Lehigh Valley Academy RCS

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.

When the final bell rings and students head off to enjoy summer break, the halls of Lehigh Valley Academy may become quieter—but they certainly do not become empty.

While classrooms sit without students for a few short months, teams across the building are already hard at work preparing for another successful school year. From maintenance projects and technology updates to curriculum planning and classroom preparation, summer at LVA is anything but a vacation for the campus itself.

Take a look behind the scenes at what happens when the students head home.

Giving the Building a Fresh Start

Summer provides an opportunity to reset many of our learning spaces. Throughout the building, our facilities and custodial teams work diligently to ensure that every classroom, hallway, and common area is ready to welcome students back in the fall.

Floors are stripped and waxed, carpets are cleaned, furniture is moved and reorganized, and classrooms receive a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning. Walls receive fresh paint where needed, shared spaces are refreshed, and outdoor areas, playgrounds, and gathering spaces are prepared for another year of learning and play. This summer also included refreshing our campus parking lots with newly painted parking lines, directional markings, and other pavement striping to improve organization, traffic flow, and safety throughout campus.

These behind-the-scenes efforts help create the safe, welcoming environment that students and families experience from the very first day they arrive on campus.

Projects That Keep LVA Moving Forward

Summer also provides an opportunity to tackle projects and improvements that are more difficult to complete during the busy school year.

Departments organize supplies and materials, learning spaces receive updates, and maintenance projects help ensure that students return to an environment that is both functional and inspiring. From small enhancements to larger campus initiatives, every project is completed with students in mind.

One of the most exciting developments taking place this summer is the continued progress of LVA’s new Performing Arts Building, made possible through a collaboration with Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Construction continues to move forward as the future home for many of LVA’s music, theater, and performing arts programs takes shape.

Inside, activity is just as exciting as key elements begin to take shape, bringing the vision for the new facility to life. The project remains on track to open for the 2026–2027 school year and will provide students with a dedicated space to learn, rehearse, perform, and showcase their talents for years to come.

Planning for the Year Ahead

Although summer offers a chance to recharge, many educators use this time to look ahead.

Faculty and staff participate in professional development opportunities, collaborate on curriculum enhancements, and develop new lessons, projects, and experiences for students. Teams also begin planning field trips, performances, school traditions, and special events that will help shape the upcoming year.

This important work ensures that classrooms continue to evolve and that students return to engaging, meaningful learning experiences that reflect LVA’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence.

Welcoming New Members of the LVA Family

Summer is also a season of new beginnings.

As new faculty and staff members join our community, orientation and training opportunities help them become familiar with LVA’s culture, programs, and mission. Departments work together to ensure that every new team member feels supported and prepared before students arrive.

Families will also begin seeing new faces featured throughout our website, directories, and communications as we officially welcome them to the Jaguar community.

Preparing for Students’ Return

As August approaches, preparations begin to shift toward opening day.

Classroom materials are organized, schedules are finalized, student information is prepared, and bulletin boards begin to appear throughout the building. Staff members coordinate orientations, welcome events, and countless behind-the-scenes details to ensure a smooth transition back to school.

Every name tag printed, every classroom arranged, and every supply prepared contributes to helping students feel welcomed, supported, and ready for success.

The Work Behind the Welcome

Although the hallways may seem quiet during the summer months, LVA remains hard at work.

From deep cleaning classrooms and planning curriculum to welcoming new staff members and watching the future Performing Arts Building continue to rise, every effort made during the summer helps lay the foundation for another incredible school year.

As classrooms are prepared and new spaces continue to take shape, excitement for the 2026–2027 school year is already beginning to grow.

Because even when students are away, the heart of Lehigh Valley Academy never stops beating.

We look forward to welcoming our Jaguars back soon for another year of learning, growth, creativity, and community.

As summer continues and families prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day provides an opportunity to enjoy time together while also reflecting on an important moment in our nation’s history.

