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In Honor of National School Choice Week: January 26th – January 30th 2026!

National School Choice Week is a time to celebrate educational options and empower families with accurate information about the choices available to them. One option that is often misunderstood is public charter schools.

As a public, non-profit regional charter school, Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School (LVA) is proud to help clarify common misconceptions and share the facts.

Below, we’re breaking down some of the most common myths surrounding Pennsylvania charter schools — and the truths behind them.

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Myth: Charter schools are not public schools.

Fact: Charter schools absolutely can be public schools.

In Pennsylvania, charter schools are public schools. LVA is a public, non-profit charter school, open to all students through a fair and transparent enrollment process. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are tuition-free and funded with public dollars.

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Myth: Charter schools get to pick the “best” students from traditional public schools.

Fact: Charter schools serve all students.

Charter schools do not select students based on academics, behavior, or background. When applications exceed available seats, enrollment is determined by a random lottery, as required by Pennsylvania law. As a regional school, LVA proudly educates students from 19+ school districts, creating a diverse and inclusive learning community.

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Myth: Charter schools do not answer to the public because their boards are not elected.

Fact: Charter schools are directly accountable.

Charter schools are held accountable by their authorizing school board or the Pennsylvania Department of Education. These entities have the authority to renew — or not renew — a school’s charter, making accountability central to charter school operations.

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Myth: Charter schools segregate students based on race.

Fact: Pennsylvania charter schools are highly diverse.

Charter schools across Pennsylvania serve diverse student populations and, in many cases, educate higher percentages of African-American and Hispanic students than district-run schools. At LVA, diversity is a strength and a reflection of the communities we serve.

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Myth: Charter schools are not accountable.

Fact: Charter schools are among the most accountable public schools in Pennsylvania.

Charter schools operate under performance contracts that measure academic outcomes, financial responsibility, and organizational integrity. The possibility of closure is the ultimate form of accountability — a level of oversight unmatched in traditional public school systems.

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Myth: Charter schools are large, for-profit companies.

Fact: Pennsylvania requires charter schools to be non-profit.

All brick-and-mortar and cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania must be organized as public, non-profit corporations. LVA operates with the mission of serving students and families — not generating profit.

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Myth: Charter schools do not enroll special education students.

Fact: Charter schools enroll similar ratios of special education students as public schools.

Charter schools are legally required to serve students with disabilities and provide appropriate special education services. LVA enrolls and supports special education students in alignment with state and federal requirements.

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Why School Choice Matters

National School Choice Week is about ensuring families have access to accurate information so they can make the best educational decisions for their children.

At Lehigh Valley Academy, we believe that public education can be innovative, inclusive, and globally focused, while still being accountable and accessible to all.

If you’re exploring school options for your child, we encourage you to learn more about what makes LVA unique and how our public, K–12 International Baccalaureate framework supports students from across the Lehigh Valley.

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Interested in learning more?
Visit lvacademy.org/admissions to explore our programs and register for an upcoming Admissions Information Session.

Join Us in Spreading the Word!

Already part of the LVA community? Help us spread the word by sharing this information with friends and family who may be exploring their school options!

When you share information about LVA, you’re doing more than promoting a school — you’re advocating for access, equity, and opportunity in education.

Encourage families you know to apply, attend an information session, or visit our website to learn more about our programs and community. Together, we can ensure every child has the chance to thrive in an environment designed to help them grow academically, emotionally, and globally.

Lehigh Valley Academy (LVA) is a public, non-profit charter school, and our admissions process follows the guidelines outlined in our charter and Pennsylvania Charter School Law. We understand that navigating school enrollment—especially a lottery process—can feel overwhelming, and we are committed to being as clear and supportive as possible every step of the way.

Admissions Information Sessions: Your First Step

Our Admissions Information Sessions are designed to help families better understand LVA’s academic programs, school culture, student expectations, and the admissions and lottery process. These sessions offer an opportunity to ask questions, meet members of our team, and learn what makes LVA unique.

