Lehigh Valley Academy RCS

What better way to begin the middle school journey than with three days of learning, teamwork, and adventure?

Last week, our 6th Grade Jaguars traded the traditional classroom for the great outdoors as they headed to Camp Canadensis for an unforgettable kickoff to their Middle Years Programme (MYP) experience.

Each year, this LVA tradition gives our newest middle school students an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones, build connections with their classmates, and experience learning in an entirely new environment.

Throughout their three-day adventure, students participated in team-building challenges, STEAM activities, athletics, first aid instruction, and hands-on lessons in math, science, writing, and art. Whether they were solving problems together, trying something new, or exploring the outdoors, our Jaguars had plenty of opportunities to put their classroom skills into action.

IB Learners in Action

Camp Canadensis is about more than simply getting away from the classroom. It gives students an early opportunity to experience what it means to be an IB Learner.

Throughout the trip, our sixth graders were encouraged to ask questions, think creatively, take positive risks, communicate with one another, and reflect on their experiences. Each new activity challenged them to practice collaboration, problem-solving, independence, and perseverance—skills that will continue to support them throughout their MYP journey.

Our students were also guided and supported by LVA junior and senior counselors, giving our upperclassmen the opportunity to serve as mentors and leaders for the newest members of our Middle School community.

Building More Than Skills

Between lessons and challenges, there was plenty of time for the moments that make camp memorable. Students enjoyed outdoor activities, games, time with friends, and opportunities to get to know their classmates outside of their usual school-day routines.

By the time our Jaguars returned to LVA, they brought home more than memories. They returned with new friendships, greater confidence, stronger connections, and a shared experience to carry with them throughout the school year.

Making the Experience Possible

This year’s MYP Camp experience was also supported by the LVA Education Foundation, which generously presented a $1,000 donation to support student scholarships for MYP Camp.

The contribution was made possible through the continued support of our LVA community. Every Foundation event attended, fundraiser supported, and contribution made throughout the year helps create opportunities that directly benefit our students.

Support like this helps ensure that more students have the opportunity to participate in experiences like Camp Canadensis—where learning extends beyond the classroom and students are encouraged to explore, connect, grow, and thrive.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to the LVA Education Foundation and everyone in our community who helped make this donation possible!

The Beginning of Their MYP Journey

Camp Canadensis may only last three days, but it marks an important first step in our sixth graders’ MYP experience.

As our Jaguars settle into their first year of Middle School, they can carry forward the friendships they strengthened, challenges they overcame, and lessons they learned during their time at camp.

Welcome back, Jaguars! We hope you had an incredible adventure! 

Be sure to keep an eye out in this year’s Middle School Yearbook for even more photos and memories from Camp Canadensis!

What a wonderful first full week of the 2026–27 school year at Lehigh Valley Academy!

After a successful Soft Start, it has been exciting to see all of our Jaguars back in the building—settling into new routines, reconnecting with friends and teachers, exploring new classrooms, and beginning another year of learning and growth.

This week was especially meaningful for our newest students. From kindergarteners experiencing their first days of school to students beginning new chapters in middle school and high school, LVA has been filled with fresh starts, big transitions, and plenty of Jaguar pride.

Across K–12, our classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces are once again alive with curiosity, collaboration, and community. We are so grateful to our students, families, faculty, and staff for helping make the start of the school year such a positive one.

With our K–5 Back-to-School Nights already underway, we look forward to welcoming our middle and high school families in the weeks ahead, celebrating fall activities, and making even more memories throughout LVA’s 25th year.

Here’s to a strong start and an even brighter year ahead. Welcome back, Jaguars!

As we begin the 2026–27 school year, Lehigh Valley Academy is excited to welcome back our Soft Start schedule for its second year!

Introduced last year, the Soft Start gives students across grade levels an opportunity to ease back into the school routine, become familiar with new classrooms and schedules, reconnect with teachers, and navigate their learning spaces before all grade levels are together.

Our 2026–27 Soft Start Schedule

This year, students will begin according to the following schedule:

• Tuesday, August 18: First day for Grades 1–5, 6, 9, and 11
• Wednesday, August 19: First day for Grades 7, 8, 10, and 12
• Thursday, August 20: First day for Kindergarten

By Thursday, all of our Jaguars will officially be back on campus and ready for another year of learning, growth, and new experiences!

A Confident Start for Our 6th Graders

For our 6th graders, Soft Start provides an especially valuable introduction to middle school.

As the first middle school grade to return, students have additional space and time to become comfortable with a new environment and new routines. They can locate their classrooms, practice opening and using their lockers, learn which hallways and staircases to use, and become familiar with their daily schedules without the typical movement of the entire middle school student body.

