Nantucket Lighthouse School

1 Rugged Road

Nantucket, MA 02554

5 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-7
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 29, 2024

As a first-time parent, I was understandably nervous when my child started at Nantucket Lighthouse School. This was his first experience being around so many other kids, and I wasn’t sure how he’d adjust. But from day one, the staff were incredibly supportive. They didn’t just focus on academics—they made sure my child was thriving in every aspect of his life. It truly felt like more than just a school; it felt like a partnership, dedicated to my child’s overall success.Giving my child the gift of a Lighthouse School education has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. This school shapes amazing human beings. When I meet a Lighthouse student, I can always tell—they’re confident, kind, and ask thoughtful questions. That curiosity and self-assurance is something special.The world has changed so much from when I was growing up, and the way children learn at Lighthouse prepares them in ways traditional schools simply can’t. They’re out in the world, engaging with it. Whether they’re exploring nature, creating projects, or collaborating with classmates, they’re learning by doing—because that’s how life works.When my child graduates, I know he’ll be ready for anything. The career he chooses might not even exist yet, and that’s okay—no textbook could prepare him for that. But the way he’s learned to think, explore, and adapt at Lighthouse School will. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this community, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found a school that nurtures my child in such a thoughtful way.There is no other school like this in the world, let alone our little island!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2024

As a parent, I couldn't be more grateful for Nantucket Lighthouse School. The nurturing environment, combined with a hands-on, experiential approach to learning, allows my child to thrive academically and emotionally. The dedicated teachers foster a love of learning, creativity, and community, making the school feel like a second home. It's truly a special place where children are encouraged to explore their potential in a supportive and inspiring setting. We love it!
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2024

Sending my two children to Nantucket Lighthouse School over the past four years has been the best parenting decision I've made. Every single day, my kids are excited to go to school, which speaks volumes about its nurturing and engaging environment. The teachers and staff go above and beyond to support my children’s well-being—socially, emotionally, and academically. It's truly a magnetic and magical place to learn and grow. From the start, I knew Nantucket Lighthouse School would help my children thrive socially and emotionally. What surprised me at first, though, was the academic rigor. When I first considered project-based learning, I wondered if my kids would receive the same academic instruction as a traditional school, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Thanks to the standards-aligned curriculum the teachers follow, my kids started reading midway through kindergarten and are above grade level in math. And they love to learn! What truly sets the school apart to me are the small class sizes, weekly field trips, a no-to-slow technology policy, and the support of an on-site school counselor. Our entire family has gained so much from being part of this special community, and we are so grateful to have this exceptional school on our small island!
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2014

My child attended this school for two years, several years ago. The first year was fantastic, the second year was terrible. If there is a problem with a teacher, there is no way to solve it; parents who have an issue are in the wrong, period. In my daughter's class, there were 10 students, 5 of whom had behavior or learning problems. The teacher was inadequate, but it would be an impossible situation for anyone. There's no monitoring of children's development against any scale; if a child has a learning disability, the school does not help with the diagnosis or treatment. The child would have to leave the school, and they don't want to lose the tuition, so they just don't investigate. They don't emphasize reading until grade 3, so until then, if a child asks how to spell something, they're told it doesn't matter. The theory is they're learning to communicate without impediment, but the practice is, they feel scolded for asking and have to unlearn misspellings later. Years later, I still see the mark of the bad teacher she had. It is a very crafty, warm environment, and if it works, it's great, but if it doesn't, it really doesn't.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2014

NLS is a terrific independent school focused on educating the whole child - head, heart, hand. Incredible teachers and great community. My son in introduced to topics and practices he wouldnt learn at a public institution nor at home. He is becoming independent and learning how to self problem solve. Very happy