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At Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, we believe student success doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s built through strong partnerships between students, families, and educators — working together with shared goals, open communication, and mutual trust.

From the first interaction with our admissions team through graduation, families are an essential part of the learning journey.

Open and Ongoing Communication

Clear, consistent communication helps families stay informed and connected. LVA prioritizes transparency by sharing academic updates, school information, and important dates so families feel confident and engaged in their child’s education.

Families are encouraged to reach out, ask questions, and stay involved — because communication is a two-way partnership.

Collaboration Between Families and Educators

Teachers and staff work closely with families to support student growth both academically and socially. When families and educators collaborate, students benefit from consistency, encouragement, and shared expectations across home and school.

This partnership helps ensure that each student receives the support they need to succeed.

Supporting the Whole Child

Student success goes beyond academics. LVA focuses on the social, emotional, and personal development of every student, recognizing that well-supported students are better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive.

By working together, families and school staff help students build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging.

Building a Strong School Community

A successful school is one where families feel welcomed and valued. LVA encourages family involvement through events, school activities, and opportunities to connect with staff and other families.

These shared experiences help create a supportive school community centered on students.

A Shared Commitment to Student Success

When families and schools work together, students are empowered to reach their full potential. At LVA, partnership is not just encouraged — it’s foundational to everything we do.

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Experience the LVA Difference

Want a closer look at life at LVA? Join us at an upcoming Admissions Information Session to discover what sets our community apart.

Head to lvacademy.org/admissions to view the available dates we have left before our application deadline!

If you’re already part of Jaguar Nation, we encourage you to share this with families who may be searching for the right school community.

Choosing a school for your child is a big decision — and one that often comes with a lot of questions, emotions, and uncertainty. While every family’s journey looks different, there are a few common reflections we hear again and again from parents after they’ve gone through the admissions process.

Here are some things parents often say they wish they knew before applying.

It’s Okay to Start the Process Earlier Than You Think

Many families assume they need to wait until spring to explore new school options. In reality, starting earlier allows time to research, attend information sessions, and ask thoughtful questions — without feeling rushed by deadlines.

Beginning the process early often leads to more confidence and less stress.

Visiting (or Attending an Info Session) Makes a Difference

Websites and brochures are helpful, but nothing replaces seeing a school in action. Families frequently say that attending an admissions information session helped them better understand the school’s culture, expectations, and approach to learning.

Meeting teachers, administrators, and admissions staff — even virtually — can provide clarity and reassurance.

It’s Not Just About Academics

Academics matter, but parents often realize that how a child learns is just as important as what they learn. Families look back and appreciate schools that focus on curiosity, critical thinking, student voice, and social-emotional growth alongside academic success.

Asking Questions Is Encouraged

There’s no such thing as a “small” question when it comes to your child’s education. Parents often say they wish they had asked more questions early on — about support services, communication, school culture, and daily routines.

Admissions teams are there to help families feel informed and supported throughout the process.

Finding the Right Fit Brings Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most common reflection parents share is this: once they found a school that aligned with their values and their child’s needs, the decision felt right.

Taking time to explore options thoughtfully can lead to confidence — not second-guessing.

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Thinking About Applying?

We encourage families to learn more about Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School by joining an upcoming Admissions Information Session.

Visit lvacademy.org/admissions to explore session dates, learn more about our programs, and take the next step.

Already part of the LVA community? Feel free to share this blog with friends or family who may be starting their school search.

Choosing the right school is about more than rankings or test scores — it’s about finding a place where your child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.

At Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, we encourage families to think thoughtfully about fit when exploring school options. Every child learns differently, and the right environment can make all the difference.

Here are a few key questions to consider when deciding if LVA may be the right fit for your child.

Does Your Child Enjoy Asking Questions and Exploring Ideas?

LVA’s learning model encourages curiosity and inquiry. Students are invited to ask questions, investigate topics deeply, and make meaningful connections across subjects.