This quieter introduction helps students build confidence and independence as they make the transition into middle school.

Welcoming Our 9th Graders to High School

Beginning high school is another major transition, which makes Soft Start particularly beneficial for our 9th-grade students.

With fewer grade levels in the building on their first day, freshmen have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the high school layout, meet their teachers, locate classrooms, navigate transitions between classes, and become comfortable with their lockers and schedules.

Having this time to learn the routines of high school helps our newest high school students begin the year feeling more prepared before Grades 10 and 12 join them on Wednesday.

Preparing 11th Graders for the IB Journey Ahead

Soft Start also provides an important transition for our 11th graders as they begin the next stage of their International Baccalaureate education.

Junior year marks the beginning of the rigorous two-year Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP) experience. Students entering these pathways will encounter new courses, expectations, schedules, and responsibilities as they work toward their individual academic and career goals.

The additional time provided through Soft Start allows 11th graders to settle into their schedules, meet their teachers, and become familiar with the expectations of their chosen IB pathway before the full high school student body returns.

Giving Elementary Students Time to Settle In

Our Grades 1–5 students also benefit from beginning the year through Soft Start.

Moving into a new grade often means a new teacher, classroom, hallway, or even floor of the building. Beginning together on Tuesday gives elementary students time to reconnect with their school community, learn new classroom routines, and become comfortable in their new spaces.

It also gives our returning elementary Jaguars time to settle in before we welcome our youngest students later in the week.

A Special First Day for Kindergarten

On Thursday, August 20, we will officially welcome our newest Jaguars as our kindergarten students celebrate their first day of school!

Giving kindergarten its own start allows our youngest learners to receive a special welcome as they begin an exciting new chapter at LVA. From meeting teachers and classmates to discovering their classrooms and learning new routines, their first day is all about becoming comfortable and excited about school.

Ready for Another Great Year

After a successful introduction last school year, Soft Start returns for its second year as part of LVA’s back-to-school experience. By gradually welcoming students throughout the first few days, we can provide additional time and space for students navigating some of the biggest transitions in their K–12 journey.

Whether they are moving into a new elementary classroom, beginning middle or high school, starting their DP or CP journey, or walking through our doors for their very first day of kindergarten, we want every Jaguar to begin the year feeling welcomed, prepared, and ready to learn.

Welcome to the 2026–27 school year, Jaguars! We can’t wait to see what this year brings.

Picture Day Reminder!

As we kick off the new school year, don’t forget that Yearbook & Student ID Picture Days are also happening during the first week of school!

• Thursday, August 20: Middle & High School students, Grades 6–12
• Friday, August 21: Elementary students, Grades K–5

All students are required to follow LVA dress code guidelines for their school pictures. These photos will be used for student identification and yearbook purposes, so please plan accordingly. Get those Jaguar smiles ready!

The safety of our students, families, and staff is our highest priority. As we prepare for the new school year, please take a few moments to review our parking lot procedures to help ensure a smooth and safe arrival and dismissal for everyone on campus.

Morning Parent Drop-Off

Parent drop-off takes place from 7:40–8:00 AM.

• Students arriving after 8:00 AM must be signed in at the K–5 Front Office by a parent or guardian.
• During the first few weeks of school, we may extend the drop-off window slightly to help families establish their morning routines.

Traffic Flow

To keep traffic moving safely and efficiently:

• Enter campus through Entrance A.
• Follow the designated traffic pattern (blue arrows on the campus map) and directions from staff members.
• Drop students off only at the K–5 entrance and along the side of the gym.
• If exiting onto Schoenersville Road (south), remain in the right lane. Lane changes are not permitted while in the drop-off or pick-up line.
• If traffic backs up at the Schoenersville Road exit, staff will direct vehicles to continue left and exit via Avenue C.
• Vehicles already in the left lane will exit through Entrance A onto Avenue C.

Please refer to the campus traffic map for the complete vehicle route.

Afternoon Pick-Up & Parking Lot Safety

To ensure dismissal runs safely and efficiently, please follow these additional guidelines:

• Do not arrive before 3:00 PM. This helps keep campus access clear for emergency vehicles, deliveries, and families needing early student pick-up.
• If you arrive early, please line up behind the cones at the gym corner (see the traffic map). Vehicles will be directed forward to the K–5 building beginning at 3:00 PM.
• Always drive slowly, stay alert, and avoid texting or other distractions while in the parking lot, as students and staff will be walking throughout the area.

Thank you for helping us create a safe and welcoming environment for every Jaguar. Your patience and cooperation during arrival and dismissal play an important role in keeping our campus safe for everyone.

Rather than simply beginning another school year, Lehigh Valley Academy is beginning a milestone year.

