Is Beacon right for me and my family?


How is Beacon different from a school?


Can I go to college without a high school diploma?

Absolutely.  Beacon, North Star, Princeton Learning Cooperative, and other Liberated Learners centers have all had teens go on to colleges and universities without a high school diploma.  Depending on a teen's particular goals, there are a number of ways to do this, and Beacon can help you understand and choose the path that makes the most sense for you. Former Beacon members have gone on to attend colleges that include Ithaca College, Lawrence University, Hampshire College, Harvard University, University of the People, Towson University, Art Institute of Chicago, and local community colleges as well.

Do I have to attend full-time?

No.  We are a very flexible model. Beacon prorates for number of days attended.  Most members attend at least two days per week, but it is possible to attend between one and five days per week, Monday through Friday, 9am to 3pm. Members can sign up for specific days based on what best fits their particular needs and circumstances.

Who attends Beacon?

Beacon is a diverse community of young people who enjoy being part of a happy, healthy learning community.  Here are some member profiles:


Alex, 12, came out of middle school last year and was at Beacon four days a week. At school, he was getting labeled by administrators as a troublemaker and was being bullied. He said he was "bored" and "miserable" in school where he did not like anyone, or enjoy learning. At Beacon, Alex is engaged in many classes, highly verbal, happy, and has a great sense of humor. In fact, he is a sweet, kind and gentle young person. He loves the classes, has made many friends, and with his newfound time to delve into the things he enjoys, has found all kinds of new interests.  Alex frequently shares that with us that he has had "the best year of his life".

Sam, 17, has never been in traditional school and Beacon is one of his favorite places.  He loves learning, takes community college classes and has been coming to Beacon one day a week for 3 years to take a few classes and see his friends. This year, he will begin applying to 4 year colleges, intending to major in science and engineering.