Children who enjoy exploring ideas, thinking critically, and learning through discussion and projects often thrive in this environment.

Does Your Child Benefit from Active, Engaged Learning?

Rather than focusing solely on worksheets or memorization, instruction at LVA emphasizes collaboration, discussion, and hands-on learning.

Students who benefit from engaging lessons, real-world connections, and opportunities to share their thinking may feel especially supported.

Is Global Awareness and Perspective Important to Your Family?

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, LVA places a strong emphasis on global awareness, cultural understanding, and respect for different perspectives.

Families who value preparing students for an interconnected world often appreciate this approach to learning.

Does Your Child Value Relationships and Community?

A strong sense of belonging is essential to student success. LVA prioritizes building positive relationships between students, educators, and families.

Children who thrive in supportive communities where they feel known, valued, and encouraged often find LVA to be a welcoming place.

Are You Looking for Growth Beyond Academics?

LVA focuses on developing the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally. Confidence, communication, responsibility, and reflection are built into the learning experience at every grade level.

Families who value character development alongside academic growth often find that LVA aligns with their goals.

Seeing It for Yourself Makes a Difference

While reading about a school is helpful, experiencing it firsthand is often the best way to determine fit. Attending an admissions information session allows families to meet staff, learn more about programs, and ask questions specific to their child.

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Ready to Learn More?

We invite families to explore whether LVA is the right fit for their child by reading our latest blog and joining an upcoming Admissions Information Session.

Visit lvacademy.org/admissions to learn more and register.

If you’re already part of the LVA community, feel free to pass this along to friends or family who may be considering school options.

At Lehigh Valley Academy, we believe literacy should be engaging, meaningful, and inspiring for every student. One of the ways our elementary classrooms bring reading to life is through a program called BookBreak — a virtual author talk experience that connects students directly with the creators behind the stories they love.

BookBreak is a K–12 virtual author visit program designed to make transformative literacy experiences accessible to classrooms everywhere. Through live, interactive sessions, students have the opportunity to meet authors, hear about their writing journeys, and ask questions in real time — all from their classroom.

This innovative program aligns seamlessly with LVA’s approach to interactive learning and the IB philosophy of inquiry-based education. BookBreak encourages students to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and make personal connections to literature, supporting the IB learner profile by fostering curiosity, communication, and global awareness.

Earlier this school year, Mrs. Moffat’s 3rd grade class experienced the excitement of BookBreak firsthand during a virtual author visit. One student, Gadiel, submitted a video question recorded by his mom — and to his surprise, it was featured live during the session! The moment sparked cheers from his classmates and created an unforgettable learning experience. It was a perfect example of how BookBreak empowers students to actively participate in their learning and see themselves as part of the storytelling process.

BookBreak was created with a mission to make high-quality literacy events available to all schools, including those that may not otherwise be able to afford in-person author visits. With over 2,000 subscribing schools nationwide, the program is designed to embed author talks directly into classroom instruction and curriculum standards.

These virtual author sessions do more than introduce students to writers — they ignite a passion for reading, inspire creativity in writing, and motivate even the most reluctant readers. Each experience becomes a catalyst for deeper learning and helps cultivate a school-wide culture that celebrates literacy.

At LVA, BookBreak is another way we bring learning beyond the textbook and into the real world. By connecting students with authors and stories in an interactive format, we continue to nurture confident readers, thoughtful thinkers, and lifelong learners.

At Lehigh Valley Academy, we often share moments from our classrooms, clubs, performances, and school events. You may see photos of students learning, videos from assemblies, or stories about special projects happening across our campus.

We do this for a reason.

We believe that every moment tells part of our story — and that story can help another family discover a place where their child can belong, grow, and succeed.

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Spread the Word

Many families learn about our school not through advertisements, but through the stories they see shared by our community.

A single post can reach someone who has never heard of us before.
A single video can help a parent imagine their child in our classrooms.