Attending an information session is highly encouraged, though not required to apply. Families who miss a session can always find additional resources and information on our website.

How the Lottery Process Works

Because interest in LVA often exceeds the number of available seats, we conduct a random lottery when applications outnumber openings at a grade level.

Important reminders:

• Participation in the lottery requires that all required application materials are submitted by the application deadline.
• The lottery for the 2026–2027 school year will be held on March 9, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the deadline are placed on the waiting list but are not included in the lottery.

Enrollment & Waiting List Priority Order

Students are enrolled or placed on the waiting list in the following order:

1. Siblings of currently enrolled LVA students who live at the same address within the Bethlehem Area School District or Saucon Valley School District
   • If there are more siblings than available seats at a grade level, a sibling lottery is conducted.
2. Siblings of currently enrolled students who reside in other school districts
3. Students residing in Bethlehem Area School District or Saucon Valley School District
   (LVA’s chartering districts)
4. Students from all other school districts

As classroom openings occur throughout the school year, families are contacted directly from the waiting list based on this order.

Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School reserves the right to verify residency during the enrollment process in accordance with state guidelines.

Why Staying on the LVA Waiting List Is Important

We know it can be difficult when your child is not selected through the lottery—but remaining on the waiting list truly matters.

Each grade level has a set enrollment cap. When a student withdraws during the school year, the next eligible student on the waiting list for that grade is contacted to fill the opening. This occurs more often than many families realize, which is why staying on the waiting list is crucial if LVA is your preferred choice.

Please keep in mind:

• Waiting lists do not carry over year to year.
• Families must submit a new application each school year to participate in the lottery or be placed on the waiting list.
• If you missed the application deadline for this year (March 4, 2026), you may still apply to be placed on the waiting list for the following fall.

How to Apply & Stay Informed

Applications can be completed through our Admissions Application Portal, accessible on our website at
 www.lvacademy.org

We also strongly encourage families to attend an Admissions Information Session to gain a deeper understanding of our programs and admissions process. Missed a session? No problem—additional information and resources are always available online.

We’re Here to Help

We recognize that this process requires patience, and we truly appreciate your continued interest in Lehigh Valley Academy. Your perseverance and commitment to your child’s education does not go unnoticed.

If you have questions or need assistance at any point, please don’t hesitate to reach out:

610-866-9660
2040 Avenue C, Bethlehem, PA 18017

Stay hopeful, stay engaged—and thank you for considering Lehigh Valley Academy for your child’s education.

At Lehigh Valley Academy, one of the ways we ensure new students feel welcomed, supported, and confident from day one is through our Student Ambassador Program—a leadership initiative led by our high school students and rooted in the values of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile.

The program is designed with three core goals in mind:

• Assist new students as they get to know LVA
• Share experiences and expertise from the perspective of current LVA students
• Build a strong sense of community across grade levels

Through this program, students actively develop IB traits such as being Communicators, Caring, and Open-Minded, while learning how to lead with empathy and responsibility.

Ambassador Roles & Responsibilities

Student Ambassadors serve in several key roles, each aligned with IB principles and focused on helping new students feel comfortable, informed, and engaged:

• School Guides (Communicators, Knowledgeable)
  Ambassadors provide tours for new students, clearly and confidently explaining daily routines, academic spaces, and school life while answering questions from a student’s point of view.
• Mentors (Caring, Principled)
  As mentors, ambassadors offer guidance, encouragement, and support as new students acclimate to LVA—modeling integrity, kindness, and responsibility.
• Resource Assistants (Thinkers, Balanced)
  Ambassadors help new students navigate locker assignments, class schedules, and school resources, demonstrating problem-solving skills while supporting a smooth transition into school life.
• Event Promoters (Risk-Takers, Open-Minded)
  Ambassadors encourage participation in school events, clubs, and activities, helping new students step outside their comfort zones and engage fully in the LVA community.

