Who We Are
Lighthouse Learning began as a dream that God placed on my heart and my husband Jamel’s heart years ago. In 2020, with God’s guidance, we took a leap of faith and started this journey right in our living room with a handful of students.
Together, as husband and wife, we leaned on our faith and each other to build what Lighthouse Learning has become today—a school that now serves 80 students with a waitlist.
Every step of this journey has been a testament to God’s provision and blessings, as well as the hard work and dedication our staff and community has poured into creating a place where children can thrive academically, socially, and spiritual
The word “micro-school” is used to describe a unique learning setup - much like a one-room schoolhouse, where homeschooling and private school collide for a rich and authentic experience! At Lighthouse Learning, students receive far more individualized attention than they would receive in a traditional school.
Lighthouse Learning offers closer adult-child relationships in which teachers serve as facilitators of student-led learning, not just deliverers of content. Here, students are given the parameters to pursue a rich and authentic way of learning and serving others. Our school has exploration at the center of learning!
We believe this type of schooling is necessary because so many families are seeking a nurturing, individualized environment for their children—one that allows them to flourish both academically and emotionally.
The traditional top-down approach in education often overlooks the unique needs of each child, but at Lighthouse Learning, we focus on a bottom-up approach.
This means we prioritize the individual strengths, passions, and potential of every student, creating a learning environment that changes lives not just for the students, but for their parents and families as well.
God has been at the center of this mission, guiding us to build a school where families feel seen, supported, and deeply connected.
Our students have something to say!
Makenzie Oliver, Founder and Director of Lighthouse Learning Micro-school and Homeschool Hybrid, has a podcast!
On Tuesdays and Fridays, she shares first-hand knowledge of building her school, so others can feel empowered to create micro-schools, homeschools, and learning pods of their own.
On this episode of Teacher, Let Your Light Shine!, Makenzie talks to the Lighthouse Learners to find out what they love about school and why they can’t wait to come back each day!
Our wonderful students and staff here at Lighthouse Learning want to tell you why they love our school - and why your family will, too!
Our Mission
The mission of Lighthouse Learning is to provide children with the creative space to learn a variety of interesting and inspiring lessons so that each child will grow in creativity, confidence, and wisdom.
Through hands-on, interest-based instruction and a variety of programs, our focus is to ensure a high-quality learning experience for all students while providing a positive and safe environment.
Students have opportunities to help others and be of service.
We provide a variety of learning opportunities so students can work in different ways while using their strengths.
Our Vision
We, at Lighthouse Learning Micro-School, value thinking, creative space, play, family, and educational choice.
Our goal is to see children thrive on their own learning paths with the use of learning plans and individualized instruction.
Lighthouse Learning values outdoor and nature-based learning where our students are engaged in outdoor exploration, projects and giving back to the community through service.
Our greatest desire is to see the joy of learning sparked in each child so he/she can become a lifelong learner through curiosity, creativity, and personal pursuits.
We strive to be a safe, fun place for families to learn, grow, and play.
Lighthouse Learning will continue to be a place where student work is valued and their efforts make a difference in themselves and others.
Our Core Values
At Lighthouse Learning, we are passionate about providing your child with an enriching and joyful educational experience rooted in our core values. Our mission is to inspire creativity, confidence, and wisdom while creating a safe, nurturing, and individualized learning environment.
Fulfillment – Learning should spark joy, curiosity, and purpose every day.
Flexible – We offer tailored learning plans and adaptable options to meet each family’s needs.
Family-Centered – Small class sizes create a trusting, collaborative, and supportive environment.
Faith-Based – While not a religious organization, we integrate Bible-based teachings, prayer, and devotionals to encourage character growth.
Future-Focused – We equip students with academic, social, and leadership skills to help them lead, innovate, and succeed in life.
Want to see more? Visit us on Facebook!
Learn more about our microschool and homeschool hybrid programs!
In this video, we will explain the many ways our school will help your family and provide your child with an extraordinary educational experience! We will discuss the opportunities you have to choose from, our project-based learning model, our upper school integrated trades program, enrichment opportunities, curriculum and design and the enrollment process.
“My daughter has been with Mrs. Oliver the past two years. It has been an amazing experience for her. She has learned and grown so much. She provides hands-on opportunities for all students to learn and grow. Her kindness and love for children is evident in all she does. As a public school teacher for 23 years, I have never met someone like Mrs. Oliver. Her passion for students has created a love of learning for my daughter. Thank you for creating such a wonderful, safe, learning environment where all students can grow.”
— Aimee H., Lighthouse Learning Parent
“We are so thankful we found Lighthouse Learning. Our daughter loves school so much and looks forward to going every single day. The personalized education and experiences are amazing and we foresee [our child] staying at Lighthouse Learning for many years to come. Makenzie, Mrs. Ancel, and all of the students are like an extension of our family. I just can’t say enough good things!”
— Ivy L., Lighthouse Learning Parent
“This school was an answered prayer for us. The pandemic had our son so behind. He had no desire to read - his confidence was so low he wouldn’t even try! As a mother, I prayed for a school that would get my son back on track. I prayed for a fun-loving school where he would be able to build his confidence and learn with ease. Not only did this school answer our prayers - I can proudly say our son LOVES to READ! He has excelled in all his subjects and looks forward to going to school. It’s the best decision we’ve made for our son. This school will change the way we teach our kids to empower them and help them learn at their own pace! Enroll your child here you will not be disappointed! The bond our son has with the students and teachers are absolutely PRICELESS. You can FEEL the LOVE. Thank you Lighthouse Learning for providing such excellence and understanding that each child has a precious gift.”
— Liz M., Lighthouse Learning Parent
Our Beliefs
Lighthouse Learning believes children thrive in an authentic environment where the days are structured with time outdoors, field trips, exploration, connections with others, creativity, and building leadership skills. We strive to provide peaceful and joyful learning while also fostering leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Lighthouse Learning believes in a positive and enhanced learning environment where children find courage and confidence through individualized instruction, personal endeavors, and academic coaching from teachers and peers. We believe in children progressing peacefully and at his/her own personal level. We recognize that students learn and demonstrate learning in different ways.
Lighthouse Learning believes children benefit from a balanced learning approach where students are encouraged to work with dedication and excellence during independent and cooperative learning blocks. Students bloom through passion projects, choices throughout the day, and time spent outdoors discovering and creating.
Lighthouse Learning believes in a “family-like” culture where trust and collaboration are the backbones of academic growth and belonging. We are committed to understanding the uniqueness of your child, how he/she learns, communicates, and processes information.
Lighthouse Learning values communication between parents, students, and staff. We believe in communication and progress monitoring on behalf of your child’s academic growth and social/emotional wellbeing. We look forward to working with you; students, parents, and our community supporters, throughout the school year, in our pursuit of excellence and success. We have a very active group of volunteers and encourage parents, guardians, grandparents, and members of the community to take part in our special activities and/or field trips!
Lighthouse Learning firmly believes God is the Creator and Sustainer of our unique school. Lighthouse Learning is not a religious organization but seeks to infuse Bible-based teachings and discussions throughout our day. Our Lighthouse Learners also pray and engage in daily devotionals.
