Pre-K-11 Charter School | Coastal

Home of the Navigators

Nestled just a few miles from Wilmington’s sandy shoreline, American Leadership Academy Coastal invites Pre‑K through 11th‑grade students into a close‑knit community that feels as warm as a neighborhood gathering. We pair rigorous academics with the timeless R.A.I.S.E. values—Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence—so children learn to solve tough problems and treat people well in equal measure. Families stay at the heart of everything we do, ensuring every student grows into both a confident scholar and a person of character.

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What is a Charter School?

A charter school is a public educational institution operating with increased independence and flexibility relative to conventional public schools. Established through a charter—a contract outlining the school's mission, curriculum, goals, and methods of assessment—these schools are designed to encourage innovation and offer varied educational options to meet the specific needs of their local communities.

Parents' Corner

Preview upcoming school events, fundraisers, and important dates by visiting our school calendar. Our Pre-K-12 charter school works hard to keep this information up-to-date.

Open Calendar

Explore our directory of resources for both you and your student. From Health Forms and handbooks

Explore Resources

Classical Curriculum, or traditional education, is language-focused and designed to train students how to think and learn, not what to think and learn. Preview our Pre-K-12 classical curriculum and apply for enrollment online.

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ALA Coastal aims to provide all students with a well-rounded education, nurturing the academic, social, and emotional needs of each child. Our school uses the acronym R.A.I.S.E. to highlight the strong character traits we desire and cultivate in our scholars.

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ALA Coastal Students leaning on each other smiling in gym in front of RAISE wall

School Leaders

Amanda Ahlert, Director 7-11

Contact: aahlert@alacoastal.org

Meet Ms. Amanda Ahlert, American Leadership Academy Coastal's director!

Ms. Ahlert has been a part of the ALA Coastal team since its opening in 2017, working as a third and fourth grade teacher, beginning teacher support coordinator/instructional coach, and assistant director before transitioning to her current role as director. She deeply loves her school and is passionate about ALA Coastal's future.

Ms. Ahlert earned her Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies and Master of Science in psychology at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. She also received a master's in the art of teaching from Watson College of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Ms. Ahlert enjoys many hobbies in her free time, including pottery, painting, reading, kayaking the Intracoastal Waterway, gardening, birdwatching, and spending time with her family.

Brittany LaFave ALA Coastal PreK-6 Director

Brittany LaFave, PreK-6 Director

Contact: blafave@alacoastal.org

Mrs. LaFave began her career in education in 2012 after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. During that time, she had the pleasure of teaching kindergarten, first, and second grade at a charter school. She was also given the opportunity to serve as lead teacher for two years. During this time, she completed a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. After five years of teaching, she decided that she wanted to pursue a leadership role. She served as Operations Coordinator and worked hand in hand with the principal. As the assistant principal, she plans to bring positivity, promote teamwork, and work to ensure staff, parents, and students feel welcomed every time they are on our campus.

Away from school Mrs. LaFave and her husband have two boys who keep them very busy. She enjoys creating memories with her boys, being outside, and shopping!

Tina Powell, Assistant Director JHHS at ALA Coastal

Tina Powell, Assistant Director 7-11

Contact: tpowell@alacoastal.org

Driven by her passion for advocating, education and developing service-minded leaders, Tina Powell is honored to be afforded the role of Assistant Director JHHS at ALA Coastal. Drawing from over 10 years of classroom, mentoring and lead teacher experiences, her focus includes promoting a culture of shared leadership and accountability with all school stakeholders as well as implementing processes and procedures that improve the learning environment, and positively impact student academic growth.

Tina’s educational journey began in Coral Gables, Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education, from the University of Miami. Later, while living in Los Angeles, CA, Tina served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), acting in the best interest of children in the foster care system. Firmly believing that education is a life-long journey, she earned a Master’s of School Administration degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and holds a North Carolina Association of School Administrators Principals License.

Tina enjoys living in North Carolina’s coastal community with her husband, Jason and daughter, Elizabeth. For leisure she enjoys reading and going to the beach with her family. Tina’s experience working with diverse student populations has motivated her to find meaningful ways to serve the community. Tina prioritizes building trusting relationships, nurturing and building cultural norms, and finding new ways to make a positive impact.

Amber Olczak, Assistant Director PreK-6

Contact: aolczak@alacoastal.org

Mrs. Olczak is thrilled to serve our students and families as Assistant Director for PreK - 6th grade. Mrs. Olczak has been a part of the ALA Coastal family since 2021, beginning as a third grade teacher, and more recently as the school's beginning teacher support coordinator/instructional coach. Her journey in education began in 2017 after graduating from North Carolina State University (Go Wolfpack!). Since then, she has had the privilege of teaching elementary in Charlotte and High Point North Carolina, before joining ALA Coastal.

Outside of school, you can find Mrs. Olczak exploring Wilmington with her husband and their dog, Grady. She is also getting ready to welcome a very special addition to her family this October – a baby on the way!

Mrs. Olczak looks forward to getting to know all of you and working together to make this a fantastic year for our school!

Testimonials

Mande Barden

"I definitely feel like the school is preparing our son to grow up to be the adult we want him to be." Learn more.

Chris Barden

"We've had great teachers, great friends we've made, and great coaches. It has just been an all around great experience." Learn more.

Jessie Perry

"I feel like they are really providing knowledge for the students. not just having them memorize things for a test." Learn more.

Demetrice Southerland

"Teachers take their time to get to know each student and their capabilities." Learn more.

Kimberly Bageant

“They challenge our kids to strive to be the best they can be.” Learn more.

Rachel Emery

"I feel like it is a really tight-knit community between teachers, staff, and parents." Learn more.

Life at ALA Coastal

Take Part in a School Tour

ALA Coastal's classrooms are designed to comfort and develop every child. Join us on a tour to explore everything from within our campus and see why so families choose classical education.