The Lighthouse Community Charter School (LCCS) opened in the fall of 2002 in downtown Oakland, California. Serving over 600 students when it reaches capacity, the mission of Lighthouse is to prepare students for college or the career of their choice by equipping each child with the skills, knowledge, and habits to be successful in the 21st century. 80% of students are low-income and 72% are English Language Learners. The school’s LCCS is guided by the principles that students must engage in a rigorous curriculum based in real-world projects and problems, that families must be involved in the school at every level, and that teachers must be constant learners in their pursuit of student achievement in becoming self-motivated, competent, lifelong learners. The school will offer a family resource center that is coordinated by parents and provides needed resources and learning opportunities for families. In addition, community partnerships ensure that the school is better equipped to serve its students, families, and teachers.