In 2007, a committee of concerned members began to explore educational alternatives that would best provide all students within Greenville County an excellent education.
After considering many options, the committee settled on the idea of petitioning the Greenville County School District for a public charter school to serve Greenville County students in grades 5 through 8. As a result, a charter school Planning Committee was formed.
With much excitement, in June 2009, the Planning Committee celebrated the approval of the Lead Academy Public Charter School. As a public charter school, Lead Academy is a nonreligious, non-home-based, non-profit educational entity. There are no fees or admissions requirements to attend Lead. Any student in the appropriate grade residing in South Carolina may apply for admission. In the Fall of 2010 Lead Academy opened its doors.
Lots of change took place in the sixth year of the school. Lead became a full EL Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning) partner and added grades K-5th to the already exciting and functioning middle school. Lead Academy left the campus of Upstate Circle of Friends and relocated to Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church awaiting its new permeant facility now located at 804 Mauldin Road Greenville, SC 29607.
Lead Academy is a community of students, teachers, parents, and leaders. The community shares a set of values that they believe create the foundation for students to grow and reach their greatest potential. Their non-negotiables and “Just Do It” culture rest on the founding pillars: “Be nice. Work hard. Serve well. Have fun.” These pillars guide everything they do and help build a stronger school culture.
Learn more about Lead Academy at myleadacademy.com.