Science
The Science department encourages students to explore their world at every scale, from microscopic to intergalactic. We strive to provide our students with a wide array of valuable educational experiences, providing hands-on laboratory activities whenever practical in order to complement learning through other course activities. We believe that a solid foundation in the natural sciences provides our students with the tools they will need to think critically and evaluate issues logically as they prepare for the future.
Course Path
Students take foundational courses in their 9th and 10th grade years. During their 11th and 12th grade years students choose science elective courses each year.
9th | Biology |
10th | Chemistry |
11th | Anatomy and Physiology, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, Environmental Science, Physics, Earth Science |
12th |
Course Spotlight
Environmental Science
Using the physical campus at La Lumiere as a laboratory as much as possible, this course will seek to identify basic ecological principles including populations, ecosystems, and human impact on the Earth. There will also be elements of field biology such as taxonomic identification, collection, and conservation. Emphasis will be placed on current topics. such as climate change, population, invasive species, National Parks, and species conservation.
Co-curricular Spotlight
Robotics
Faculty
Contact: kandert@lalumiere.org
Ken Andert joined the La Lumiere faculty in 1995 after graduating from the University of Notre Dame, where he studied physics and secondary education. He joined Notre Dame’s physics department in 1999 as a teacher in the QuarkNet program and spends his summers on a variety of research projects, which have included construction and installation of particle detectors for Fermilab and CERN, decoding images from the Hubble Space Telescope, and designing shows for Notre Dame’s planetarium. He runs our version of Bookstore Basketball in the spring, and still holds out hope that he can win it again one of these years.
How long have you taught at La Lumiere?
This is my 27th year at La Lumiere.
What is your favorite location on campus?
My favorite location at La Lumiere is standing behind the 3-point arc with a defender too far away to do anything about it.
What do you enjoy most about working with students at La Lu?
I enjoy working with students at La Lumiere to help them understand physics and mathematics.
What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition?
My favorite La Lumiere tradition is the senior banquet. (well, and of course Bookstore).
Contact: bbalhoff@lalumiere.org
Brett Balhoff is beginning his twelfth year at La Lumiere School where he serves as the Science Department Chair. Brett teaches Anatomy and Physiology and Environmental Science. In addition to academics, Brett is the head coach of the varsity girls soccer team. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Butler University and completed graduate work focused on Learning and Development at the University of Virginia. Mr. Balhoff has a love for the natural world and spends as much time as possible outside with his classes looking for new things to discover.
How long have you taught at La Lumiere? Since 2010
What is your favorite spot on campus? The Amphitheatre.
What do you enjoy most about working at La Lumiere? Collegiality amongst the faculty and the kindheartedness of our students.
What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition? The Taste of La Lumiere.
Contact: jfrankle@lalumiere.org
Jaime Frankle joined La Lumiere School in 2010 and is also an alumna of the school. She teaches Honors Precalculus, Precalculus, and Physics and serves as the Math Department Chair and the Library Coordinator. In the winter and spring seasons she coaches the Academia Cup and Academic Super Bowl teams. Jaime graduated from Grinnell College with a BA in Physics and completed their education licensure program. She spends her summers working as a stage manager at a local theater.
What is your favorite spot on campus? The Lake Loop.
What do you enjoy most about working at La Lumiere? Interacting with the students in so many different ways throughout the day.
What is your favorite La Lumiere tradition? Friday Funnies.
Contact: cvdmehden@lalumiere.org
Chris von Der Mehden joined La Lumiere in 2025. Chris earned his M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and taught chemistry at both the college and high school levels. He believes science comes alive when it connects to real life. Chris’s his background in positive psychology, yoga, and mindfulness inspires a teaching style that is both hands-on and holistic. Whether guiding students through a lab experiment or a big-picture conversation, Chris aims to spark curiosity and joy in learning. Outside the classroom, he enjoys running, cooking, reading, and ice baths – including his annual Christmas morning plunge into a frozen lake.
Contact: tschmidt@lalumiere.org
Tatum joined La Lumiere in 2026. Ms. Schmidt’s conservation work in her adolescence led her to pursue science in college. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of South Florida, far from her New Hampshire upbringing. Ms.Schmidt has taught for three summers back in New Hampshire at the Cardigan Mountain School, where she learned to place a strong emphasis on experiential education and project-based learning. She learned the ropes of residential life there. She will also work on the residential life team here at La Lumiere.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete three (3) credits of science coursework in order to graduate. All students are required to take Biology during their 9th grade year. Chemistry and Physics are recommended but not required, and a number of other elective courses are offered.