Beacon Academy
Beacon Academy (Evanston, Illinois), a progressive independent high school, needed a modern, engaging website that reflected its innovative mission and welcoming community. Their previous website, built on the Edlio platform, was rigid and difficult to manage, leaving staff limited in making updates and prospective families with an uninspiring online experience. The school wanted a refreshed digital presence that showcased its unique academic model and student-centered culture while making content management easier for staff.
What the client had to say
“It looks amazing! It is such a difference! It feels so much more alive.”
– Renée Ruffing, Director of Enrollment Management & Marketing
Objective
Design TLC was tasked with creating a visually compelling, flexible website that:
- Clearly articulated Beacon’s progressive mission and distinct academic approach.
- Replaced Edlio with a more user-friendly CMS that empowered staff to make updates easily.
- Integrated dynamic features such as text animations, video, and social media feeds.
- Improved event communication with a modernized calendar and RSVP capabilities.
- Enhanced accessibility for a diverse community of students and families.
Approach
Discovery & Strategy
We began with a full audit of the old site, stakeholder surveys, and review of recent market research. This provided clarity on content priorities and pain points.
Content & Messaging
We restructured content to highlight “why Beacon” messages throughout, focusing on student experience, alumni success, and community engagement.
Visual Design
The design included bold, accessible color choices and engaging animations. A flexible home page was created to feature rotating events, news, and social proof.
User Experience Enhancements
Navigation was streamlined, social media was integrated, and performing arts and alumni content was redesigned for ongoing relevance.
Development & Implementation
The site was built on WordPress using Beaver Builder, giving staff simple tools for editing. Legacy content was migrated, outdated pages redirected, and accessibility testing completed before launch.
Outcome
The redesigned Beacon Academy website:
- Successfully transitioned from Edlio to WordPress, saving costs and empowering staff with an intuitive platform.
- Delivered a dynamic user experience through video, animation, and real-time content integration.
- Improved communication of admissions and event information.
- Passed accessibility reviews, supporting inclusivity for all families.
- Reflected Beacon’s bold, progressive identity with a clean, modern design.
Before
New Website
