La Lumiere boarding students are independent, responsible, intellectually curious young people who want more than traditional schooling has to offer. If that sounds like you, there’s good news—there’s a whole other school experience out there, it’s way beyond what you expect, and you can find it right here at La Lu. This is a place where smart is cool, where learning is loved, exploration is mandatory, challenge is welcomed, fun is guaranteed, and opportunities are everywhere.

La Lumiere Lakers are always backed up by faculty who know how to help them be the very best they can be, no matter what they’re working on. The individualized support and opportunities to always seek out new activities will serve them for a lifetime—meaning they're ready for college long before it even begins.

Why Board at La Lu?

“Sending [our child] off to boarding school was such a leap into the unknown for our family. I am so impressed and deeply touched by the experience my [child] is having at school. Not every day is easy, but in so many ways, I feel like sending [my child] away has been what has returned [them] to me.”

– Class of 2026 Parent

“Taking the commute out of her daily routine, she was able to focus on her homework, getting it done within the confines of the day and still leaving time for socialization within the dorm environment.  The social aspect of the experience was also very rewarding.  She bonded over noodles in the dorm on many occasions.  When I called concerned that I had not heard from her one day, she responded, ‘Dad, this is so much fun! And, I am getting my work done.’  I admit what I had been told before, that boarding helps with independence and growth, getting our children ready for the next phase in college.”

– Class of 2020 Parent

Did you know?

See Our Dorms

Meet the Director

Mike Heffron
Director of Residential Life
B.A. Secondary Education-History, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Indiana Teaching License in Secondary Education

Mike graduated from DePaul University in 2000 with a B.A in Secondary Education. After serving as a student teacher at Chicago Vocational School in 2000, Mike joined La Lumiere as a history teacher in the Fall of 2000. He has taught AP US History, AP US Government and Politics, US History, Government, Economics, and Geography. From 2002 until 2015, Mike was chair of the Social Studies Department, becoming the Director of Residential Life in the Fall of 2014. Mike has also served as the Head Varsity Baseball coach for 17 years.  

As Director of Residential Life, Mike is responsible for dorm life, residential activities, and student behavior in the dorms.  

Mike is a lifelong area resident. He was born in Hammond, Indiana and graduated from Chesterton High School in 1996.