If you're a parent looking for an alternative to public school, Dianne Gilleland has the answer for you. Gilleland is the founder and a teacher at Lighthouse Christian Academy, the only private co-ed Christian school in Johnston County.

The school opened eight years ago in Gilleland's home with six students - two of whom were her own children. Though they now occupy a school building in the McGee’s Crossroads area, the foundation has remained the same.

"I feel very strongly that kids need a loving, Christian environment, and I saw a need for an alternative to public school," she said. "The students are very independent here and can work at a pace that suits them."

For parent Becky Shearer, that was exactly what she needed to hear. This is the third year two of her children have attended Lighthouse. Shearer's oldest son had struggled in public school.

"We did homework, side by side, from the time he got home until he went to bed - he felt overwhelmed," said Shearer. "The teachers were on him to keep up at school and I was on him at home to keep up. I knew he needed a change."

Shearer began researching private schools, and after coming across Lighthouse, she decided it would be the perfect fit for her family.

The school serves grades K - 12, and before joining a classroom, each child is tested to determine what level they should begin at.

"All of the students are working at their own pace - there is no pressure to keep up with the person beside you," said Shearer. "The students are encouraged to work and surpass their goals. If a child is behind, they can work hard and get back on grade level or if a child is ahead, they have the opportunity to graduate early. All children learn differently and the program here allows for that."

For Gilleland, independent study is a vital part of Lighthouse's curriculum.

"I want the kids to be able to work at their own level and not feel like they're being treated differently if they're not up to the other students," she said.

The students are separated into two classrooms - one for elementary school students and the other for middle and high schoolers. According to Gilleland, there is one teacher for each class, as well as plenty of parent volunteers. The school follows a mostly traditional calendar and a four day school week, meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A typical day starts with a devotion and prayer time. The day is filled with school work, but there are plenty of electives to keep students busy as well, including art, drama, music, PE, home economics and Spanish.

And aside from their bible-based curriculum, the school provides many opportunities to get involved in the community as well. They hold a schoolwide fundraising golf tournament every year and participate in local events like the Strawberry Festival. And yes, they even have a spring formal.

Lighthouse accepts new students throughout the year. At its highest, the school had 39 students enrolled. Gilleland hopes the school continues to grow. Her goals for the future are to add another teacher, reach an enrollment of 50 students, add a sports program and open another school facility in Clayton. While most of the students come from the Cleveland and McGee’s areas, there are a few families who commute from Clayton for classes.

Shearer, who brings her children from Four Oaks, encourages parents to take a closer look at the school her kids have come to know as almost a second home.

"Thanks to LCA my kids are independent workers, have improved self esteem, and are happy," she said. "They have a deeper knowledge of the bible due to morning devotions and discussions. I can't say enough good things about the school. It works for my kids, it works for me, [and] I know when I drop them off at school, they are safe and are in a loving environment."

To learn more about Lighthouse Christian Academy, call at 894-4700 or check out their web site at thelighthouseacademy.org.