A New Bright Light
- Parents Unite
- Dec 5, 2025
- 3 min read
What might a school look like that combines the best of Montessori, classical education, and Russian math?
Unsatisfied with the options for her children, Rita Dunn is building the school of her dreams, both for herself as a teacher and administrator, and (most importantly) for her own kids who attend the school.
Lumen Academy opened two years ago with 50 students and has already doubled in size.
Two words to sum up the approach to academics: rigorous and engaging.
It starts with happy and knowledgeable teachers, who are given the freedom and support to bring their passion and subject matter expertise to the classroom. One of Lumen’s key strengths is that its teachers are all core subject matter experts.
Dunn considers the school values as “hippie with incredible academics.” There is a lot of “play involved,” and students are not sitting at desks all day; classes are hands-on. But at the same time, students are held to high standards. There are no cell phones, and children are immersed in numerous outdoor activities. When kids are learning, having fun, and looking forward to coming to school, parents are also happy.
According to Dunn, “engaging classes mean happy students. Across the board, from preschool to grade 8, our students look forward to coming to school, and (much to our chagrin) don’t want to leave even at 5:45, when all of the adults in the building are ready to go home. Part of this is due to the community atmosphere we’re working so hard to build, parents are very involved and volunteer their time generously. We host a lot of events on the weekends (hiking, camping, volunteering, etc).”
Here are some key features of the academic program:
Math and language are leveled by ability, regardless of age, and support an individualized approach to instruction. For example, Math teachers hold degrees in math rather than general education degrees. There are three levels of math, and math periods are all scheduled simultaneously, allowing students to be grouped by ability rather than grade level. Lumen is the first school in Massachusetts to use the Russian School of Math (RSM) as its official math curriculum.
The school also offers a bilingual preschool (Russian & English), and students can study up to two foreign languages, including Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew.
Numerous competitive clubs are available in subjects such as math, science, and history.
The course sequence is robust and leaves little time or space for indoctrination. Lumen follows a Classical English curriculum, and students are required to read beyond the books assigned in class.
Their “customers” are parents with innovative ideas about education and how kids learn best. They are not status-driven, but instead want well-adjusted, happy, resilient children who are encouraged to reach their full potential. By the end of 8th grade, the students will have:
Accumulated a solid base of knowledge and a foundation that will prepare them to thrive in high school and beyond
Engaged with/been exposed to enough subjects/material to pique their interests as they grow
Been educated, not indoctrinated
As we celebrate the season of light, we are grateful to those who are building new schools. Lumen Academy shows what’s possible when schools prioritize rigorous academics, hands-on learning, and a strong, values-driven community. It’s an inspiring example of how education can cultivate curiosity, resilience, and bring out the best in every student and teacher.
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