As we celebrate 25 years of educational excellence, CEO Susan Mauser welcomes both returning and new families while reflecting on how far LVA has come—from opening its doors in 2002 with 175 students to becoming a thriving K–12 International Baccalaureate World School serving nearly 2,000 students today.

In her letter, Mrs. Mauser shares,

“Every school year represents a fresh chapter, and this year, as we celebrate our silver anniversary, we have even more reasons to look ahead with optimism and pride.”

She also encourages students to embrace the qualities of the IB Learner Profile while thanking families, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees for helping shape the LVA community over the past quarter century.

As we embark on this special anniversary year, we invite you to read Mrs. Mauser’s full welcome letter and join us in celebrating the people, milestones, and memories that have made LVA what it is today—while looking ahead to an exciting future together.

Read the full CEO Welcome Letter → CEO Letter

As summer begins to wind down, a new school year is just around the corner—and at Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, that means more than simply returning to classrooms. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities to grow, discover, and make a meaningful impact.

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, LVA encourages students to approach each school year with purpose. Every new beginning is an opportunity to strengthen the qualities that define the IB Learner Profile, including being caring, principled, knowledgeable, balanced, and reflective. These attributes help students develop not only as successful learners, but as compassionate individuals prepared to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Whether you’re walking through our doors for the very first time or returning for another exciting year, the start of school offers a fresh perspective. It’s a chance to set new goals, embrace challenges, ask thoughtful questions, and build meaningful connections with classmates, teachers, and the world around you.

As families prepare backpacks, organize schedules, and look ahead to the first day, we invite everyone to pause and reflect:

What kind of learner—and what kind of person—do I hope to become this year?

From our newest Kindergarten Jaguars to our graduating seniors, every student has the opportunity to write the next chapter of their LVA journey with curiosity, confidence, and purpose.

The countdown is on, and we can’t wait to welcome our students and families back for another year of inquiry, growth, and lifelong learning. Here’s to a school year filled with new experiences, meaningful relationships, and the endless possibilities that come with an IB education.

At Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, every student’s journey is unique. From kindergarten through graduation and beyond, our students, families, and alumni continue to share stories about the experiences, opportunities, and relationships that have made an impact along the way.

One upcoming senior, who has been part of the LVA community since kindergarten, reflected on just how much the school has shaped their educational journey.

“I’ve been attending this school since my kindergarten year and have grown up here… it has helped me develop through the unique program we offer.”

Our alumni also continue to recognize the lasting influence of their time at LVA.

“Lehigh Valley Academy RCS gave me a lot of opportunities.”

They went on to share how “the core values of the institution have shaped who I am today,” highlighting the meaningful impact their years at LVA continue to have beyond graduation.

Families appreciate the opportunities available both inside and outside the classroom.

“Overall, LVA is a good school with strong academics and valuable athletic opportunities.”

It’s encouraging to hear from parents who recognize the academic foundation and extracurricular experiences available to their children as they prepare for future success.

Current students also continue to highlight the supportive learning environment they experience each day.

“My experience in LVA so far has been amazing.”

An incoming freshman praised “the diversity of classes and teachers,” sharing that teachers “helped me a lot to understand themes that were difficult to me.” They also appreciated LVA’s focus on student well-being, academic achievement, and opportunities to participate in athletics like basketball, cross country, and volleyball.

Whether you’ve been part of the LVA family for one year or since kindergarten, it’s the voices of our students, families, and alumni that truly tell our story. Every experience shared helps future families learn more about our school community and the opportunities that await.

Have an LVA story of your own? We’d love to hear it! If you’ve had a positive experience at Lehigh Valley Academy, consider leaving a review on Niche. Your feedback helps prospective families learn more about our school and supports our mission of providing an exceptional educational experience for every student.

As families prepare for a new school year at Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, one important step is ensuring students are ready to begin the year in dress code. A consistent dress code helps create an environment where students can focus on learning, build a sense of community, and start each day prepared for success.

At LVA, our dress code supports a school culture that values respect, responsibility, and belonging. By creating consistent expectations for student attire, we help minimize distractions and encourage students to focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and contributing to our school community.

Understanding the LVA Dress Code

Dress code requirements vary slightly by grade level, so families are encouraged to review the guidelines specific to their student’s building. Students are expected to arrive at school in dress code each day and remain in dress code while on campus.

Detailed information can be found in:

• Student handbooks for each division
• The LVA website
• The Code of Conduct and student expectations documents

Reviewing these resources before shopping can help families avoid unnecessary purchases and ensure students are ready for the first day of school.

