The school is inspired by Theodore Sizer's Coalition of Essential Schools. This group was founded by a grassroots coalition of parents and community organizers.
Student achievement is measured primarily through the use of performance-based assessments.
Each spring, students will participate in MCAS at the 8th grade level and students in grades 6 and 7 are tested via the California Achievement Test-5. In addition, portfolios, student self-assessment student demonstrations of knowledge are integral features of the Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School assessment system. Seventh grade scores are above average in relation to national norms. In sum, it appears that the students that entered the Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School on average, performed higher than the students in the districts from which they came. The Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School has administered the CAT-5 in the springs of 1996 and 1997.