The Beaver Island Lighthouse school is a co-educational school for students ages 16-21 who may be having difficulty making positive choices in the areas of academics and social environments. Classes include math, science, English, and social studies courses and expand outward toward responsibilities in a work environment and experiences in camping trips and outdoor activities. Personal enrichment in group counseling, career awareness, and presentations by agency professionals on relevant youth issues are incorporated into the curriculum.

The Beaver Island Lighthouse (sometimes referred to as Beaver Head Light Station or South End Light Station) is located on the beautiful, rustic, south end of Beaver Island, and has the distinction of being listed as a significant site in the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes.

Charlevoix Public Schools has owned this site since 1975. Since that time, they have collaborated with Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District and Northwest Michigan Council of Governments to provide work experience programs to disadvantaged youth, alternative education programs to youth at risk of not completing high school, and have worked diligently to preserve this important piece of our nation’s history.

Eligible youth participate in three components daily — work experience, academics, and recreation. More than 1,000 youth from Northwest Michigan have made a significant contribution in rescuing this site from virtual ruin.