Why the Student Ambassador Program Matters

The Student Ambassador Program reflects LVA’s commitment to developing students who are not only academically prepared, but also empathetic leaders and engaged global citizens. By empowering students to support one another, the program brings the IB Learner Profile to life in meaningful, real-world ways.

At LVA, leadership is not just taught—it’s practiced. And our Student Ambassadors exemplify what it means to learn, lead, and serve through the lens of the IB.

Learn More at an Admissions Information Session

Families of rising high school students (Grades 9–11) are invited to attend an Admissions Information Session in January 2026 to learn more about the opportunities that make Lehigh Valley Academy RCS stand apart.

During this session, families will gain a closer look at LVA’s IB pathways, course offerings, student expectations, and how our programs—along with leadership opportunities like the Student Ambassador Program—prepare learners for college, careers, and beyond.

This is an ideal time to explore which pathway best aligns with your child’s strengths, goals, and aspirations.

Visit lvacademy.org/info-sessions to register.

We also encourage current LVA families to share this opportunity with friends, neighbors, and anyone interested in learning how an IB education at LVA can help students grow as confident, capable, and compassionate learners.

At Lehigh Valley Academy, every high school student has the opportunity to pursue an educational journey that empowers them to think deeply, act responsibly, and step confidently into their future. Through our International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP), students can choose the path that best aligns with their interests — while still benefiting from the shared strengths of an IB education rooted in inquiry, independence, and global awareness.

A Closer Look at the Diploma Programme (DP)

The IB Diploma Programme offers an academically rigorous and globally recognized curriculum designed for students who want to challenge themselves across a broad range of subjects. DP students learn to make cross-disciplinary connections, think critically, and apply their learning to real-world issues.

With a strong emphasis on academic writing, research, and global citizenship, the DP is ideal for students preparing for college-level coursework and future success in higher education.

A Closer Look at the Career-related Programme (CP)

The Career-related Programme blends the best of IB academics with meaningful, hands-on professional experience. CP students pair IB coursework with learning in career fields such as health science, business, or technology — gaining practical skills that prepare them for both the workforce and college.

The CP is designed for students who thrive when learning is connected to authentic, real-world applications and who want to explore a career direction before graduation.

What Connects Both Pathways?

Though DP and CP offer different approaches, both pathways are grounded in the core principles of an IB education. All LVA high school students benefit from:

• Inquiry-based learning
• Community engagement
• Research and reflection through extended projects
• A global mindset that lasts a lifetime

These shared experiences help students grow into confident, balanced, and knowledgeable young adults ready to make an impact — whether they pursue higher education, a career, or both.

A Pathway for Every Passion

No two students are the same, and neither are their futures. LVA’s IB High School model supports academic, creative, and career-oriented interests, giving students the flexibility to explore what excites them while building the skills needed for lifelong success.

Whether a student dreams of entering a competitive university, studying abroad, launching a business, or stepping into a professional field, LVA provides the foundation to help them get there.

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Interested in Learning More? Join Us in January!

Families of rising high school students (Grades 9–11) are invited to attend our Admissions Information Session in January 2026. This session offers a closer look at both IB pathways, course options, student expectations, and how our programmes prepare learners for college, careers, and beyond.

Now is the perfect time to discover which pathway fits your child’s strengths, goals, and dreams.

Visit lvacademy.org/info-sessions to register.

We encourage current LVA families to share this opportunity with friends, neighbors, and anyone curious about how an IB education can shape a student’s future!

A Night of Talent, Family, and Community Pride

There’s something special about watching young performers step into the spotlight — especially when they represent the heart, creativity, and spirit of LVA. Tonight marks an exciting moment for our school community as two members of the LVA Drama Community, Caiden Baer and Jace Langlais, take the stage for opening night of A Christmas Carol at the Civic Theatre of Allentown.

For Caiden, this evening is particularly meaningful. He will make his community theatre debut in the role of Tiny Tim, a character known for hope, resilience, and the power of believing in what’s possible — values that beautifully align with our IB mission and the learner traits we cultivate at LVA.

