About Us
American Leadership Academy in North Carolina
American Leadership Academy (ALA) proudly serves families across North Carolina by delivering an exceptional, values-driven education in their local communities. As a tuition-free public charter school network, ALA has established campuses in Charlotte (K-8), Monroe (Pre-K-8), Johnston County (K-5 and 6-12), and the coastal region (including the Wilmington and Greenville areas), bringing our proven educational model to neighborhoods throughout the state.
Our teachers, staff, community, and connected families work to provide the best educational experience possible for our students.
- Rigorous academic curriculum that exceeds state standards
- Personalized learning from a unique instruction format
- Traditional classroom approach that optimizes student engagement
- Wide range of extracurricular activities, including various fine arts and athletic programs
- Moral, wholesome environment that minimizes distractions
- Uniformed dress code that still allows for variety and personalization
- Deliberate focus on leadership, through our R.A.I.S.E. Leadership Program
- Direct, open partnership and collaboration with parents
- Social development opportunities among students, teachers, staff, and community
- Strong emphasis on patriotism and national history
Our Mission:
In support of the family, we will provide the best educational experience to as many students as possible in a moral and wholesome environment.
Our Vision:
To Learn. Lead. Change the World!
Academics
At ALA, academic excellence is our hallmark. We offer a rigorous curriculum, along with a gifted education program, that uphold high standards that challenge students to reach their full potential. Equally important is our focus on moral character and leadership development. Guided by our R.A.I.S.E. values- Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence - we teach students not only to excel academically but also as moral and ethical students. Leadership opportunities are integrated into school life, helping students build confidence and learn the importance of leading by example both in the classroom and in the community
Nurturing Environment
We also believe that education is a partnership. For this reason, we actively forge strong community partnerships with parents, local leaders, and organizations in every region we serve. By working hand-in-hand with families, we create a supportive environment where children thrive. From Wake Forest, Raleigh, and Clayton; to Charlotte, Monroe, and soon to neighboring Rock Hill and Blythewood; to our coastal communities around Wilmington and Greenville, our reach spans the state and beyond. In every one of these communities, we strive to ensure that all families feel seen, valued, and invited into the ALA community. This local focus, combined with our broader mission and vision, means that North Carolina families can expect both a warm welcome and the highest standards of education at our schools.
Our Growth
Founded in 2009, American Leadership Academy (ALA) was established with a clear mission: to deliver the finest educational experience in a nurturing and ethical environment to as many students as possible. Our goal was to create a school where we would confidently enroll our own children, knowing they would receive the comprehensive education necessary for success in both academics and life, free from the distractions and challenges prevalent in other educational settings.
Our commitment has resonated deeply with parents, leading to our growth from humble beginnings to serving numerous communities and families today. Throughout our expansion, we remain steadfast in our mission to inspire students to learn, lead, and positively impact the world around them.
Glenn Way, Founder of American Leadership Academy
Glenn Way founded American Leadership Academy (ALA) with a vision to offer families an exceptional K-12 educational journey emphasizing choice, excellence, and values-based learning. Driven by a commitment to safeguarding family values and inspiring America's youth to discover their unique purpose, Glenn envisioned nurturing environments where students could thrive emotionally and academically.
Recognizing the potential in every child, Glenn aimed to revolutionize education by challenging conventional models and elevating standards in both academics and character development. His mission extends beyond academic success to preparing students to excel as future spouses, parents, and community leaders.
To realize this vision, Glenn established Charter One, an Education Management Organization dedicated to supporting schools like ALA. Through close collaboration with families and educators, Charter One delivers a rigorous, values-based curriculum rooted in traditional education principles. Guided by the R.A.I.S.E. leadership values—Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence—ALA and Charter One are committed to cultivating strong, educated, and confident future leaders.
We want our kids to learn why they were created—not just to become the best astronauts, plumbers, or mathematicians, but to become the best spouses, parents, citizens, and leaders. - Glenn Way, ALA Founder
The Mission of Charter One and American Leadership Academy
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grade levels does ALA in North Carolina serve?
- Is American Leadership Academy a private school?
- What makes ALA different from other public schools in North Carolina?
- What are the R.A.I.S.E. values?
- Do students wear uniforms?
- Does ALA offer extracurricular programs?
- How does ALA support students academically?
- How does ALA work with families and the community?
- What areas of North Carolina does ALA serve?
- How do I enroll my child?