FAQs

Educational Philosophy

What is a mentor?

A mentor is a person who facilitates learning. Their focus is not on a curriculum, but on the student. They adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of the student and inspire the student to do the hard work of learning. They focus on the student as a whole person and help to build character and understanding, not just knowledge. They set the example and walk the path ahead of the student, doing the work along with them.

What are the phases of learning?

Core- appx ages 0-8: learn through play and focus is on good/bad, right/wrong, true false

Love of learning appx ages 8-12: still learning through play, but exploring areas of interest deeper and falling in love with learning

Scholar- appx ages 12+ (including adults): progress from desire to learn and study more to rigorous attainment of breadth and depth of knowledge.

For more information go to the TJED phases of learning site.

What is Thomas Jefferson Education (TJED)?

The TJED philosophy in a nutshell is that "Every student has inner genius, and the best educational results are usually attained when a mentor continually assesses what the individual student needs and tries to help deliver it."-(TJED.org)

This is an education style led by parent example. They mold and model the education to their home. The how and what look different in each home and with each child.

Why do you call older students "scholars"?

We call the students "Scholars" because they are entering a new phase in life that is changing their physical, emotional, and social expression. This is eventually called INDEPENDENCE. This is a biological thing and it is supposed to happen (even though there are some of us parents out there that aren't really sure what to do about it!) With these changes, there comes a readiness to apply effort to something of greater interest, and/or a desire for achievement, to do something "hard". This is where a student can lead out and own their education.

Being a "Scholar" means to study, read, and discuss great works, discover and discuss truths that are universal, and explore great ideas. It also means to cover any subject that sparks passion and excitement for learning for that particular individual. The hope is that a scholar knows how to learn anything!

At LUMEZ, we strive to create an atmosphere of passionate learning. Our mentors love the subject of the class that they are offering. We know that with that love comes a great passion to share it with others. When interests are shared with passion, students are inspired to study harder, longer, and gain a desire to really understand the subject. This desire to learn from another is one of the hallmarks of a "Scholar."

Structure of School

What is the difference between a co-op and a Commonwealth?

Co-op: A co-op comes into being when a group of parents decides to work together to organize specific regularly scheduled classes, clubs, or activities that member families can participate in.

Commonwealth: A once a week school that is owned and operated by the families that run it. It is a model that is designed to last 20 or more years.

In essence a Commonwealth is built to last longer than the original founder is a part of the school. Elections are held to pass the responsibilites to the next cycle of leadership so that the school will continue long term. There are founding documents (Constitution and Policies and Procedures) to govern the school and provide checks and balances.

Q:	What ages attend this school?
A:	Children ages birth-18 years old can attend. Parents are also offered training and opportunities to pursue their own scholar phase. Education does not end when you receive a diploma!

When and where do we meet?

We meet on Tuesdays from 10:00am-12:00 pm with additional classes for scholars offered from 2:00pm-3:30pm when there is a need for them.

We meet at Lacey Presbyterian Church in Lacey WA.

Q:	What role do parents play in the Commonwealth?
A:	Parents are expected to help mentor or assist in classes, to hold positions on committees, help determine class subjects and to continue to educate and improve themselves (lead by example). Parents are vital to the ongoing functions of the school.

What is expected of parents?

Because LUMEZ operates much like a co-op, parent members are asked to volunteer their time and talents to mentor classes and help in administrative duties. The following is a list of common ways parents volunteer:

Be the lead mentor in at least one class each semester.
Be a helper in a class for which you are not a lead mentor
Hold a board or committee position when needed
Help with the rotating cleaning schedule.
Attend mentor training, it is mandatory to attend at least one mentor meeting monthly (to include mentor meetings, book discussions or family foundations).
Stay on campus the entire school day. We are not a drop-off school.
Pay school fees in a timely manner.
Arrive on time for school, stay for the whole day, and commit to attending every week (except illness and vacation).
Complete the required training for mentoring positions, our school is only as good as our mentors are and we want to invest not only in our students, but in our mentors as well.
Give your best to our students each week!

Is LUMEZ a religious school?

LUMEZ does follow the Christian Theological world view. As such God is a part of our culture. We will begin classes with prayers and discuss how what we learn relates to our Core Books (The books we base our morals/values on). This does not mean we all have the same core books. Families with different faith traditions are welcome and we seek to understand and learn from others as we hold mutual respect of others views and beliefs. There will be no proselyting for a specific religion.

Admissions

Q:	How do I register or schedule a visit to see if the Commonwealth is a good fit for my family?
A:	Contact a member of the Governing Board. Contact information is available on the bottom of the home page.

Can my youth drop or transfer classes?

We allow changes to registered class schedules up to three weeks into the semester.

If you cancel a class or registration before the classes begin, you will receive a full refund.

If you cancel after classes begin, you will receive your class fee minus the materials the mentor has already purchased for the class, if you drop all classes, fees will be refunded minus rent and insurance. If you transfer classes. All class fees, minus what mentor has already purchased, will be applied to the fees for the new class. The family is responsible for any additional fees required, if there is an overpay the amount will be refunded. The only exception to the three week rule is for love of learners. If they turn 8 years old in the middle of a semester, they can move up at the beginning of the next 6 week project. Fees will be handled the same way.

Refunds will not be available after three weeks into class sessions.

Can my family join anytime throughout the school year?

Yes, you can join anytime. However, we do have a cap of 25 families and thus encourage families interested in joining to apply as soon as possible. If you join mid-semester, fees (other than insurance) will be prorated.

What can I expect if my family is put on a waiting list?

If your family is put on the waiting list, please know that we are anxious to find a place for you in our Liber Community. While you wait, we ask that you attend parent scholar classes, colloquiums or mentor training with us. Our current parent scholar class is Family Foundations which meets online twice a month. Colloquiums and mentor training are held monthly. This will give us the opportunity to get to know each other, establish friendships, and acquaint you with our unique LUMEZ culture and educational philosophy. Because the parent/mentor trainings are so critical to the success of our families and community, we have made attendance to these meetings a prerequisite to joining LUMEZ and a membership requirement.

LUMEZ Commonwealth

FAQs

Educational Philosophy

Structure of School

Admissions