Home of the Navigators
Hello, and welcome to the Coastal Pre-K-11 campus of American Leadership Academy! We are proud to offer an exceptional educational experience to students in Wilmington, North Carolina. Our school is focused on providing a safe, academically challenging, and comfortable environment for our students.
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Parents' Corner
ALA Coastal continues to grow and thrive, thanks to the amazing families in our community! We're thrilled to share that ALA Coastal will offer 11th grade starting in the 24-25 school year. Parents can begin applying for the 11th grade on November 15, 2023. Stay tuned for more details and exciting developments about the expansion of our grade school and high school offerings.
Preview upcoming school events, fundraisers, and important dates by visiting our school calendar. Our Pre-K-11 charter school works hard to keep this information up-to-date.
Explore our directory to learn more about our educators’ qualifications and to read messages directly from our teachers. Our teachers and staff members are dedicated to creating a positive learning environment for our students.
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-11 classical curriculum and apply for enrollment online.
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.
School Leaders
Amanda Ahlert, Director
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, Assistant Director
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
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.