What is a commonwealth?
A commonwealth is a family-centered educational community, united not only by geography, but by a shared vision and mission which springs from a shared philosophy. A cultural vein that runs through commonwealths includes a desire for freedom, an emphasis on passion and individual genius, leadership training, and priorities like family first, and impact over profit. A commonwealth supports the family in providing a unique, inspiring and fabulous way for our scholar students (ages 12-18) to interact with peers and be mentored by amazing mentors!
We also have a JR. School for all younger children. This facilitates the commonwealth being family-centered.
We are also a part of New Commonwealth Schools (NCS). NCS provides licensed schools with TEN KEY TOOLS which optimize stability and longevity, and help create connections so the parents in charge can have the impact on family and community they envision.
What is the educational philosophy of Lighthouse Commonwealth?
Our commonwealth is a leadership school following the educational philosophy of Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille. https://tjed.org/ We embrace complementary educational materials and philosophies, including the Scholar Projects of Leadership
Education Mentoring Institute (LEMI). https://www.lemihomeschool.com/le-philosophy
What are the TEN Key tools of being licensed with NCS?
1) Family-Centered Tribal Structure
2) An Elected Board
3) Proven Patterns
4) Constitution/By-Laws
5) Vision/Mission
6) Defined Philosophy
7) Volunteers
8) Training and Support Systems
9) Positive Peer Pressure
10) Stability through Phases of Growth
Is a commonwealth like a co-op?
No. A co-op is typically some moms who gather together with strong passions that create classes/activities for their kids. They decide how the class is run and how it operates. Very mailable to what they want and can change from year to year. Can be like study groups or fun classes where everyone comes and does activities together. Once that mom, who spearheaded it, no longer teaches that class/activities, it typically dissipates.
As you read above, a commonwealth is based on a Constitution with solid educational principles, more structure, leadership, training for mentors; which helps to provide consistency, stability, quality and longevity year after year!
I am busy. Do I as a parent need to be involved in the commonwealth?
Yes. Because LCIC is run by volunteers, we need every parent's help. We do not allow drop offs.
What is required to join a commonwealth?
Please read the bylaws and follow steps here https://lighthousecommonwealth.blogspot.com/p/what-to-do.html and read "Thomas Jefferson Education" by Oliver DeMille.
Can I be on the waitlist before I have finished reading TJED by Oliver DeMille?
Yes! However it needs to be completed before joining the Commonwealth.
I'm just now learning about Thomas Jefferson Education, can I still have my children join the commonwealth?
Yes. You will be exposed and have many opportunities throughout your years with the commonwealth to many TJED concepts, applications, ideas and philosophy. Like anything else you learn, you adapt to fit the needs of your family.
What is to be expected once in the commonwealth?
Attend each Monday: mentoring a JR and/or Scholar Class, fulfill all new member requirements to become a voting member. Please see the Bylaws. https://lighthousecommonwealth.blogspot.com/p/bylaws.html
What is the cost to register for the Commonwealth?
There is a $45 non-refundable registration fee. This fee is reoccurring each school year. Once your family has been accepted into the commonwealth and you register: this fee reserves your spot.
What is the cost of the Commonwealth to participate?
We are a non-profit organization and work hard to keep costs as low as possible. Tuition varies each year and is paid twice a year: Fall and Spring semester. When the Parent-Rep contacts you they will go over this with you. After joining the Treasurer will give you the total amount.
How involved in my child's studies should I be as a parent?
It's important to understand that in a Leadership Education you need a team and environment to facilitate your child's growth. Understanding each person/item's role on their team is vital. As a parent, we suggest that your role is: to influence, facilitate, to mentor, to teach, to nurture for the purpose of perpetuating life. As a parent you have many options at your disposal to create that environment such as: weekly mentor meetings, help your scholar set aside uninterrupted time to study, listen to my scholar's thoughts and feelings about the topics she/he is learning about, good communication with the mentor about your child's progress, ask what your scholar needs from you, use a planner, etc.
Our children are learning to be self-directed scholars by the time they become 16-18 years, but they are not yet ready to be completely on their own. Ask them each week what assignments are due. If they want you to look at their paper before they turn it in, please use it as an opportunity to mentor. Help them memorize their part in the Shakespeare play by reading lines with them. Help them learn how to follow through on their commitment to their classes.
What are the other roles in a Leadership Education?
The Student/scholar, Mentor/Teacher, Material/Content/Classics, Environment. You will learn more as you participate.
Does LCIC provide a full curriculum or do I need to supplement at home?
LCIC does not provide a full curriculum. Scholars (your child) and parents need to decide what their educational goals are and how to achieve them. Each scholar project can fulfill an education goal. Where there are gaps, is up to the parents and child to fill at home or elsewhere. Depending on the level and demand of the scholar class, it will take your student many hours each week to complete assignments. Being aware where your child is and the load they can handle is up to the scholar and parent. Hours range from 3-4 per class in a practice scholar class, up to 20 hours of study time per class each week in an upper apprentice scholar class.
THERE IS NO HOMEWORK IN JUNIOR SCHOOL (1-11 yrs). Only optional things to participate in, if desired.
Should I read my child's papers before he/she turns them into a mentor?
This really depends on the standard and environment of the home. It is suggested that for practice scholar classes that parents help support and facilitate their child's papers. Use each paper as time to teach them one new thing that could help improve their grammar or spelling. BUT do not write the papers for your child. This is a great opportunity to have conversations about the topics and grow together. This is a great chance for your child to find their voice and share - be willing to listen!
Can my child just take the Shakespeare class only?
No. In order to take the Shakespeare class, your student needs to be signed up in at least one of our other core morning classes.
