Lehigh Valley Academy RCS

At the heart of the International Baccalaureate (IB) education is a mission to develop not just academic ability but also emotional, social, and physical well-being. Designed for students aged 3 to 19, the IB approach fosters curious, caring, and knowledgeable individuals equipped to face the complexities of the modern world.

The IB Mission and Philosophy

The IB isn’t just about tests and textbooks—it’s about cultivating learners who are inquisitive, principled, and capable of lifelong learning. With over 45 years of educational innovation, the IB programmes focus on:

• Inspiring students to ask questions and set personal goals
• Promoting reasoned decision-making and resilience
• Building confidence for navigating meaningful change
• Encouraging teamwork and mutual respect

These core values align closely with the IB learner profile, a set of attributes that aim to create a more peaceful and better world.

The Four IB Programmes

Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Designed for the youngest learners, the PYP helps children explore concepts across subjects and begin developing the IB learner profile.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)
For students aged 11–16, the MYP connects classroom learning to real-world applications, encouraging interdisciplinary understanding and project-based learning.

Diploma Programme (DP)
Aimed at the final two years of high school, the DP offers rigorous academic coursework and components like the extended essay (EE), theory of knowledge (TOK), and creativity, activity, service (CAS).

Career-related Programme (CP)
The CP blends academic study with career-focused learning, offering flexibility for students to move directly into further education or the workforce.

Measuring Outcomes

IB assessment is unique in its approach. Instead of grading students on a curve, it uses criterion-referenced assessments, meaning students are evaluated against fixed learning objectives. Teachers use formative and summative assessments to give meaningful feedback, guiding students toward continuous improvement.

Discover a world-class education close to home! Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School is proud to offer the full IB continuum—giving your child access to a global education, right in your own backyard.

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For more insights into IB education, visit ibo.org or learn more about what LVA has to offer by visiting lvacademy.org!

Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School (LVA RCS) stands out as 1 of only 4 schools in the United States to offer all four International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes — a distinction that places our school among the nation’s most comprehensive and globally-minded learning institutions.

From kindergarten through 12th grade, LVA empowers students to become inquirers, critical thinkers, and compassionate leaders prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through the IB continuum, students develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to navigate life with purpose and confidence.

The IB Continuum at LVA: A Program for Every Stage of Learning

Primary Years Programme (PYP) – Grades K–5

The PYP sets the foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing curiosity and fostering a love for inquiry. Students explore key transdisciplinary themes such as “Who We Are,” “Where We Are in Place and Time,” and “How the World Works.” This approach connects learning across subjects and encourages meaningful exploration of both local and global contexts. LVA PYP students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, reflect on their growth, and develop the tools needed for academic and personal success.

Middle Years Programme (MYP) – Grades 6–10

The MYP provides a framework of academic challenge and life skills through six Global Contexts, including:

• Identities and Relationships
• Personal and Cultural Expression
• Scientific and Technical Innovation
• Globalization and Sustainability
• Orientation in Space and Time
• Fairness and Development

By Year 5, students complete a Personal Project that demonstrates their independent learning and understanding of key concepts. Another cornerstone of the MYP is Service as Action, which allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world community settings and develop a sense of responsibility and global citizenship.

Diploma Programme (DP) – Grades 11–12

Recognized globally for its academic rigor, the DP challenges students through a comprehensive curriculum that includes:

• Literature and Language Studies
• Individuals and Societies (e.g., politics, history, psychology)
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• The Arts

Students must also complete three core components:

• Theory of Knowledge – exploring how knowledge is acquired and understood
• Extended Essay – an independent research paper on a topic of personal interest
• Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) – hands-on experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom

Successful DP students often graduate with college credits and a portfolio of experience that prepares them for university and beyond.

Career-related Programme (CP) – Grades 11–12

The CP blends rigorous academic study with practical, career-related learning. LVA currently offers CP pathways through Project Lead the Way in Biomedical Science and Engineering. All CP students take DP English, a DP language course, and a DP elective of their choice. Math and science requirements are also met through these specialized tracks.

