Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Lighthouse Homeschool Academy

Does Lighthouse accept ESA+ or Opportunity Scholarship funds?

No. Due to the organizational structure of our programs, Lighthouse (Co-Op, Navigators, and Pathfinders) is unable to accept NC or SC ESA+ or Opportunity Scholarship funds.

If we were to accept these funds, we would be required to restructure our whole organization in order to satisfy both states' standards.

We realize this may pose an inconvenience for some families, and we hope that you accept our sincerest apologies.

However, we are fully committed to working with families and are happy to discuss flexible payment options during the summer months (for our Pathfinders & Navigators programs - up until Sept 15th of every year) to make our programs accessible.

What are Lighthouse Pathfinders & Navigators?

Lighthouse Pathfinders & Navigators are distinct Tutor-led drop-off programs for homeschooling families, which supplements individual families' homeschools.

We do not replace primary education, which is to be provided by YOU, the parent.

Navigators is for our 6th-8th (ages 11-13) grade students, and Pathfinders is for our 8th-12th (ages 13-18) grade students.

All of our Courses will support you (the parent - primary educator) in the progress towards Middle School completion (Navigators) and High School graduation (Pathfinders) of your student(s). Many of the (Core) Pathfinders Courses we offer College Preparatory options, high excellent academic standards and striving to provide a partnership with homeschooling families in their academic endeavors for their students.

Who is Lighthouse Pathfinders & Navigators For?

  • Lighthouse Pathfinders & Navigators are for families who have homeschooled for at least one (1) full school year.
  • Parents are the primary educators for their own individual homeschools.
  • These supplemental homeschool programs are designed as a partnership between parents & tutors - not a replacement for primary education.

NOTE: Lighthouse is NOT a good fit for families who simply want to turn over responsibility of overseeing their student's progress to someone else, nor for families that simply want to check the courses off their list.

What are Lighthouse Pathfinders & Navigators' Goals?

  • For young people to succeed to the next level - be it to move up to High School grades (Navigators), or going on to the next stage of life (Pathfinders).
  • For the students to enjoy the fellowship of other homeschooled students in a safe & structured environment.
  • We take these courses seriously (although we can also have fun learning!) & expect the students to do the same.
  • Keep the classes small (4-18) to achieve personal attention.
  • For each pre-teen & teen to profit academically & socially from this learning opportunity.

Do Lighthouse Pathfinders offer Honors-Level Courses?

Due to the needs and interests of the homeschool community, at the Pathfinders level, honors-level courses are available for students who can meet the rigorous requirements.

All students need a good education from a Biblical worldview, whether college or career bound.

How do your classes look grade/age wise?

We believe homeschooled students and families work better in community, and we offer this along with offering outstanding academics and genuine community connection.

Our programs serve all primary school ages: Parent-led Elementary Co-Op (PreK-5th), Navigators for Middle School (grades 6-8), and Pathfinders for High School (grades 9-12) - both drop-off, à la carte programs. All programs unite families in collaborative support, with middle and high school programs emphasizing teamwork skills that reflect biblical community principles.

Through shared learning experiences, students and families build meaningful relationships, encourage growth, and discover the joy of Christ-centered learning together.

Our mixed-age classes create an enriching dynamic similar to large homeschooling families: Older students develop leadership and mentoring skills while younger students learn from mature peers.

Since parents select classes based on individual student needs and interests, we cannot control specific age distributions in each class. Some students may work at different grade levels than age-group peers.

We encourage all families to help their children embrace these differences and collaborate with peers who learn differently. When we include and support one another despite differences, our entire community grows stronger.

Roles & Responsibilities

Parental Responsibilities:

  • Courses & Tutors DO NOT replace YOU - the parent - as the primary educator. You operate your individual homeschool for your student(s).
  • Parents are expected to follow-up to keep up with their student so they are ensuring they are accomplishing the required assignments for courses.
  • It is required that all Lighthouse Students work hard & be monitored closely by their parents.

Student Responsibilities:

  • Each student is expected to complete all assigned work from tutors outside of class time & be prepared to participate in class.

What is the Registration Process?

Registration Process:

  1. First: Registration opens on Open House in the Spring (late-March) every year. You will submit the registration form, by going to the webite, www.lighthousehomeschoolnc.org, and creating a login if you are a first time family OR logging in with your existing login
  2. Second: In submitting this form, you are agreeing to pay whatever the current registration fee is at the time of submission within 48 hours via Zelle to billing@lighthousehomeschoolnc.org ,Cash or you can request a quickbooks invoice (3 percent credit card fee to be added)
  3. Third: Once we have cleared your registration submission & payment, and you have chosen your classes, we will send you a welcome email within 24 hours to 1 week with your student's selected courses.
  4. Fourth: Invoicing will begin coming through QuickBooks/Intuit via billing@lighthousehomeschoolnc.org. All tuition payments can be arranged for full payment or in a payment schedule that secures full payment no later than Sept 15th.

Early Withdrawal / Refunds Policy Timeline:

Fee Type / Period Refund Policy Details
Registration Fees NON-REFUNDABLE at any time.
Materials & Supply Fee NOT guaranteed since these are paid directly to Tutors.
Full Tuition Refunds Available through August 1st, regardless of payment status (even if you haven't yet paid on your invoice).
Partial Tuition Refunds Between August 1st (5PM) and our first day of classes (the Monday after Labor Day), we can offer a 50% refund.
No Tuition Refunds Once classes begin (final deadline), we cannot provide refunds.

NOTE ABOUT TUITION REFUNDS: FINAL Deadlines are based on your student's class start day(s):

  • If classes begin on Monday OR include a two-day-a-week schedule: Monday is the deadline.
  • If classes begin on Tuesday OR include a two-day-a-week schedule: Tuesday is the deadline.
  • If classes begin on Wednesday: Wednesday is the deadline.

Important Commitment Note:

In registering and enrolling into classes, you are making a commitment for your students to attend the classes you select for them, as enrollment is not holding a spot. Carefully consider registration & enrollment as the commitment it is when enrolling your students.

We recognize that unexpected circumstances can arise. If you find yourself facing unusual hardships, please reach out to us directly at billing@lighthousehomeschoolnc.org, we're happy to discuss your situation and explore possible solutions together.