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted, marking the birth of the United States as an independent nation. The document outlined the colonies’ desire for freedom and self-government and remains one of the most significant pieces of American history.

Today, many families celebrate with parades, fireworks, picnics, community events, and gatherings with friends and loved ones. While these traditions have evolved over generations, the holiday continues to remind us of the values of freedom, opportunity, and civic responsibility.

Summer offers countless opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. As families celebrate this holiday weekend, consider exploring some of these activities together:

• Visit a local historical site or museum.
• Read books about American history or the founding of our country.
• Watch a documentary or educational program about Independence Day.
• Discuss family traditions and what freedom means to each member of your family.
• Attend a community parade or fireworks celebration.

At Lehigh Valley Academy, we believe that learning extends far beyond the school year and the classroom walls. Experiences, conversations, travel, and family traditions all contribute to a student’s growth and understanding of the world around them.

As we celebrate Independence Day, we wish all of our LVA families a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend filled with meaningful moments, lasting memories, and opportunities to continue learning together.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at LVA! 🇺🇸

Summer vacation offers students a well-deserved break from homework, tests, and busy school schedules, but learning doesn’t have to pause when the final bell rings. In fact, some of the most meaningful learning experiences happen outside the classroom through exploration, creativity, and everyday adventures.

Whether your family is traveling, staying close to home, or simply enjoying a slower pace, there are countless ways to keep young minds engaged all summer long.

Make Reading Part of the Daily Routine

Reading during the summer helps students maintain important literacy skills while encouraging imagination and curiosity.

• Visit your local library and participate in summer reading programs.
• Allow children to choose books based on their own interests, whether that means mysteries, sports stories, graphic novels, or fantasy adventures.
• Listen to audiobooks during road trips, while drawing, or during quiet time at home.
• Create a family reading challenge or set small goals to celebrate together.

When reading feels enjoyable rather than assigned, students often discover new interests and develop lifelong reading habits.

Turn Everyday Activities Into Learning Opportunities

Learning can happen almost anywhere when children are encouraged to ask questions and explore the world around them.

• Take neighborhood walks and observe plants, insects, or weather changes.
• Visit museums, parks, zoos, historical sites, or cultural attractions.
• Cook recipes together and learn about different countries and traditions.
• Play games that involve strategy, problem-solving, or vocabulary skills.

Simple experiences often spark curiosity and help children make meaningful connections to the world around them.

Encourage Creativity and Hands-On Projects

Summer provides extra time for building, creating, and experimenting.

Students can:

• Design and build with LEGO bricks or recycled materials.
• Create their own board game or card game.
• Conduct simple science experiments at home.
• Plant a garden or grow vegetables and observe the process.
• Make videos, take photographs, or document summer adventures through creative projects.

Hands-on activities strengthen problem-solving skills while allowing children to express themselves in new ways.

Use Technology With Purpose

Screen time can become a valuable learning tool when used intentionally.

Educational apps and programs can help students practice skills, learn new languages, explore coding, or develop creative interests. Children can also watch educational videos, create digital artwork, produce short videos, or research topics that genuinely interest them.

The goal is not to eliminate technology, but to encourage meaningful and balanced use.

Capture Summer Memories

Keeping a journal, sketchbook, or scrapbook allows children to reflect on their experiences while practicing writing and observation skills.

Consider prompts such as:

• What was the best part of your day?
• If you could invent something, what would it be?
• What is one new thing you learned this week?
• What adventure would you like to have before summer ends?

Combining writing, drawing, photography, and creativity helps students preserve memories while building important communication skills.

Enjoy the Journey

Summer learning does not need to look like school. Small moments of curiosity, creativity, and exploration can have a lasting impact.

Whether students are reading under a tree, building a project at home, exploring a local park, or simply asking questions about the world around them, every experience can become an opportunity to learn.

We hope your summer is filled with discovery, adventure, and plenty of fun. We look forward to hearing about all of your experiences when the new school year begins.