Lighthouse Christian Academy: An In-Depth Look at Tuition, Academics, and Community

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, involving careful consideration of various factors such as academic quality, values, community, and, of course, cost. Lighthouse Christian Academy (LCA), located in Harrisburg, PA, aims to provide a Christ-centered education, and this article will explore its key aspects, including tuition, financial aid, academics, and community involvement, drawing comparisons where relevant to other institutions like Calvary Christian Academy.

School Overview and Mission

Lighthouse Christian Academy/Daycare is dedicated to empowering students to positively influence their culture by living out their God-given purpose as Christians, demonstrating Godly character in their interactions within the church and the broader world. The academy sees itself as a partner with parents in offering a challenging and positive academic experience. All of this is done within a Biblical environment that is managed by a well-trained and loving Christian staff.

LCA firmly believes that the ultimate goal of education is to know God, as He is the source of all truth, wisdom, and knowledge. This conviction permeates every aspect of the school's curriculum and teaching methods. Because God is omniscient, all areas of life and learning are sacred. A Christian worldview places all learning within the parameters of Scripture; therefore, all instructional areas will be taught from a Biblically based view. The curriculum is specially designed and selected to challenge the student to internalize a Christian worldview.

The school boasts a long-standing history of serving the community for over 50 years. It has been fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International since 1995 and by the Middle States Association since 2008, signifying its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

In comparison, Calvary Christian Academy holds a mission to provide a quality, Christ-centered education grounded in the Word of God.

Academics and Faculty

Lighthouse Christian Academy offers education for students in grades 1-12. The curriculum is designed to challenge students to internalize a Christian worldview. The school emphasizes a Biblically-based approach to all instructional areas, integrating faith into learning.

The student population at Lighthouse Christian Academy is 43, with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention and fosters a close-knit learning environment.

Comparison with Calvary Christian Academy: Calvary Christian Academy has 18 teachers. Calvary Christian Academy has a student-teacher ratio of 18:1.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for families considering Lighthouse Christian Academy. Tuition costs vary depending on the grade level.Tuition costs range from $4,350 annually for full-day kindergarten to $5,229 annually for high school. Elementary tuition is $5,081, and Middle School tuition is $5,179 annually. Call the school for information on Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 rates, as well as Daycare costs. (Preschool costs range from $3,150 for half days to $8,390 for full days annually.) Tuition cost covers all fees except for students playing sports.

LCA recognizes that affording a private education can be a challenge for some families. To address this, they offer financial aid to qualified families who desire a Lighthouse Christian Academy education for their children but may not be able to pay full tuition.

Read also: Microschool Education

A third party, FACTS Financial Aid, helps us determine our financial aid distribution to make help make classical education hospitable to a wide-range of families. This platform provides a flexible and confidential way for families to represent their own particular circumstances accurately. The request for tuition assistance for new students is a separate process from the admission process and does not affect one’s application for admission. Once families have completed the application for Admission into LCA, they may begin the Financial Aid application process.

Practical Information for Parents

Safety and Emergency Procedures

Lighthouse Christian School places a high priority on student safety and has implemented a Comprehensive Safety and Emergency Plan. Awareness drills are conducted throughout the school year to ensure students and staff are prepared for various situations.

Transportation

LCS does not provide transportation to and from school. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of carpooling.

Dress Code

PreSchool and Elementary students must wear plain polo style shirts in navy, white, red, or heather gray. Middle School students (6th-8th grade) must wear a polo style navy, white, red or heather gray shirt with traditional/classic uniform style pants, jumpers, shorts or skirts. In addition, middle school students are required to have a gym uniform.

Weather Delays and Closings

Lighthouse Christian School utilizes the ONE CALL NOW system to notify parents of any schedule changes due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Parents are advised to refer to this notification system rather than calling the school office.

Lunches and Snacks

Students are required to bring their own packed lunches, a morning snack, and a closable water container daily. The school does not have the facilities to heat up food for students.

Health and Medication

To ensure the health and well-being of all students, Lighthouse Christian School has specific policies regarding illness. Students with a fever of 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher are not permitted to attend school. If a student develops a fever or becomes sick during the school day, they will be sent home. Students must remain home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication. The school does not administer any medication, prescription or over the counter, to students.

Payment options

Tuition is charged in10 equal payments. It is paid through Facts Management, not the school office. There is a multi-family discount.

After School Care

LCS offers before and after school care for parent's convenience. Some parents use the program daily on a regular basis. It can also be used for unexpected emergencies. Weekly care is available with a discount for additional children in the same family. Unexpected drop-in care is also available for a per day cost.

Community and Extracurricular Activities

Lighthouse Christian Academy is committed to fostering a strong sense of community. While specific details on extracurricular activities are not provided, the school emphasizes community outreach preparations and athletics, suggesting opportunities for students to engage in activities beyond the classroom.

tags: #lighthouse #christian #academy #tuition #fees