WGLCS

West Gary Lighthouse Charter School

At Lighthouse Academies, we prepare our scholars through rigorous programs that provide them with a foundation that will allow them to succeed in and graduate from college. Our unique arts-infused curriculum, emphasis on social development and integration of diverse cultural opportunities augments learning and broadens horizons.

About

Quick Facts

Number of Scholars: 475
Grades: K-7
Date Opened:
Principal: Kenneth McCants

Features

  • Monthly Parent Meetings and Family Nights
  • Parent Resource Room
  • Accelerated Math Curriculum
  • Arts Infusion Specialists

Annual Events

  • Winter and Spring Showcases
  • Field Day
  • Talent Show

Extracurricular Activities

  • Drumline
  • Cheerleading
  • Art Club
  • Music Club
  • Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball

Partnerships

  • 21st Century Scholars
  • South Shore Arts

Announcements

Hours:  The school day is from 8:00-4:00, with a 2pm dismissal every Wednesday. Students may arrive starting at 7:30 (breakfast will be served from 7:30-7:50) and must be picked up no later than 4:30 (2:30 on Wednesday) to avoid late pick-up charges.

Uniforms:  All students will be required to have a Lighthouse-issued uniform shirt or sweatshirt.  A student will be considered out of uniform if they do not have the logo. Additional, students must wear all-black shoes ( no flip-flops, slippers).

Calendar

May

9th Parent Workshop  9 am and 4 pm
10th Family Dance 5:30- 7:30 pm
27th NO SCHOOL Memorial Day

June

6th K-5 Field Day
7th 6-11 Field Day
11th EARLY DISMISSAL 2 pm
12th Last Day of School Early Dismissal 2 pm

WG IMG_8653 TWalker
"I've strongly enjoyed the educational experience my granddaughter is receiving at WGLCS. They know the value of education and seeing the challenges in her work gives me peace of mind that she will be ready for college." --Grandparent

Documents & Links

Latest Documents

Weekly Newsletters

Document Archive

Board of Directors

Events

Menus

School Calendars

Student Applications

Student Family Handbooks

Weekly Newsletters

School Leaders

Principal

Kenneth McCants

Kenneth McCants
Mr. McCants graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with majors in international business and marketing . Through Teach For America, he worked in Texas as a fourth and third grade teacher and team leader. He then went on to work for Teach For America as a Program Director. Mr. McCants also holds a Masters in Public Administration from Texas Southern University. He joined WGLCS staff in August of 2008, and served as the Director of Instruction for the Lower Academy.
Director of Instruction, Lower Academy

Rachid Kharchaf

Mr. Kharchaf graduated from Purdue University with a major in Elementary Education and later completed his Masters in Administration at Indiana University. He worked as a fourth grade teacher for three years before becoming an Assistant Principal. He enjoys the challenge of increasing student performance and supporting teachers. He joined the WGLCS staff in the summer of 2011 and is currently the Director of Instruction for the Lower Academy.
Director of Instruction, Upper Academy

Beej Shah

Ms. Shah graduated from the University of Michigan with a major in elementary education. Upon graduation, she taught 6th grade Language Arts and Reading in the Metro Detroit Area for four years before going on to the University of Pennsylvania to earn her master's in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum. She has spent the past two years in San Francisco working as a Program Manager for Reading Partners, a non-profit in the Bay Area. She is excited to join the WGLCS team as Director of Instruction for the Upper Academy.
Director of School Culture

Vanessa Jaco

Mrs. Jaco previously served as the Dean of Students for two years at West Gary Lighthouse Charter School. She received a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University. She taught in charter and public schools for seven years.. After social work for three years, she decided to return to education as well as further her own education and obtained a Masters in Addiction Studies. She has a son at the Upper Academy. Mrs. Jaco enjoys working with the children. She is truly thankful that she has the opportunity to model and inspire.
Title 1 Coordinator/Academic Intervention Specialist

Ellie Phillips

Ms. Phillips graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington in 2005, with a major in elementary education. After graduating, Ms. Phillips joined the West Gary Lighthouse School team as a founding teacher, and has taught third and fourth grade for the past six years. During that time Ms. Phillips also earned her master’s in Education, as well as a Reading Specialist degree at DePaul University in Chicago, graduating in 2012. Ms. Phillips has a love of reading and is excited to step into the Title 1 Coordinator role at WGLCS.

Apply

Become a Lighthouse Academy Student

Discover, achieve and prepare for success in college and beyond. We will prepare your student academically, socially and culturally to succeed in and graduate from college.  We will develop your student’s critical decision-making skills to prepare him/her for success in life.  Lighthouse Academies offers small schools, small class sizes, longer school year, and longer school day so we can provide students with a high quality education. Don’t wait – apply now to transform your child’s future!

 

As part of our consolidation in Northwest Indiana, all scholar applications will be directed to the Gary Lighthouse Charter School application page.

Join Our Team

Are you fearless, driven and forward-thinking? We need people who want to teach, lead and transform the lives of our students. We need people who share our passion for creativity and innovation. We are committed to developing the capacity of our staff with 20 professional days each year, individual coaching and collaboration. Join us in transforming children’s futures.

Apply for a position »

Contact

West Gary Lighthouse Charter School

725 Clark Road Gary IN 46406 USA

41.5977516 -87.3937988
Tel: 219-977-9583
Fax: 219-977-9725

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