Helping pave the way for a fulfilling future

It all started in 1994 when Leslie Filacchione, then Leslie Moore, first learned the value of an individualized teaching approach while tutoring a student who needed help in math, specifically fractions, who said he hated the subject.

By the time fall classes were in session that same student was well versed in fractions and even felt a sense of confidence in the subject he once disliked.

Filacchione worked at the Howard School in Roswell, Ga., for three years learning the latest in neuroscience research and language-based learning. She then worked in Fayette and Cobb County schools, bringing with her high expectations and specialized teaching strategies.

Her experiences, studies and successes equipped her to open The Lighthouse school just outside of Peachtree City, which opened its doors to students in January 2005.

“Leslie was a special education and regular education teacher in Fayette County and saw the need for kids who didn’t fit in,” says Joanna Kerlin Steerman, an administrator for the school.

When Filacchione’s father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and passed away, she used her inheritance to fund the opening of the private school which is open to students in grades 5-12.

The school’s Web site states the school’s mission is, “To pave the way for a fulfilling future by providing a customized learning program focusing on individual needs, learning styles, and goals. We strive to provide a learning environment where children are excited to learn, and feel capable and empowered.”

A hefty goal for a school which has only been around two years, but the faculty and staff of The Lighthouse feel that they are already making headway in their goals.

The school began with only a handful of students in its first semester and has seen rapid growth over the past two years. In its first full school year there were 23 students enrolled, and this year there are 34 students attending the school. The school is accredited through the Georgia Accrediting Commission,

“The majority [of students] came from public schools,” Steerman explained. “When you have 29 other kids depending on you, it’s hard to give one or a few students individual attention.”

Part of what makes The Lighthouse work for the students who have made the switch from the public school system is the small student to teacher ratio the school provides.

The school has 14 teachers on staff to educate the 34 students enrolled. With the largest class at the school holding eight students, Steerman laughed as she pointed out that “it’s hard to get lost in the woodwork.”

Many of the teachers taught in the public school system before coming to work at The Lighthouse.

Steerman is quick to point out that the public schools in Fayette County do a great job.

Dr. Wayne Stone is the Executive Director at the The Lighthouse. Stone has 31 years of experience in education, 24 of which were spent as principal of Brooks Elementary School.

“I believe that all students can benefit from the educational learning process if the instruction is implemented through a variety of teaching methods. The intellectual development of the learner can be enhanced through the use of behavior and learning styles only if the teacher directs the instruction toward the individual learning style of the student,” explained Stone of his teaching philosophy. “Too many students fall through the cracks in the traditional educational system without being noticed. The teacher must become aware of individual student needs and concentrate the teaching toward the student and not the subject. In other words, the teacher should teach the child and not the subject.”

At The Lighthouse each student’s needs are looked at to find the perfect program for the student’s maximum benefit. “We have a plan for each child, we have a program for each child and it’s not about the child fitting the program,” Stone noted.

“You’re either working toward a program or it’s working toward you,” Steerman offered.

Students must meet certain requirements, but the school is able to be flexible and specially tailor certain classes for individual students’ interests and needs. “If there is something they are interested in we have the freedom to work with them,” Steerman clarified. “If we see a kid is truly not getting something, we’re able to pull them out and work something out.”

“We don’t have anyone who doesn’t want to be here,” Steerman pointed out. “They feel fortunate to be here because they know what it’s like not to be here. We have kids who didn’t feel successful in school or in life [before enrolling at The Lighthouse].”

One such case arose last January when Bill and Pam Swedelson came into the school to look at transferring their daughter, Erica, a freshman at the time, to The Lighthouse in the fall 2006. The Swedelson’s son, Brandon, was a senior at the time and unexpectedly decided he wanted to transfer to the school right away.

The Swedelsons had moved to Georgia from New York where Brandon was a talented baseball player. “Coming to Georgia was a culture shock,” Steerman said. “He lost his spot on the baseball team and lost interest in school.”

Brandon told Steerman that his goal was simply to graduate and he wasn’t looking to be pushed into anything more, Steerman recalled.

Brandon began working with the middle school children after school and began showing more interest in his own studies. “He came here and became motivated,” Steerman said with pride.

In March he asked Steerman if she thought he could get into college. With the help of his teachers, parents, Steerman and lots of hard work, Brandon was accepted to Valdosta State University where he is currently a freshman student. His sister Erica is now a sophomore enrolled at The Lighthouse.

Brandon Swedelson is the first and only graduate from The Lighthouse so far and four more seniors are poised to graduate in spring 2007.

While Stone says he doesn’t foresee the school expanding to students below fifth grade, he also says they wouldn’t rule out the possibility of expanding to K-12 or 1-12.

The Lighthouse is available to students with special education needs as well as students who simply don’t fit the public school mold.

Stone sees The Lighthouse as a place that can keep students who might normally have dropped out of school at 16 or 17 in through graduation. “These days education is key,” Stone said.

The cost of tuition at The Lighthouse is $8,700 a year with a $500 matriculation fee. The school allows a ten month payment schedule with the $500 being paid at the time of enrollment.

“We work very hard to keep tuition at a manageable level,” Steerman stated. “We currently have no financial aid available, but would very much like to get a fund started. There is such a huge need for this school and it’s horrible to think that someone may need us but be unable to afford it. We don’t have a facility to measure up to some of the others in our area who charge much more than we do, however, we definitely have teachers who are passionate about teaching these students and that is worth much more than any building can provide. The dedication is what makes the difference.”

“We care about them,” said Steerman. “And with the size of [the student body], it’s easier to help them.”

The Lighthouse is located at 116 Peachtree Court, Fayetteville, Ga. For more information on The Lighthouse visit the school’s Web site at www.lighthouseschool.net or call the school at 770-632-7100.

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