of the academy's approach, which focuses on providing a supportive and nurturing environment where students can overcome challenges, develop positive attitudes, and gain a new perspective on life. The academy serves students in grades 9-12 and has an enrollment of 49 students. The yearly tuition is $45,000, and the application deadline is rolling.

Lehigh University's Urban Principal Academy at Lehigh (UPAL)

Lehigh University's Urban Principal Academy at Lehigh (UPAL) is a master's program designed to cultivate visionary, creative urban school leaders. The 37-credit program is geared toward working professionals, primarily teachers and school administrators. Students engage in online courses during the fall and spring semesters and then convene on Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for five weeks of face-to-face classes during two summers.

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UPAL distinguishes itself through its unique approach to leadership development:

Cohort-Based Learning: UPAL students enter the program as a cohort and progress through it together, fostering a strong sense of community and shared learning.
Experiential Learning: Recognizing that there is no manual for the challenges urban school administrators face, Professor Jon Drescher, the founding director of the program, incorporates experiences that drive home the leadership skills master’s candidates will need to enable their students and schools to thrive.
Non-Traditional Seminars: UPAL participants attend special seminars, such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, where they learn about non-verbal communication, leadership, and followership. They also visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art for lessons on observation and diverse perspectives.
Improvisation Training: Students participate in improvisation classes to hone their listening skills, quick thinking, risk-taking abilities, and collaborative spirit.
Practical Application: Instead of traditional research papers, candidates complete a 360-hour internship with diverse experiences, including observing teachers and principals, implementing curriculum projects, developing budget analyses, and addressing specific needs within their schools.

This master’s program fulfills the course requirements for Pennsylvania Principal Certification, and some students opt to take the Principal Certification exam while enrolled. UPAL's emphasis on practical experience and innovative learning methods equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and transform urban schools.

Lehigh University's Leadership Programs

Lehigh University offers a range of leadership programs designed to cultivate effective and inclusive leaders across various sectors. These programs share a common thread: a commitment to fostering integrity, empathy, and collaboration.

Emerging and Accomplished Leaders Program

These experiences are for Lehigh's accomplished and emerging leaders who have completed Essential Management or comparable development work. It focuses on developing leaders who are not only capable of driving organizational success but also committed to fostering a positive and inclusive campus culture.

Higher Education Leadership Institute (LVAIC)

The LVAIC Higher Education Leadership Institute is a 10-month program designed for mid-career faculty and administrators who aspire to transition into leadership roles within higher education. The program provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to excel in leadership positions within colleges and universities.

Lehigh Children's Academy

Lehigh Children’s Academy’s goal is to help children become enthusiastic, independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners. The academy utilizes several approaches.

Creative Curriculum®

The philosophy behind the Creative Curriculum® is that young children learn best by doing. Creative Curriculum® focuses on learning by doing and encourages active thinking, experimenting to find out how things work and learning firsthand about the world.

Teaching Strategies GOLD®

Lehigh Children’s Academy uses Teaching Strategies GOLD®, an authentic, ongoing observational system for assessing children from birth through kindergarten. Teaching Strategies GOLD® is based on 38 objectives that include predictors of school success and are aligned with state early learning standards.

Handwriting Without Tears®

Handwriting Without Tears® was developed by an occupational therapist and teaches handwriting skills using developmentally appropriate practice and multisensory approaches. This method teaches the easiest skills first and builds on what your child has learned.

The Costs of Education

While the benefits of programs like those offered at Lehigh Learning Academy and Lehigh University are undeniable, it's important to consider the financial implications. Private school tuition, such as the $45,000 yearly cost at Lehigh Learning Academy, can be a significant investment. Parents must also budget for additional expenses, including fees, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Similarly, higher education leadership programs represent a financial commitment, although the potential return on investment in terms of career advancement and leadership skills is substantial. The average private school tuition in Northampton County, PA is $7,073 for elementary schools and $20,952 for high schools. The average acceptance rate in Northampton County, PA is 91%.

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