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W
elcome to Lawrence Family Development Charter School (LFDCS)! We are located in Lawrence, MA and are a Commonwealth public charter school committed to academic excellence and equitable access for learners in grades K-1 through Grade 8. LFDCS was founded in 1995 with the mission that strong families, working in partnership with the school as advocates for academic achievement, will create an environment where every child has the opportunity to acquire the foundation skills and habits of mind that foster lifelong learning, citizenship participation, and personal fulfillment.
At LFDCS, our heritage language program model not only supports students in acquiring English proficiency but also fosters strong bilingual skills and cultural pride. We provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where families are engaged as partners in their child’s education, and where high expectations are supported by innovative instructional practices and a deep respect for the potential of every learner.
Guiding Principles at LFDCS
The guiding principles, established when our school was founded, provide the vision that continues to drive the work of our school. As guiding principles and practices, they are the rallying points for the administration, board and parents which attract quality and like-minded professionals to LFDCS to form a hard-working team focused on providing quality education for students.
Guiding Principles at LFDCS
The guiding principles, established when our school was founded, provide the vision that continues to drive the work of our school. As guiding principles and practices, they are the rallying points for the administration, board and parents which attract quality and like-minded professionals to LFDCS to form a hard-working team focused on providing quality education for students.
Parent Engagement is Fundamental
Parents play a crucial role in their children’s success. When parents and schools share similar attitudes and expectations, children thrive academically. At LFDCS, parents actively participate in various bodies, including the Board of Trustees, School Site Council, and ELL/Special Education Parent Advisory Committees. They also attend training programs to enhance their home-school collaboration. Additionally, parents volunteer in classrooms, participate in field trips, and contribute to fundraising efforts. All parents sign a contract that emphasizes their commitment to both school and home involvement.
Heritage Language and Culture are Central
LFDCS designed its school with a heritage language mission to fulfill the founding parents’ wish to teach their language and culture. Heritage language learners are raised in homes where a non-English language is spoken, and the members are bilingual in English and their heritage language. Learning two languages enhances cognitive development, promotes cultural understanding, and prepares students for effective communication throughout their lives.
Effective Teaching is Key
At LFDCS, we hire certified teachers in the fields we need, and we expect all our students to do their best. We support effective teaching by planning lessons at each grade level and using templates for school-wide lesson plans based on state standards. We organize instruction into grade-level units and lesson plans that are broken down into different levels to meet the needs of all students. We also prepare students for admission to high schools with scholarships and financial aid, which drives our rigorous instruction.
Governance and Leadership are Essential
We firmly believe that great governance is essential to student success. Our Board of Trustees is made up of parents and community members who give us valuable guidance and focus on creating and enforcing policies that support our students and their families. Our administrative team includes a principal and Heads of School who manage day-to-day operations and discipline. Our teaching staff also leads the way, as they improve the curriculum and mentor new teachers.
Community Development and Engagement are Necessary
At LFDCS, we believe that community development and engagement are necessary to lifelong learning and enrichment for our students. To help them become active citizens, leaders, and individuals, we partner with many people and organizations to provide the resources they need to thrive. We work with local private schools, community volunteers, and organizations to offer on-site and off-site programs throughout the day and year.