For example, when we share:

• Photos of hands-on science labs like chicken wing dissections or Renaissance invention projects inspired by Leonardo da Vinci
• Stories from our Chess Club hosting its first interscholastic tournament

We are not just showing activities — we are showing curiosity, teamwork, confidence, and pride.

These stories often travel farther than we realize and reach families who are searching for the right school for their child.

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Excellence Recognized

We are proud of the recognition our school has received. But what truly makes our community special is not just the awards — it’s the people behind them.

Our excellence shows up in moments of leadership, service, and compassion.

For example:

• Two seniors completed Eagle Scout projects that gave back to our school community by building an outdoor classroom space and creating LEGO therapy carts for students in need of support

These moments reflect our values in action.

When families see stories like these, they don’t just see a successful school — they see a school that cares.

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Why It Matters

Sharing our story is about more than highlighting events — it’s about showing what school can feel like for a child.

For many families, a single post about a classroom project, a field trip, or a student presentation is the first time they can picture their own child feeling confident and included at school.

When we share moments like:

• Students exploring college and career paths
• Participation in clubs and leadership groups such as Ski & Snowboard Club, Chess Club, and Student Council

We are showing that learning continues beyond the classroom and that every student can find their place.

Even the small moments matter.
A photo of students working together, laughing with friends, or proudly sharing their work sends a powerful message:

Your child will be seen here.
Your child will be supported here.

For families searching for the right fit, these stories offer reassurance that school can be a place of belonging, encouragement, and growth.

That is why we share our story — so another family can see it and think, “This feels like home.”

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The Bigger Picture

Every story we share has the potential to reach someone who needs hope, direction, or reassurance.

When we post about:

• Theater productions, concerts, and pep rallies
• Community service projects such as clothing drives, blood drives, and fundraisers

We are showing more than events.
We are showing confidence being built, compassion being learned, and character being shaped.

These stories help families imagine their child here — learning, growing, and belonging.

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Our Story Continues With You

We don’t tell this story alone.

Every time a family shares a post.
Every time a student shows a parent a video.
Every time someone sends our admissions link to a friend…

The story grows.

You never know who might see it.
You never know whose life it might change.

So when you see a story that makes you smile…
When you read about a project that makes you proud…
When you watch a video that reminds you why you chose Lehigh Valley Academy…

Share it.

Because stories open doors.
And every child deserves the chance to walk through one.

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Stay Connected with Lehigh Valley Academy

Our story continues every day through the moments that matter most — in our classrooms, on our stages, and throughout our community.

Follow us on social media to see:

• Student achievements and celebrations
• Classroom learning in action
• Performances, events, and school highlights
• The people who make LVA special

Click the link HERE to follow us and experience our story as it unfolds.

January marks a fresh start — a time when families naturally reflect, reset goals, and think ahead. It’s also one of the most important times of the year to explore school options for your child.

With application windows approaching and enrollment timelines on the horizon, January gives families the opportunity to research, ask questions, and make confident, informed decisions without the pressure of last-minute deadlines.

Time to Reflect on What’s Working — and What Isn’t

By mid-year, many families have a clearer picture of their child’s experience in school. Is your child engaged in learning? Feeling supported? Challenged in the right ways? January is a natural checkpoint to reflect on whether your current school environment is meeting your child’s academic and social needs.

School Choice Season Is Here

January also coincides with National School Choice Week, a time dedicated to helping families understand the educational options available to them — including public charter schools like Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School.

Exploring options early allows families to:

• Learn about different educational models
• Understand admissions timelines and lottery processes
• Compare programs and school cultures
• Ask thoughtful questions before applying

See the School Before You Decide

One of the best ways to determine if a school is the right fit is to see it in action. January info sessions — whether virtual or in person — offer families the chance to:

• Meet school leaders and admissions staff
• Learn about curriculum and programs
• Explore classroom environments and student experiences
• Understand how students are supported at every grade level

These sessions are designed to help families feel informed, welcomed, and confident moving forward.

