LEAD Charter School renewed for another five years

LEAD Charter School, an initiative of Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN), was renewed by the New Jersey Department of Education for an additional five years. By renewing the state’s first alternative charter school, LEAD will continue to offer quality seats and serve a population of young people who have fallen through the cracks of most public systems.

LEAD fuels the education arm of NOYN’s four-pronged approach to supporting opportunity youth, alongside initiatives focused on workforce development, policy advocacy and systems building. Since its launch in 2017, LEAD’s non-traditional learning environment has combined rigorous academics and workforce development to serve young people ages 16 to 21 years old who are disconnected from school or work. 

“Every seat LEAD offers is another opportunity for a young person to transform themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Robert Clark, Chief Executive Officer of NOYN. 

“LEAD’s renewal is a testament that the Department of Education understands the value of LEAD Charter School, and sees LEAD’s unique approach to serving opportunity youth as a value add to the educational ecosystem of New Jersey,” said Harry Lee, President and CEO of the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association.

Since opening, LEAD’s combined graduation rate (ACGR) has exceeded national trends for opportunity youth. A study for the U.S. Department of Education found that 20 percent of students who dropout of high school will go on to re-engage and receive their high school diploma. LEAD student cohorts average a 75 percent graduation rate.

LEAD’s approach comes from the YouthBuild model and its focus on  workforce development, leadership development, personalized learning, and post-secondary planning for young people continuing their education or beginning their careers. Student agency is fundamental to the LEAD approach, so students are treated as active contributors in their learning and the vision of the LEAD community.

Craig Dinkard, Chair of LEAD’s Board of Trustees, said, “We appreciate the Department of Education’s feedback through the renewal process and look forward to their continued partnership as we work to become an even better school.”

Shabani Stewart, Managing Director of Instruction, added “We’ve learned so much over the last four years, and we’re excited to continue learning from our young people’s experience in education. I think we’ll celebrate the news today - savor this moment - and then get right back to work. We’ve come a long way, but we’ve got more work ahead of us.”

LEAD accepts enrollment applications on a rolling basis. Those interested in applying can visit leadcharterschool.org/enroll for more information.