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At Lighthouse, educating the whole child is of paramount value. As we focus on our vision of leading out a new generation of children on their life path, all facets of the child's spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical growth are highlighted. In addition to the academic tools the student will gain inside the classroom, a student at Lighthouse is guided and instructed through character education, a values-based-integrated curriculum, an essential physical education, art and music program.
Infused Christianity
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
For years in traditional education children have been taught that anything related to their hearts and their spirit have to be separated from their academic, school life. Many areas of education have compartmentalized and separated academics from the spirit of children. Children have been confused by the fact that what seems true to their hearts and spirits is not allowed or permitted inside school walls.
At Lighthouse, all aspects of the child are naturally infused and integrated into the academic and student life. Children no longer need to stay quiet when curious about how a spiritual topic relates to the material being discussed in class. Children at Lighthouse are given the opportunity to explore their hearts and spirit to find truth and follow it.
All aspects of Christianity are authentically integrated into the subjects and activities at Lighthouse International School. We are proud to have a faculty and staff of Christ-centered educators who encourage students to discover the heart and character of God and how to apply that to life.
Although Christian values and beliefs are openly discussed and incorporated into all areas of the school, the free will of students to choose their beliefs is also central to the philosophy at Lighthouse. As students who attend come from different spiritual backgrounds, all religions are respected.
Values-Based Academics
The academic program at Lighthouse is unique in that it is not only based on the highest academic standards of developmentally-appropriate materials, but also it is infused with values-based activities and discussions. Character education is central to the curriculum. The academic program begins with a curriculum structured around internationally researched standards, and into that academic program values and character education are integrated. Students are not only taught the core material in the major subject areas, but also students are guided to interact with intelligence, integrity, confidence, and kindness. These values, among others, are authentically and naturally incorporated into daily activities and discussions so that the children's behavior inside and outside of the classroom reflect those values.
The character education at Lighthouse helps children develop as personal and social beings. Different concepts that are highlighted within the academic areas include social and emotional learning, moral reasoning/cognitive development, life skills education, health education, violence prevention, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and conflict resolution. These areas are supported by a Biblical understanding of the effect and influence of values including honesty, kindness, generosity, courage, freedom, equality, and respect. By combining values, character education, and the Biblical principles within the academic subjects, children find relevant and practical ways to use their minds and actions to influence others toward the same.
The academic subjects at Lighthouse are primarily taught in English, although a solid and proficient base of Spanish is given in certain subject areas. As both languages are valuable and central at a local and international level, proficiency in Spanish and English is a central facet of a Lighthouse education. Subject areas such as mathematics, science, language arts, literature, music, and art are taught in English. In Spanish, students learn the subjects of Spanish, social studies, and physical education. Through curriculum that promotes academic instruction in English and Spanish, Lighthouse students become bilingual and bi-literate. Not only is this essential at an academic level, but also it creates a global recognition of understanding and respect for different cultures and languages. This then influences the child's interaction with the school community and beyond by creating a friendship and tolerance among diverse ethnic and linguistic groups.
Kinesthetic Development in Athletics
Kinesthetic learning, recreation, and athletics are integral to a Lighthouse education. Adapting to the different learning styles of students is essential to the comprehension, retention of information, and enjoyment for students found in learning. The kinesthetic components of learning enhance the educational experience and create an outlet for energy and expression of a student's mind through the use of his/her body.
Kinesthetic learning: at Lighthouse, students actually participate and learn through physical activity, in addition to learning through listening and watching. Students are given the opportunity to take part in discovery learning, through which emerge realizations by doing, as opposed to being given the information directly through lectures. Variety in learning styles are presented by teachers, as such the kinesthetic learners will be given the opportunity to explore and discover with hands-on activities.
Recreation: Recreation is a central element of a child's development. Recesses and lunch breaks are built into the daily schedule so as to allow students to play, interact, and socialize with other students. Open grassy areas with playground, basketball and volleyball court, soccer field, and play houses are utilized to foster and encourage play, imagination, and athletics.
Athletics: Students at Lighthouse all participate in a physical education course that is regularly scheduled into each week. The high energy and enthusiasm of students is a key component of the positive morale of the school's climate. In addition to the physical education course, students have the option to participate in the school's soccer, volleyball, and basketball teams, which are offered as after-school activities.
Creativity through the Arts
The social, emotional, and mental creativity of children are explored through art and music classes at Lighthouse. The art and music courses are a significant piece of a student's weekly schedule, so as to provide an opportunity for expression and voice for each child.
Music and art allow a child to express strengths in different capacities. Furthermore, in addition to art and music class, supplementary fine arts, drama, and public speaking are incorporated into the academic subjects. The numerous research studies that show the essentiality of the arts for a child's understanding of himself/herself and the development of the whole brain support the emphasis given to the arts at Lighthouse. Success in society, in school and learning, in developing intelligence, and in life are all research-proven benefits to the integration of arts at Lighthouse International School.
Integrated Technology
Lighthouse is committed to guiding students to become technologically literate and competent.
Technology, especially through the use of computers, cannot be simply isolated to the use of a computer lab on a momentary basis. At Lighthouse, the use of technology is integrated into the classroom and different subject areas. Lighthouse is committed to providing the tools and professional development for our faculty to successfully integrate technology into the classroom.
Lighthouse currently functions with a complete computer lab of modern equipment, a computer in every classroom, and technological tools for use throughout the school day.
At Lighthouse, all students, faculty, and administration will be given a Lighthouse email account to create a semi-paperless community of communications through email. The majority of publications, reminders, notices, announcements, and updates will be sent to parents via email. Furthermore, students and parents will be able to access notices, grades, and teacher information through the educational internet service. Lighthouse currently functions with a complete computer lab of modern equipment, a computer in every classroom, and technological tools for use throughout the school day.
Lighthouse will continue to remain technologically advanced as developments in educational technology evolve in the future.