Lighthouse Academy Grows Up

As parents, we help our children grow and watch them venture out on their own, letting go, but still offering support. In many ways, Lighthouse Academy is like a child of ours.

Wedgwood gave birth to this highly innovative street school in 2005 to reach expelled teens who had run out of educational options. Lighthouse grew to enroll more students and serve more grade levels, and by May 2008, ventured out as a charter school authorized by Ferris State University. This was the most logical, practical, and financially effective way for Lighthouse to expand its outreach. Consequently, Wedgwood and Lighthouse Academy are now separate organizations, per Michigan Charter and Educational law.

Just as many parents continue to offer support to their grown children, Wedgwood is doing the same with Lighthouse. One of the new campus buildings, funded by the capital campaign, leases space to the school and offers the shared use of the gymnasium, in addition to providing office space for Wedgwood’s own programs. Wedgwood is also committed to offering beneficial after-school enhancement services to Lighthouse Academy and other area schools. Even though Lighthouse has grown up and is now an independent entity, the common goal of helping vulnerable children is at the heart of our new relationship.