Jace returns to the Civic Theatre stage in the challenging and iconic role of Ebenezer at age 13. His dedication to storytelling and willingness to push himself artistically reflect the confidence and communication skills we aim to develop in all of our Middle Years students.

Adding even more heart to the production, both students will be accompanied on stage by their mothers — Kelly Baer, Chairman of the LVA Education Foundation, and Odessa Langlais, Secretary of the Education Foundation. Their involvement speaks to something we cherish deeply at LVA: that our community doesn’t just support the arts… we participate in them, celebrate them, and model the joy of creativity for our students.

The Arts at LVA: A Space to Grow, Express, and Shine

Moments like this remind us why the arts matter. Whether in drama, music, visual arts, or performance opportunities within the classroom, LVA students embrace experiences that help them grow as communicators, risk-takers, and reflective thinkers. Many of our families are also active participants in community arts organizations, strengthening the connection between what students learn in school and how they express themselves beyond it.

Seeing LVA students step into local theaters, festivals, competitions, and community events reaffirms that their learning doesn’t begin or end in the classroom — it follows them into the world.

Join Us in Supporting Our Jaguar Performers

A Christmas Carol will run from December 5–20, and we encourage our families, alumni, and community partners to come out and support Caiden, Jace, and their families during this special theatrical run.

Tickets available at: www.civictheatre.com

Let’s fill the audience with LVA pride and celebrate the incredible talent, courage, and collaborative spirit that make our Jaguars shine — on stage and beyond.

At Lehigh Valley Academy, the Middle Years are about far more than academics — they’re a transformational stage where students begin to think critically, build confidence, and discover who they are as learners. Through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), students in Grades 6–10 engage in meaningful experiences that prepare them not only for high school, but for life.

An International Framework for Lifelong Learning

The MYP encourages students to make real-world connections through inquiry, reflection, and creativity. By engaging in hands-on projects, problem-solving challenges, and interdisciplinary learning, students strengthen the skills that matter most — not just what to learn, but how to learn.

Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration

Middle Years learners grow into independent thinkers and effective communicators. They collaborate with peers, explore new ideas, and practice learning strategies that deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Learning That Inspires Action

Whether through service, leadership, or creative projects, LVA students are encouraged to take action on what they learn. The MYP empowers them to see themselves as capable, responsible, and ready to make a difference in their communities.

Preparing for the Diploma & Career Pathways Ahead

The Middle Years provide a strong foundation for LVA’s IB Diploma and Career-related Programmes. Students develop balance, purpose, and motivation — the skills that support academic rigor and personal growth in Grades 11 and 12.

Explore the Middle Years for Your Child

The Middle Years are where curiosity takes root, confidence grows, and students begin to find their voice. At LVA, our IB Middle Years Programme encourages curiosity, creativity, and real-world connections that set students up for long-term success.

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Help Us Spread the Word!

If you believe in the power of an LVA education, we invite you to share this blog with friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers who may be exploring school options.

Encourage them to attend an upcoming Admissions Information Session to see firsthand what makes LVA such a special place for students to learn and grow. Sometimes the best connections come from our own LVA community — your voice truly makes a difference!

🔗 Learn more & register: lvacademy.org/admissions

Reflecting on Our First Snow Day of the School Year

Yesterday, LVA experienced one of the most anticipated moments of every school year—our first official snow day! While winter weather can be unpredictable in Pennsylvania, one thing remains constant: our commitment to student safety and well-being.

As snow fell across the Lehigh Valley, our leadership team worked closely with transportation partners, weather monitoring services, and local officials to ensure that all decisions were made with safety as our top priority. When conditions made travel difficult, our school community pivoted quickly, allowing students and families the opportunity to stay warm, cozy, and off the roads.

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A Pause in the School Routine… and a Chance for Joy

Snow days come with a special kind of excitement. From building snowmen, baking cookies with family, catching up on sleep, or simply watching the snowfall—it was a welcomed winter break from the everyday routine.

