The Need:

In 2008, ACT published a report titled The Forgotten Middle. Their findings state, “In the current educational environment, there is a critical defining point for students in the college and career readiness process—one so important that, if students are not on target for college and career readiness by the time they reach this point, the impact may be nearly irreversible.” In its conclusion, The Forgotten Middle highlighted the importance of upper elementary and middle school education by reporting that “the level of academic achievement that students attain by eighth grade has a larger impact on their college and career readiness by the time they graduate from high school than anything that happens academically in high school.”

Lead Academy seeks to provide a brand of education that affords all students the opportunity to participate in a rigorous, college preparatory instructional setting that will prepare them for a demanding high school curriculum as well as life beyond the classroom. Our goal is to support the intent of the South Carolina Charter Schools Act by embracing high expectations for all students regardless of background, socioeconomic environment, family structure or past academic performance. What is a charter school?

There is no prerequisite for entrance into Lead Academy. Any family that resides within Greenville County and is willing to make the necessary commitment is welcome to attend. Such a commitment requires that all stakeholders (parents, students and teachers) possess a steadfast determination to realize the mission of the school.