Welcome to Lighthouse Charter Academy!

I’m honored to serve as the new principal of this incredible school. Whether you’re a new or returning family, I want to extend a warm and heartfelt greeting and welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. There is something special about this place and I know we are in for a great school year.

For the past 27 years, spent my career in education working to create schools where students feel seen, challenged, and inspired. I bring with me a deep commitment to student-centered learning, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine excitement to get to know this community—families, students, and staff alike.

Lighthouse is a school that believes learning should be active, engaging, and relevant. Through project-based learning, our students dive into real-world challenges that require them to think critically, collaborate with others, and take ownership of their ideas. It’s not just about covering content—it’s about doing work that matters, sparks curiosity, and builds the kind of skills students need to be successful in life: communication, problem-solving, flexibility, and perseverance.

We also believe that strong relationships are at the heart of a great school. Students thrive when they feel safe, supported, and challenged. That’s why we emphasize a restorative approach which is accountability and empathy focused. At Lighthouse, we see mistakes not as setbacks, but as essential parts of learning and growing. Whether it’s academic, social, or personal, every misstep is a chance to reflect, repair, and build stronger relationships—with ourselves and each other.

As a newcomer, I’m excited to continue building on Lighthouse’s foundation with a clear focus: helping every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a place where they feel they belong.

If you’re already part of our school family, thank you for your trust and partnership. If you’re considering joining us, I encourage you to explore more—come to a school event, read about our programs, see our students in action. We are always looking to welcoming new Hawks to the Lighthouse family.

Let’s make it a great year,
Marla Bowen
Principal, Lighthouse Charter Academy