What’s the student teacher ratio?
During the first five years of operation (2024-2029), our anticipated student/teacher ratio will range from 5:1 to 8:1. We will not exceed 12 students per class.
Will you follow a public school calendar?
Yes, Lumen Academy follows the Waltham Public School calendar. We also follow Waltham for snow days and cancellations.
What are your hours?
The school day goes from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with aftercare running until 5:45 PM. Drop-off is available as early as 8:00 AM.
View Sample Schedule →Why did you decide to be a nonprofit?
Transparency and trust. As a non-profit, we prioritize teacher salaries and curriculum development over shareholder interests. We share our financials and Board minutes with our community.
What is your admissions process like?
Start by filling out the Inquiry Form. We’ll schedule an interview and assessment. If accepted, a 10% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot.
Is this a school exclusively for Russian-speaking kids?
No! While we have strong roots in the Russian-speaking community, Lumen is open to everyone who values academic rigor.
We plan to offer Russian, Spanish, Hebrew, Mandarin, and French based on interest. Students pick two languages starting in 1st grade.
What are your plans regarding food?
We provide healthy snacks (fruits, yogurt, etc.). For lunch, we offer a catering option (approx. $6.75/day) or you can pack your own.
Future High School?
Our focus is PreK-8. A high school is possible in the future if there is strong demand from our families.
Summer Camps?
Yes! We are planning to offer vacation and summer camps starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Transportation?
Unlikely in Year 1, but we will provide a family map to facilitate carpooling arrangements.
Academic Support?
We level math/language by ability. We have a consulting team (OT and Speech Therapist) for special needs.
Financial Stability & Safety
Lumen is backed by approximately $1.5MM in initial funding to ensure stability through the first 5 years. Our facility is a former school building, fully inspected and free of lead or asbestos. We are happy to discuss our budget details with prospective parents.