Mikala Streeter is the co-founder and principal of Lighthouse Prep, an innovative school in Stone Mountain, GA that emphasizes a blend of traditional academics with hands-on, project-based learning. She combines a strong foundation in educational pedagogy with her expertise in technology and entrepreneurship, holding degrees from MIT and Stanford. Before co-founding Lighthouse Prep, Mikala was a Math and Computer Science teacher, a dorm mom, and an edtech founder, which inspired her innovative approach to education. Mikala is renowned for her dynamic leadership and commitment to creating learning environments where students can thrive by connecting their passions with educational goals. She has dedicated her career to enhancing educational outcomes, particularly for underserved communities. Her work has not only transformed the lives of her students but also serves as a model for educational reform.

What made you start your school/business?

My journey to founding Lighthouse Prep began during my college years at MIT, where I was struck by how my peers thrived in an environment that nurtured open-ended exploration and self-directed learning. Unlike the traditional educational structures I had experienced, MIT encouraged a culture of innovation where students had the freedom to develop their own projects and pursue them with zeal. This exposure reshaped my understanding of education as a dynamic and interactive process. I quickly realized that my traditional educational background had not prepared me for the kind of open-ended work and self-directed learning that was second nature to many of my peers. This gap made my early experiences at MIT challenging, as I struggled to match the creative confidence and initiative of students accustomed to a more hands-on, exploratory approach to education. Inspired by this, I founded Lighthouse Prep to cultivate an educational setting where creativity and self-initiative are not just encouraged but are foundational, empowering students not just to absorb information but to create and innovate confidently.

Khabral Muhammad is co-founder and key educational strategist at Lighthouse Prep, where he brings over 20 years of experience in both classroom instruction and educational administration. With a focus on science education, Khabral has been instrumental in developing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that foster a deep understanding of scientific principles, and incorporate real-world applications, including animal husbandry, outdoor adventure, and aquaponics. Beyond his teaching duties, Khabral has been actively involved in community organizing and advocacy, working closely with political leaders to promote policies that enhance educational opportunities for all students. His dedication to education and community service makes him a pillar of the Lighthouse Prep team.

What made you start your school/business?

The vision for Lighthouse Prep was inspired by my dream to create a real-life Hogwarts in our community—a sanctuary where being a nerd, being curious, and sometimes being a little odd, is celebrated. I imagined a place where young minds could feel safe to explore their quirks and curiosities, surrounded by a supportive community of fellow learners and educators. This dream was fueled by my experiences teaching, where I saw the need for a learning space that was as enchanting as it was educational. At Lighthouse Prep, we've aimed to merge the wonder of academic discovery with the magic of growing up, making each day an adventure in learning and personal growth, and forging a community where every student can find their tribe and their passion.