The CP has four core components:

1. Personal and Professional Skills – life skills development tailored to career interests
2. Language Development – a portfolio-based approach to expanding communication in a second language
3. Reflective Project – an ethical investigation related to the student’s career pathway
4. Service Learning – meaningful community involvement that enhances personal and professional growth

The IB Learner Profile: Shaping Global Citizens

At the heart of every IB programme is the IB Learner Profile — a set of 10 attributes that reflect the values of the IB community. LVA encourages students to be:

• Inquirers – curious and eager to learn
• Thinkers – applying critical thinking to real-world issues
• Communicators – confident in expressing ideas
• Risk-takers – unafraid of new challenges
• Knowledgeable – exploring a broad and balanced curriculum
• Principled – acting with integrity and fairness
• Caring – showing empathy and respect
• Open-minded – appreciating diverse perspectives
• Balanced – maintaining well-being and perspective
• Reflective – learning from experiences to grow

At Lehigh Valley Academy RCS, the IB continuum is more than a curriculum — it’s a mission to prepare students not only for college and careers but also for life as thoughtful, compassionate global citizens. Whether through inquiry-based learning in kindergarten or service-based projects in high school, our Jaguars are empowered to think critically, act responsibly, and lead with purpose.

LVA kicked off the school year with a brand-new approach: the First-Ever Soft Start! This special start allowed students to ease into the school year, get to know their teachers, explore the building, and feel comfortable before the full student body arrived.

Today’s Welcome:

Today, we welcomed:

• Grades 1–5 (Elementary)
• Grade 6 (Middle School)
• Grades 9 & 11 (High School)
• All newly enrolled students

For our 6th graders, having the entire middle school floor to themselves made navigating the building much easier. Without the usual rush of hundreds of students, they had ample time to find their classrooms, learn how to use their lockers, and get familiar with the layout in a calm and supportive environment.

Soft Start Benefits for Incoming 9th Graders

Incoming 9th graders experienced a special orientation as part of the soft start. During New Student Orientation on Tuesday, August 19th, Student Council members were on hand from 8:00 AM to noon to guide students throughout the day.

Freshmen began in their homerooms, where Student Council volunteers assisted staff and helped students get settled. Throughout the morning, these volunteers were visible in the hallways during class transitions, offering guidance—showing students how to find classrooms, which staircases to use, how to open lockers, and providing support wherever needed.

This soft start allowed freshmen to:

• Become familiar with the high school layout in a calm, low-pressure setting
• Meet their teachers before the full student body arrives
• Learn practical skills like navigating hallways and using lockers
• Build confidence and independence before the school year officially begins

Soft Start for 11th Graders

The soft start also benefits our 11th graders. This is the first year students can choose to study courses under either the Career-related Programme (CP) or the Diploma Programme (DP). The CP is more intensive because, in addition to the four Diploma Programme courses that students study, CP students must complete additional classes to earn a certificate in either Engineering or Biomedical through Project Lead the Way.

Because 11th grade marks the start of this rigorous two-year program, students’ day-to-day tasks will look a little different than 10th grade. The soft start gives them a chance to adjust to their new schedules, meet their teachers, and get comfortable with the expectations of their chosen program—something not needed for 12th grade students, who are already familiar with the DP or CP routines.

Looking Ahead:

Tomorrow, Grades 7, 8, 10, and 12 will join the school for the full start. We’re excited to welcome everyone and look forward to a successful, engaging school year ahead!

Elementary & Kindergarten Soft Start

Grades 1–5 also benefited from today’s soft start. Since each grade in the elementary building is located in either a different hallway or on another floor, this gave students the chance to adjust to their new spaces and routines before the youngest learners arrive.

As always, our kindergarten class has its very own first day of school. This year, they’ll officially begin on Thursday, giving them a special start designed just for them.

The First-Ever Soft Start is just one way LVA is helping students begin their year with confidence and excitement.

We can’t wait to see all of our Jaguars thriving in the year to come!

At Lehigh Valley Academy, the impact of an education rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework is felt not only by our students—but by their families. Two recent testimonials from former parents highlight what makes the LVA experience so meaningful from start to finish.

One parent, whose child recently graduated, shared this heartfelt message:

“I’m truly grateful for the years that our daughter, Suhaylah, spent there. Now that she’s graduated, I’m going to miss LVA. Thank you for creating a safe environment in which she learned, grew, and blossomed.”
— Former LVA Parent (Facebook Comment)

Another parent reflected on their child’s complete journey through all three IB programmes—PYP, MYP, and DP:

“As a parent of a student who has attended all three programs, PYP, MYP, and DP, I am very pleased with the opportunities afforded to my child. I love how the program has continued to evolve and improve, especially with the new facilities, lunch program, and addition of multiple sports teams.”
— Former LVA Parent (Niche School Review)

Together, these perspectives speak to the unique strength of LVA’s approach: a consistent, nurturing, and academically rich environment that supports students from kindergarten through graduation. Through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), students develop curiosity and foundational skills. In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), they grow into independent thinkers. And by the time they reach the Diploma Programme (DP), they are prepared not just for college—but for meaningful, engaged lives.

