We're Doing it Differently

We’ve created the high school we wished we had gone to and the programs you wish you’d had access to earlier.

Lark Academy has designed a flexible supportive space that reflects the challenges and possibilities of the real world. A place where information and skills are immediately applicable. A place that embraces the technology and realities of today.

The world has seen expansive technological growth, yet the majority of the standard American high school curriculum was set during the Industrial Revolution – in 1892, to be precise. It is based on the memorization and regurgitation facts, on the standardization of set topics to be recited for examinations and essays. It may have been revolutionary at the time, but times have changed. You have access to the world’s knowledge in your hand, you can look up anything within seconds. We know that. You know that. So why do so many schools ignore our technological and social reality?

What makes humanity unique is our creativity and adaptability. You need to learn how to use the information at your disposal, to evaluate it, and apply it – not memorize it. We are excited for the changes the 21st century is bringing and we want you to be successful by the standards of this century, not the ones that preceded it.

We will support you through frustrations and setbacks, they are inevitable. Things get hard, and we believe that is more than okay, it’s part of the process. Developing depth of character and perseverance are critical to face life’s challenges.

We want you to exit high school prepared for whatever you choose to pursue, not just for the SAT.

 

Our Mission

Lark Academy is a learner-centered nonprofit private high school committed to cultivating and empowering future innovators, designers, and entrepreneurs to become the global leaders and creators of their generation. 

Our Founder

Elizabeth Dowell was a high school social studies teacher and professional development leader prior to founding Lark. She has set out to disrupt the old system and create a purpose-driven education model for the 21st century.

 

Fellow Disruptors 

We aren’t the only ones on a mission to innovate education.

Videos:

Books:

  • What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers Across America by Ted Dintersmith
  • Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World by Tony Wagner 
  • Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution That’s Transforming Education by Sir Ken Robinson
  • How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough 

Lark Academy is nonsectarian and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws in the admission of otherwise qualified students. Nor does Lark discriminate during any employment process, such as hiring, on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected status under local, state, or federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations for otherwise qualified applicants.