Planning Ahead Brings Peace of Mind

Waiting until spring can feel rushed. Families who begin the process in January often feel more prepared, less stressed, and better equipped to make thoughtful decisions about their child’s education.

Even if you’re just starting to explore, January is the perfect time to begin the conversation.

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Ready to Learn More?

We invite families to join us for an upcoming Admissions Information Session to explore what learning looks like at LVA and see if our school is the right fit for your child.

👉 Visit lvacademy.org/admissions to view session dates and register.

Already part of the LVA community? Help spread the word by sharing this post with friends and family who may be exploring school options this January.

At Lehigh Valley Academy, learning goes beyond the classroom—and it even extends to the slopes. Before ski season begins, students are introduced to skiing and snowboarding during PE classes through Blue Mountain Resort’s Shreducation Program.

During the off-season, Blue Mountain instructors visit LVA to work with students during PE class, bringing the Shreducation Program directly to campus. This free initiative introduces students—most recently our 8th graders—to the fundamentals of skiing and snowboarding through fun, hands-on activities led by snowsports professionals. It’s an exciting way to build confidence, spark interest, and help students feel prepared before ever stepping foot on the mountain.

This early exposure sets the stage for what’s to come through the LVA Ski & Snowboard Club, where students can take their interest even further once the season begins.

Student Spotlight: Why Ski Club Matters

Judah Konschnik, Class of 2027, MS & HS Ski Club President

For Judah, Ski Club has been one of the most meaningful parts of his high school experience. He joined after friends encouraged him to try skiing—and quickly fell in love with the sport. That passion led him to take lessons, develop his skills, and eventually secure a job as a ski instructor at the mountain, where he has been teaching for the past three years.

“Ski Club played a major role in shaping my passion for skiing and teaching others,” Judah shared. “It gives students the opportunity to get outside, be active, and try something new.”

His journey highlights how Ski Club can open doors to new hobbies, leadership opportunities, and even future career paths.

Advisor Perspective: A Lifelong Passion for the Slopes

Ms. Brenna Howard, HS Art Teacher & Ski Club Advisor

Ms. Howard has been skiing since kindergarten, when visiting relatives introduced her to Blue Mountain (formerly Little Gap Ski Area in the early 1980s). From early family trips to her years skiing in high school—and now as an advisor for the LVA Ski & Snowboard Club—her love for the sport has only grown.

“I am thrilled to share its many benefits with younger generations,” she said. Her guidance helps ensure students feel supported, safe, and inspired while exploring the slopes.

Benefits of Joining the LVA Ski & Snowboard Club

Joining the Ski & Snowboard Club offers students far more than just a day on the mountain. Members enjoy:

• New friendships and community – Students bond over shared experiences and adventures.
• Confidence-building experiences – Skiing and snowboarding encourage students to be risk-takers and conquer their fears.
• No experience required – Beginners are welcome, and lessons are available for all skill levels.
• Job opportunities at age 15 – Students can apply to work at Blue Mountain, earning a free season pass and other employee perks.
• Deeply discounted pricing – Reduced rates on lift tickets, rental equipment, and lessons exclusively for school groups.
• Fully chaperoned trips – LVA middle and high school staff members are on-site for every trip.
• Transportation included – Bus transportation to and from Blue Mountain for January and February trip dates.

Plan Ahead: Registration & Important Dates

Interested in joining next season? Now is the time to start planning!

• Registration opens: September/October
• School group deadline: October 31, 2026 (set by Blue Mountain)

Be sure to mark your calendar and start saving early so you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.

Take the Plunge & Learn More!

Whether you’re looking to try a new sport, spend time outdoors, or make unforgettable memories with friends, the LVA Ski & Snowboard Club has something for everyone. Take the plunge, start saving, and get ready to hit the slopes with us next season!

To explore trip details, schedules, and what to expect for the current season, visit the Ski & Snowboard Club webpage!

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.