With each year, LVA continues to evolve—enhancing student life with new extracurricular opportunities, athletics, expanded facilities, and a well-rounded support system. Yet our foundation remains rooted in the IB learner profile: developing students who are principled, open-minded, reflective, and caring.

We’re proud to partner with families through every step of this journey—and honored to be a place where students truly grow and blossom.

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Ready to begin your child’s journey from PYP to DP?

Learn more about our IB programs and community: www.lvacademy.org

Enrollment Information:
LVA’s waiting list for the 2025–2026 school year has already been generated. If you’re still interested in joining our school community, we encourage families to reach out to Admissions at admissions@lvacademy.org or call 610-866-9660 ext. 2222 to be added to the list.

Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year? Be sure to attend one of our upcoming winter information sessions to learn more about LVA’s IB programs and enrollment process. These sessions are held annually from December through March. Stay tuned for session dates and additional details as we approach admissions season!

Did you know?

Want to know one of the coolest perks that sets LVA apart? It’s our brand-new weight room, made possible by our partnership with St. Luke’s Sports Medicine!

Here’s why it’s a game-changer for our Jaguars:

• Access to state-of-the-art weightlifting equipment designed to help you build strength safely and effectively.
• A dedicated space just for athletes and students to take training seriously and improve performance.
• Plans to include this weight room in high school physical education classes, so all Jaguars can benefit from expert fitness training.

Why it matters: Training smarter and stronger means better health, better performance, and more confidence — both on and off the field. And that’s exactly what we want for every Jaguar.

Thanks to St. Luke’s Sports Medicine, our Jaguars don’t just compete — they train like champions!

Ready to take your fitness to the next level? This is just one of the many ways LVA supports you.

#JaguarPerks #LVA #StLukesSportsMedicine #JaguarStrong #AthleteAdvantage

At Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School (LVA RCS), we believe in empowering every Jaguar to pursue a path that fits their unique talents and dreams. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme (CP) offers LVA students a powerful combination of rigorous academics and real-world career preparation that aligns perfectly with our school’s commitment to global awareness, community engagement, and personal growth. Here are 10 reasons why the CP is an ideal choice for LVA Jaguars:

1. LVA Jaguars Serve Their Community
The CP’s service learning component aligns with LVA’s dedication to helping students think beyond themselves. By engaging in meaningful community service, students develop empathy and become active contributors to our local and global communities.

2. Connecting Global Issues to Our Local World
At LVA, students don’t just learn about the world—they explore how international issues impact our region. The CP encourages students to think critically about real-world challenges from both global and local perspectives.

3. Blending Academic Excellence with Hands-On Experience
LVA’s approach values both intellectual growth and practical skills. The CP reflects this by combining strong academic subjects with career-related learning, preparing students for success beyond high school.

4. Pursue What Truly Inspires You
Whether your passion lies in technology, healthcare, business, or the arts, the CP lets LVA students tailor their studies to match their interests and future goals—because education is most meaningful when it’s personal.

5. Opening Doors to Many Futures
CP graduates at LVA are ready for college, apprenticeships, or the workforce. This pathway expands opportunities across a wide range of industries, giving Jaguars the flexibility to shape their own futures.

6. Embracing Cultural Understanding and Diversity
Reflecting LVA’s diverse student body, the CP emphasizes language development and cultural studies, helping students gain respect and appreciation for different cultures—an essential skill in today’s interconnected world.

7. Building Lifelong Friendships and Professional Networks
Collaboration is a hallmark of the LVA experience. The CP fosters teamwork and relationship-building through group projects and shared learning, helping students form bonds that last beyond graduation.

8. Sparking Creativity and Innovation
At LVA, we encourage students to think outside the box. The CP challenges students to apply creativity and critical thinking in their coursework and career-related projects, nurturing future innovators and leaders.

9. Developing Key Life Skills for Success
The CP promotes communication, self-management, and problem-solving skills—qualities LVA emphasizes to prepare students for all aspects of life, from college to career and beyond.

10. Becoming Confident, Independent Learners
Through the reflective project and rigorous coursework, CP students at LVA gain confidence in their research and decision-making abilities—skills that empower them to take ownership of their learning journey.