Where to Shop for Dress Code Clothing

To make back-to-school shopping easier, LVA recommends several vendors that carry clothing options that align with school dress code requirements. Please note that while these retailers offer many appropriate options, not every item sold by these vendors meets LVA guidelines.

Recommended vendors include:

• Walmart
• Lands’ End School Uniforms
• French Toast Schoolwear
• Target
• Flynn & O’Hara
• JCPenney
• Burlington
• Old Navy
• The Archive

Families shopping online through Lands’ End or French Toast can search specifically for Lehigh Valley Academy to find recommended uniform selections. Flynn & O’Hara representatives can also assist families in locating approved items.

For families looking for affordable options, local resale opportunities such as The Archive can provide quality uniform pieces at reduced prices.

Show Your LVA Pride

In addition to traditional dress code apparel, students and families can also purchase official LVA spirit wear and approved school apparel through the LVA School Store.

To access the store:

1. Visit the LVA website.
2. Select the School Life tab.
3. Click School Store.

The store includes:

• Dress code-approved apparel
• Physical education clothing
• LVA spirit wear
• Special event and club merchandise

Purchases made through the Sports and Performing Arts collections also help support student programs and activities across the school.

New designs and products are introduced throughout the year, so families are encouraged to stay connected through LVA communications and newsletters for future releases.

Starting the Year Strong

Beginning the school year prepared and in dress code helps students start the year with confidence and allows everyone to focus on learning from day one. We appreciate the partnership of our families in supporting these expectations and helping maintain a positive, inclusive, and student-centered environment.

Questions about dress code requirements can always be directed to your student’s building administration team or found within the appropriate student handbook.

We look forward to welcoming our Jaguars back for another successful school year.

Crossing the graduation stage is a milestone worth celebrating, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your family’s connection to Lehigh Valley Academy.

As our graduates begin exciting new chapters—whether attending college, entering the workforce, serving in the military, or pursuing other opportunities—we invite them and their families to stay connected with the LVA community.

Our LVA Alumni Resources page is designed to help graduates continue their connection with the school. There, alumni can explore opportunities to visit campus, learn about future class reunions, update their contact information, share feedback through a Niche review, and discover additional resources created just for them.

Looking to reconnect with classmates? We also encourage graduates to join our private Lehigh Valley Academy Alumni Facebook group. It’s a place to stay in touch with fellow alumni, hear about upcoming alumni events, celebrate milestones, and continue building the connections that began at LVA.

Whether you graduated this year or many years ago, you’ll always be an important part of the LVA community. We look forward to staying connected and celebrating all that our alumni accomplish in the years ahead.

Ready to stay connected? Visit our Alumni Resources page through the Alumni portal on LVA’s main website to explore alumni resources, or use the button below for direct access. Be sure to join our private Lehigh Valley Academy Alumni Facebook group to reconnect with classmates and stay up to date on alumni news and events.

The experiences of our students and families are what make Lehigh Valley Academy such a special place. We are always grateful when members of our community take the time to share honest feedback, and two recent Niche reviews from a current parent and a graduating senior highlight many of the qualities that define the LVA experience.

One parent shared, “We are pretty happy with LVA,” noting that “things are looking up” as the school continues to grow. They highlighted the expansion of opportunities for students, sharing that “the school has been supportive in expanding more clubs like MathCounts and Strategic Gaming Club,” while also recognizing the growth of our athletics and performing arts programs.

The parent also praised the classroom experience, writing that “the teachers are passionate about their jobs and are caring toward their students,” and that “their classes are more rigorous than most schools in the area.” They concluded by sharing that “LVA continues to grow as a respected IB school” and “prepare[s] the students well for college.”

A graduating senior echoed many of those same themes, describing LVA as providing “a very strong academic environment, especially through its IB program,” that “challenges students to think critically and prepare for college.” They also shared that “the teachers are supportive and genuinely want students to succeed,” and appreciated that “there are opportunities to get involved in clubs, sports, and other activities.”

Beyond academics, the senior recognized LVA as “an inclusive place,” and concluded that “Overall, LVA is a good school for students who are motivated and willing to work hard. It offers a good quality education and prepares students for their future.”

While every student’s journey is unique, it’s encouraging to see both a parent and a graduating senior recognize many of the same strengths—dedicated teachers, rigorous academics, meaningful extracurricular opportunities, and an educational experience that prepares students for what comes next.

Thank you to every student, parent, and family member who takes the time to share their experiences.

Your voices help celebrate our community while helping us continue to grow and strengthen the experience we provide for every LVA student.

Are you a current LVA family?

We’d love to hear about your experience!

If you haven’t already, consider visiting our Niche profile to share your thoughts. Your feedback helps prospective families learn more about our school while helping us continue to grow as a community.