The Passport to the Future.

You take a passport with you wherever you go internationally. It’s what gets you through airport security, onto a plane, through customs, and back again. A passport is unique to you— nobody else can claim it as their own.

While we carry a passport on specific occasions, it’s not something we have on us at all times. In fact, there are only a few items we regularly keep on us at any given point in time—keys, phone, wallet, etc.

Regardless of the possessions we hold onto physically, the most prudent item we carry for our entire lives is our education. An education provides us with the skills we need to prosper in daily life. The ability to read, write, speak, calculate, create, socialize, analyze, hypothesize, and listen are how we function as human beings. Much like a passport to travel overseas, an education is something we utilize to advance through the stages of life, overcome obstacles, and function on a daily basis.

With the impact of the recent pandemic, schools around the country are shifting and adapting their curriculums and practices to meet the ever-changing health guidelines perpetuated by local, state, and federal governing bodies. While each school’s approach seems a bit different from the next, it’s critically important for parents to be informed and aware of all their child’s schooling options for the upcoming academic year.

Lancaster County is immensely fortunate to have a tremendous variety of both public and private schooling options that provide safe and supportive learning environments, tremendous academic programs, and prepare students for future higher learning. Thanks to the support of our local sponsors, we are excited to showcase a handful of Lancaster’s wonderful local schools. Click on their names to find more information about them.

LANCASTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Lancaster Catholic High School has embraced and adapted to the changes that 2020 threw at everyone. From beginning virtual learning as soon as schools were shut down in the spring to switching to a blended learning environment for the 2020–21 school year, LCHS has pivoted to a more technological atmosphere while still remaining true to its mission to educate the whole student.

Click to take a Virtual Tour of Lancaster Catholic High School. Call Director of Enrollment, Angela Baumler ‘97 today at 717.509.0313 to find out more about how you can become a member of their family.

How they are adapting: In-Person Learning Hybrid Learning Option with Live Classroom Interaction, Robust Fine & Performing Arts Opportunities

SOLVIT ACADEMY

New to Lancaster City, with lofty ideals and bold plans, Solvit Academy is built on a disruptive approach to education that incorporates the Socratic method—mixed-age classrooms, and experiential learning.

Opening in the fall for the 20–21 school year offering K-5 classes, Solvit Academy is located in the City Crossings building in downtown Lancaster.

The Solvit difference means small classes and individualized learning that is built around a challenging, multi-discipline curriculum where Guides equip kids to be curious and find learning meaningful.

Learn more about this new, revolutionary approach to school through the Solvit Academy website and schedule a tour.

How they are adapting: In-person learning, Spacious studios, Outdoor options

LANCASTER MENNONITE SCHOOL

Lancaster Mennonite School provides PreK-12 education in a diverse community that nurtures students to become creative and innovative learners who are prepared for college, career and life. Centered in Christ and committed to educational excellence, students are empowered to change the world through Christ-like love, peacemaking and service.

People choose Lancaster Mennonite for different reasons. For some, the school’s Christian values and beliefs are paramount. For others, it is the wholesome, caring Christian atmosphere and sense of belonging. Others value the educational excellence. Still others choose LM for exciting co-curricular opportunities in athletics, fine arts and music.

Outstanding teachers, programs and curriculum are all important and good reasons to choose LM. Some like to think of the total school experience as a life-shaping community.

How they are adapting: Small class sizes, supportive teachers, innovative education and adaptability.

NORTH MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE

With a North Museum @home STEM Box , families can truly bring the fun and wonder of the Lancaster based Science and Nature museum into their home.

Your child will love exploring the variety of themes offered and transforming ordinary household items into scientific experiments. Each box encourages children of all ages to engage in the scientific process and teaches scientific principles in a fun and educational way. Available in their Museum Gift Shop, or online at: northmuseum.org/north-museum-home/

How they are adapting: STEM Learning Activity Packs, Virtual Tours, New E-Learning Portal

RESURRECTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Resurrection Catholic School offers an exemplary education with a solid grounding in faith for pre-K through grade eight. As the oldest operating Catholic School in Lancaster County, they provide students with a Christ-centered education rooted in Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church. They encourage spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development nurtured in a multicultural environment.

How they are adapting: Small, intimate classrooms, An affordable option for parents who value a faith-based education, Safety protocols in place for the fall season.

LANCASTER COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Lancaster Country Day School is an independent, college-preparatory school that combines a rigorous curriculum with a supportive and encouraging faculty to ensure that every preschool-12th grade student receive the best education available. We are distinctive because of our demanding college preparatory education and the close, mentoring relationships our faculty has with students. We value community and encourage parents to participate in their child’s education.

DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Dayspring Christian Academy teaches students to become problem-solvers through creative thinking. With a high level of social and emotional intelligence, students can discern truth and meaningfully engage in persuasive discussions, applying Biblical principles to every area of life. Educating children preschool through grade 12. Meet students and get to know the Dayspring difference by viewing their new video at dayspringchristian.com.

NEW SCHOOL MONTESSORI

New School Montessori’s classroom communities are thoughtfully planned, joyful places where children use ingeniously designed materials for hands-on experiential learning and self-discovery. Learning is an adventure. Lessons are inviting. Work is purposeful. Curiosity is encouraged.

Because most experiences are self-directed, children gain an immense sense of satisfaction and confidence from meeting new challenges—a complex math problem, a long book, a research project. The result: Children here love to learn, and their passion for knowledge continues beyond NSM.

How they are adapting: Small group classes of 10, Daily safety protocols, Contained classroom pods, Immersive virtual learning, Fully-loaded chrome books for mobile learning, Before and after school care 7:30am–6pm

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LANCASTER 

AT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT of Lancaster (SDoL), education extends beyond the classroom through the mentoring of students. For many kids, having a mentor or guiding figure is critical for growth and development. SDoL’s newest mentorship program works with sixth grade Black male students
at Lincoln Middle School to develop leadership skills, academic accountability, and personal behavioral accountability. Students in this program partner with local Black mentors who are heavily involved in the community. The goal of this program is to provide students with an increased sense of self-confidence as they work through the challenges of school and life in general.

For more information on joining this program as a student or a mentor, please contact Dominique Miller-Shell via email at dmillershell@gmail.com or by phone at 717.984.9476.

Other SDoL programs include: International Baccalaureate Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Dual enrollment options, Cyber Pathways Academy

THE SUSQUEHANNA WALDOLF SCHOOL

The Susquehanna Waldorf School is an independent school community rooted in the international movement and philosophy of Waldorf education. They provide a rich curriculum that inspires their students to reach the highest levels of intellectual, emotional, artistic, and physical achievement. Through the integration of these pursuits, they nurture the potential within each child to fully develop their unique capacities. Their students acquire a lifelong love of learning and a sense of compassion that benefits them, their community, and the world at large.

How they are adapting: Small Class Sizes, Outdoor Learning Opportunities, Live/Virtual/Hybrid Options