When my now 17-year-old daughter graduated elementary school, one thing I was absolutely sure of was that I was not going to put her in the local public middle school. She was a studious and calm child who everyone called an old soul, but I noticed the ways her voice began to change slightly when she was around her friends, how she spent more time in the mirror before school each morning, and the way she evicted her dolls from her room, but didn't want them to leave the house. I knew that no matter how poised and mature she presented, she still needed a cocoon in which to grow her wings safely.
In service to my daughter, my students, and the memory of middle-school me, I created a middle school unlike anything in existence: Lucas Literacy Lab, a Christian microschool that prioritizes a small, intimate setting, deep personal connections, and emotional safety. The emotional safety we provide here gives our children the space to process new experiences in a nurturing environment. Teachers are not just educators but also mentors and guides, helping students navigate emotional challenges with care and respect. This emotional growth is just as important as academic achievement. When students feel emotionally secure, they are more likely to engage in their studies, take intellectual risks, and develop the resilience needed to face life’s challenges. Our focus on emotional well-being allows students to grow into confident, self-aware individuals who are not only ready to face the academic challenges of high school but also prepared for the complexities of life beyond the classroom.
A focus on emotional safety does not replace academic rigor. Our students have daily opportunities to engage in open discussions, collaborate on projects, and explore their interests in ways that go beyond the classroom. Whether it’s through art, science experiments, or creative writing, they are encouraged to explore what makes them unique, all while knowing they are supported by a safe, tight-knit community. The result is a sense of emotional security that allows them to take risks, fail, and try again—without the pressure of fitting into rigid social molds.
One of Lucas Literacy Lab's greatest advantages is its strong sense of community. In our small school, students form close relationships with their peers and teachers. They are like family, which helps reduce the social anxiety that can accompany larger school settings.
If you’re searching for a learning environment that prioritizes your middle schooler's intellectual and emotional growth, Lucas Literacy Lab could be the perfect solution.
Join us this Friday, February 7th, at 6:30 pm for an info session with Founder Amanda Lucas to learn how our microschool can serve your family.
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