FIND YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS
LEAD Charter School is New Jersey's first disconnection prevention and recovery charter high school specifically serving young people 16-21 years old who are not participating in school or the workforce.
Earn your diploma and career certifications—all tuition-free.
As a YouthBuild school, LEAD combines the best research on teaching and learning with the best research on youth workforce development, creating an experience built for exactly who you are and where you want to go.
Do You Qualify?
It means you're older than typical for your grade level, or you don't have enough credits to graduate on the usual timeline. If you're 18 or 19 and still working toward your diploma — you belong here.
Significa que eres mayor que el promedio para tu grado, o que aún no tienes suficientes créditos para graduarte. Si tienes 18 o 19 años y todavía estás trabajando para obtener tu diploma — este es tu lugar.
Two Newark Campuses
A Diploma and a Head Start
At LEAD, students don't just earn a high school diploma — they graduate with an industry-recognized certification and real-world skills in one of two career pathways. No experience required. Just the drive to build something.
Construction
Trades
Hands-on training in plumbing, electrical, and carpentry — plus real experience on active worksites rehabilitating homes right here in Newark.
Allied
Health
Explore the growing healthcare field with hands-on training across multiple disciplines — and graduate ready to step into a healthcare career or pursue further education.
Earn Your Diploma.
Build Your Skills.
Launch Your Future.
The Right Support Changes Everything
At LEAD, you get more than an education, you become part of a community that's in your corner.
With wrap-around supports designed to meet you where you are, you'll have everything you need to stay on track, build your future, and become who you're meant to be.
Yaneliz’s Story // LEAD Charter School