At LVA, we recognize the value of moments like these. They remind us that education isn’t just confined to our classrooms. Snow days encourage:

• Creativity
• Problem-solving (especially when shoveling!)
• Quality time with family
• Rest and rejuvenation

These experiences support our IB Learner Profile Traits, especially Balance, reminding students and staff to care for themselves physically and mentally.

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The Safety Work You Don’t See

Even on days when our buildings are closed, much happens behind the scenes:

• Updates to campus walkways and parking areas
• Coordination with transportation
• Monitoring of changing weather patterns
• Communication planning
• Technology readiness for potential alternative schedules

Our goal is always to keep families informed, prepared, and supported.

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Looking Ahead

As winter continues, weather will sometimes disrupt our day-to-day learning environment. When it does, LVA will remain committed to:

• Clear and timely communication
• Safety first
• Thoughtful decision-making
• Preserving learning time whenever possible

Though snow days are rare and often brief, they offer meaningful pauses in our busy academic year.

In addition, LVA has established clear procedures to help families stay informed when unexpected weather impacts the school day. Our emergency procedures, early dismissal guidelines, and school closing information—outlined in the school handbook and annual calendar—ensure that all communication is clear, consistent, and efficient.

Excerpt from LVA Communication Protocols
Lehigh Valley Academy has developed a comprehensive emergency plan to keep students and staff safe and secure at all times while in school. There are times, however, when school may be delayed, dismissed early, or canceled due to circumstances beyond our control.

In the case of an emergency, late start, early dismissal, or school closing, families will be notified through the following channels:
• 69 WFMZ-TV News Storm Center
• LVA Website
• LVA Social Media Platforms
• Schoolwide Messaging System (phone, text, and email)

These layered communication tools ensure that alerts reach our LVA community as quickly as possible. To help us maintain accurate records, we encourage families to verify that their contact information is current.

If families ever want to review these procedures in greater detail, they can find them in the school handbook. They are located under the Communication section.

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Share Your Snow Day Moments!

We’d love to see how our students and families spent their snow day!
If you snapped photos of snowy adventures, warm indoor moments, or creative snow day fun, feel free to share them on social media and tag Lehigh Valley Academy.

Let’s celebrate the magic of the season together!
Stay safe, stay warm—and here’s to a bright, joyful winter ahead.

The LVA Education Foundation is thrilled to share a heartfelt recap of our recent Designer Bag & Accessories Bingo—an event that once again showcased the generosity, spirit, and togetherness of the LVA community. What began as a fun afternoon of games and prizes turned into a remarkable show of support for our students and staff.

From the moment doors opened, the room was filled with energy. Families, alumni, staff members, and new friends gathered at the tables, eager for a chance to win designer bags, accessories, and raffle prizes—yet even more inspired to support the mission of the Education Foundation. It was truly a beautiful mix of longtime supporters and first-time attendees coming together for a shared purpose.

By the end of the event, thanks to everyone’s participation and generosity, we proudly raised more than $7,000. These funds will directly support initiatives that enhance learning experiences, increase opportunities for students, and ensure our staff have the resources they need to continue delivering high-quality education. Every dollar raised represents a tangible impact on our classrooms, programs, and school community.

We also want to recognize the incredible businesses and partners who helped make this event possible.
Our sincere gratitude goes to:

• BSI Corporate Benefits
• R 5 Design Co.
• Pany & Lentz Engineering Co.
• Alpha Chiropractic
• Joan Steinberg – Pampered Chef Consultant
• Bethlehem FOP
• Allentown FOP
• A Plus DJs

Their commitment to supporting local education played a vital role in the success of this fundraiser.

As we reflect on the afternoon, what stands out most is not just the funds raised—it’s the sense of community that filled the room. Laughter between rounds, friendly competition, conversations between families, and new connections formed all contributed to an atmosphere that felt uniquely “LVA.”

To those who attended, volunteered, sponsored, donated, or helped spread the word: thank you. You are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. We’re grateful to have you as part of the LVA family, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates and future Education Foundation events—there is so much more ahead!