Whether you’re aiming for higher education, a career, or both, the IB Career-related Programme offers LVA students a supportive, flexible, and challenging pathway to achieve their goals.

Ready to learn more about how the CP can help you thrive as a Jaguar? Visit ibo.org/cp or talk to your LVA counselor today!

This past month, Lehigh Valley Academy proudly hosted its very first Summer Basketball Camp for students in grades 1–6 — and it was a huge success! Held over two exciting weeks in July, the camp welcomed boys and girls of all skill levels for a fun, fast-paced experience filled with teamwork, training, and Jaguar pride.

Week 1: Little Ballers, Big Energy! (Grades 1–3)

From July 14–18, our youngest Jaguars took the court with confidence and curiosity. Through fun, hands-on stations, campers learned the fundamentals of basketball including:

• Dribbling like pros 🏀
• Team passing drills 🤝
• Shooting on mini hoops 🎯
• Defensive moves that got them grooving 🛡️

We were blown away by their enthusiasm, positive attitudes, and all the big smiles throughout the week. These little ballers truly brought the energy!

Week 2: Train Like a Champion (Grades 4–6)

During Week 2 (July 21–25), our older Jaguars came ready to level up their game. This session focused on advancing their skills and pushing personal limits with:

• Advanced ball handling, shooting, passing, and defense 🎯
• Development drills and refined technique work 💪
• Strength, agility, and conditioning workouts 🏃‍♂️💨
• Competitive scrimmages and team-building exercises 🏆

With guidance from certified trainers and experienced players, our athletes showed incredible focus, grit, and growth. They trained like champions and made our Jaguar community proud!

A Winning Finish

To celebrate all their hard work, every camper went home with a goodie bag that included a mini basketball, a Jaguar water bottle, and more fun surprises. Of course, they also received an official camp T-shirt and certificate of completion — a symbol of their dedication and progress.

Thank You!

Thank you to our coaches, trainers, and families for making our first summer basketball camp such a fantastic experience. We’re so proud of our student-athletes and can’t wait to bring this energy back next year!

Stay tuned for more athletic opportunities with LVA Jaguars Athletics — and as always, Train Like a Champion!

When families share their experience at Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, we listen closely—because their words reflect the heart of what we strive to provide every day. One recent anonymous review on our Niche profile captured that mission in full, touching on the academics, environment, and opportunities that make LVRCS truly special.

“Lehigh Valley Regional Charter School offers an outstanding educational experience, with exceptional opportunities that truly set it apart.”
We’re proud that families recognize the breadth and depth of the opportunities available at LVARCS. Whether through our academic pathways, arts integration, or enrichment options, we aim to give students access to experiences that open doors to their futures.

“The diverse range of academic programs challenges students to excel, supported by dedicated and passionate teachers who inspire a love for learning.”
At LVA, rigor meets heart. Our teachers go beyond instruction—they ignite curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and build meaningful relationships with students. The result? Classrooms filled with purpose, enthusiasm, and growth.

“The school’s food service is equally impressive, providing nutritious and delicious meal options that show a genuine commitment to student well-being.”
Well-being matters. That’s why our food service doesn’t cut corners. Healthy, satisfying meals support not only physical health, but academic focus and emotional balance. We’re proud to offer students fuel that helps them feel—and perform—their best.

“Beyond academics, the activities and sports programs are fantastic, offering students numerous ways to explore their passions, build teamwork, and stay active.”
We believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our vibrant athletics and extracurricular programs give students the chance to lead, collaborate, and grow as individuals. Whether on the field or in a club, there’s space for every interest and skill level.

“From engaging clubs to competitive sports, there’s something for everyone, fostering a vibrant school community.”
This sense of belonging is what we cherish most. LVA thrives because of the diverse passions and personalities that walk our halls. We work hard to ensure every student can find their place—and their people.

“The emphasis on both academic and personal growth makes Lehigh Valley Regional Charter School a wonderful place for students to thrive in all areas of their development.”
This is the heart of our mission: educating the whole child. We strive to nurture students intellectually, socially, and emotionally, preparing them not just for the next grade, but for life.

“Highly recommended for families looking for a well-rounded, supportive, and enriching educational environment!”
We’re grateful for feedback like this—and even more grateful for the families who make Lehigh Valley Academy what it is: a strong, connected, and forward-thinking learning community.

Want to see more parent perspectives or learn about our programs?
Visit our Niche profile or explore our website to dive deeper into what makes LVARCS a place where students truly thrive.