History & Traditions

Lighthouse School was founded by Lizbet Carroll Fuller and Elizabeth Edwards Sundell with the intent to create a joyful place for children to learn and grow. In September of 2000, Lighthouse School opened its doors to 12 children and two teachers in the barn at Nantucket Island School of Design and Art (NISDA).

In its first five years, Nantucket Lighthouse School established itself as a unique and dynamic educational choice for island families. The school quickly outgrew two facilities in these years – having started in a rented barn at NISDA before moving to a ranch house on Hooper Farm Road. The school grew with its oldest students through the 5th grade and the older classes were held nearby in a temporary classroom on the Rugged Road site designated for a new schoolhouse.

In 2007, the new building was named The Chace Schoolhouse to honor the members of the Chace family, whose generosity enabled the Lighthouse School to become a reality.

In 2010, Nantucket Lighthouse School launched its middle school program that was first housed in the St. Paul's Church Parish House, followed by Nantucket Boys & Girls Club.

Since Fall of 2020, Nantucket Lighthouse School has served children preschool through 5th grade on its Rugged Road Campus.

In 2021, Nantucket Lighthouse School was able to grow its footprint by adding the Starbuck Cottage to its campus, which is now home to our 4th/5th grade classroom, the Andy Bullington Music Room, and administrative offices.

Throughout its development, Lighthouse School has remained true to its founding curriculum, joyfully educating students through a developmentally appropriate program that engages and challenges the whole child – head, heart and hand.

Some of our most enduring traditions began in these early years including: