OUR STORY
LEAD Charter School is the first alternative public charter high school specifically designed to serve opportunity youth in Newark, New Jersey. We serve young people -- 16-21 years old - who have attempted high school. And we are driven by a mission to enable young people to master the essential skills crucial for success in post-secondary education, career, and community leadership within a global society.
LEAD’s key design elements support the unique academic and non-academic needs of students who have disengaged from traditional schooling. LEAD’s innovative model re-engages young people via active participation in rigorous and relevant content and standards-driven, competency-based instruction aligned with emerging market demands. Through applied learning opportunities with partner organizations and corporations, LEAD prepares students to compete in the local economy and/or transition to post-secondary education.
Students find a unique school community in LEAD Charter School that balances rigorous academics in a supportive, loving community of professional educators and advocate counselors. As an extension of the Newark Opportunity Youth Network (OYN), young people have access to an array of local and national resources to equip them with all the tools necessary to find post-secondary success. LEAD Charter School is the most innovative, supportive and successful high school in Newark. It is designed to look, feel and operate radically differently from traditional high schools.
The LEAD philosophy is grounded in our partner agency YouthBuild Newark’s (YBN)
twelve years of experience in improving educational outcomes for off-track youth.
WHO WE ARE NOT:
a Credit Recovery program
a school community engaged in Exclusionary Practices
a "One-size, fits all" program
a Singularly Focused academic program
WHO WE ARE:
a School Community with the unwavering belief in the power of young people to transform their lives and the community
Practitioners of research-based youth development practices and systems
a Tailored, personalized, strengths-based learning experience
Advocates of opportunity youth
THE LEAD APPROACH
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:
LEAD students are constantly afforded opportunities to develop their potential as leaders and positive role models so they can proactively pursue justice, equality and peace for all
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Young people are dedicated to rebuilding and improving the quality of life in their community through collective work, responsibility and cooperative economics
EMOTIONAL INTELLEGENCE:
Our “whole student” approach sees social-emotional learning as equally important as rigorous academics and workforce training. This skill enables students to effectively navigate and manage their emotions, as well as understand the emotions of those around them
HIGH QUALITY TEACHERS AND STAFF:
Our talent is our special sauce, and we are committed to developing a team of dedicated learners, strong managers, and inspirational leaders who embody our core values of appreciation, love, dignity, respect
and faith
NURTURING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:
LEAD's school culture promotes a safe and nurturing learning environment where students are surrounded by supportive professionals who will catch them if they fall