Lehigh Valley Academy RCS

At Lehigh Valley Academy, education is about more than academic achievement. Through the International Baccalaureate (IB), students are encouraged to become thoughtful, capable, and compassionate learners who can make sense of the world—and make a positive difference within it.

Serving students from Kindergarten through their Senior Year, the IB approach supports the whole child. Along with building knowledge and strong academic skills, students develop confidence, communication, resilience, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility to others.

Learning with Purpose

IB classrooms invite students to do more than find the “right” answer. They are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, investigate ideas, consider different perspectives, and reflect on their own growth.

Throughout their learning, students strengthen the qualities of the IB Learner Profile, becoming:

• Inquirers who are eager to explore and discover
• Knowledgeable thinkers who make connections across learning
• Communicators who share ideas and listen to others
• Principled individuals who act with honesty and respect
• Caring community members who value different perspectives
• Open-minded learners who are ready to grow through new experiences
• Reflective students who recognize their strengths and next steps

An IB Journey for Every Stage of Learning

LVA is proud to offer the full IB continuum, giving students a connected learning experience from their earliest school years through graduation.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)
For our youngest Jaguars, the PYP creates a strong foundation through inquiry, exploration, and hands-on learning across subject areas.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)
The MYP helps students in grades 6–10 connect what they learn in the classroom to the world beyond it. Through interdisciplinary learning and meaningful projects, students see how their subjects work together.

Diploma Programme (DP)
During their final two years of high school, DP students take on rigorous coursework while developing research, reflection, and service skills through the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service.

Career-related Programme (CP)
The CP combines IB academic learning with career-focused study, helping students build practical skills and prepare for college, further training, or the workforce.

Growth Beyond a Grade

In an IB education, assessment is designed to support learning—not simply measure it. Students are evaluated using clear learning goals rather than being compared to one another. Through ongoing feedback, reflection, and opportunities to improve, learners gain a deeper understanding of their progress and how to keep moving forward.

At LVA, the IB continuum gives students the opportunity to grow as scholars, leaders, collaborators, and global citizens—all within a close-knit school community.

Discover a world-class education close to home.

 Learn more about LVA and our IB programmes at lvacademy.org.

At LVA, learning is about so much more than memorizing facts—it is about helping students grow into curious, confident, and caring individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them!

Through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), our young Jaguars build the skills and mindset to become lifelong learners.

Here are 10 reasons why the PYP makes a meaningful difference at LVA:

1. It builds curiosity. Students are encouraged to wonder, ask questions, and seek out new discoveries.
2. It grows confidence. Learners develop trust in their ideas, abilities, and voice.
3. It encourages caring for others. Students learn the importance of compassion, respect, and contributing to their community.
4. It inspires thoughtful questions. Learning begins with meaningful inquiry that helps students explore topics more deeply.
5. It welcomes different perspectives. Young Jaguars consider the experiences, cultures, and viewpoints of others.
6. It creates meaningful connections. Students connect their learning across subjects, experiences, and the world around them.
7. It strengthens collaboration and communication. Through discussion, teamwork, and sharing ideas, students learn alongside one another.
8. It develops reflection and lifelong-learning skills. Learners pause to think about their growth, celebrate progress, and identify next steps.
9. It builds global-mindedness. Students recognize that they are part of a larger, interconnected world and can think creatively about real-world issues.
10. It empowers students to take action. With curiosity, compassion, and confidence, students learn how to turn questions into discoveries—and discoveries into meaningful impact.

That is the PYP in action at LVA: developing knowledgeable, open-minded, and responsible learners who are ready to make their mark!

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.