About Us

American Leadership Academy, Coastal Pre-K-10

Welcome to ALA Coastal Pre-K-11: Home of the Navigators, proudly recognized as one of the top charter schools in Wilmington, NC. At American Leadership Academy Coastal, our mission is to support families by providing the best educational experience to as many students as possible in a moral and wholesome environment. From our youngest preschoolers to our rapidly growing junior high and high school students, we are committed to nurturing both academic excellence and character development.

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Our Mission and Values

At ALA Coastal Pre-K-11, we believe that a well-rounded education goes beyond the classroom. Guided by our R.A.I.S.E. values—Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence—we create a supportive and values-based culture where each student can learn, grow, and thrive. This holistic approach ensures that our Navigators develop the leadership, empathy, and responsibility needed to excel both in school and in life.

Academic Excellence

We uphold a rigorous curriculum that challenges and inspires students, equipping them with the critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities required for future success. Our dedicated educators tailor instruction to meet individual learning needs, helping every child reach their full potential. By setting high expectations and offering personalized guidance, we prepare our students for the academic demands of college, career, and beyond.

Character Development and Leadership

Building strong character is at the heart of everything we do at ALA Coastal. Through leadership lessons, collaborative projects, and service opportunities, we help students embody our R.A.I.S.E. values in their daily lives. These experiences not only foster integrity and community-mindedness, but also empower our Navigators to become confident, compassionate leaders in the classroom and beyond.

Enriching the Whole Student

At ALA Coastal Pre-K-11, education extends beyond core academics. We offer a variety of extracurricular activities—including athletics, arts, clubs, and community service projects—that allow students to explore their interests and discover new talents. By encouraging active participation, we help our Navigators broaden their horizons, forge meaningful friendships, and develop well-rounded skill sets.

A Safe and Supportive Environment

We recognize that a moral and wholesome environment is essential for students to learn and flourish. Our campus culture prioritizes mutual respect, kindness, and cooperation, ensuring every Navigator feels valued and supported. We work closely with families, maintaining transparent communication and collaborative engagement, so that each student receives personalized attention and encouragement.

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If you share our vision of combining academic excellence with strong character development, ALA Coastal Pre-K-11 may be the perfect fit for your family. We invite you to explore our website, discover our values-driven approach, and learn more about what makes us one of the top charter schools in Wilmington, NC. Schedule a tour or reach out to our team to experience firsthand how we guide each Navigator to learn, lead, and change the world.

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Front view of the charter one corporate office building

Coastal Pre-K-11 Hours

School Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm 
Early Release Hours: Days vary,  8:00 am - 1:30 pm

School offices are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

*Students can be dropped off between 7:30 am-7:55 am. Hard cut-off at 8:00 am and students will be marked tardy if they arrive after.

Our Mission:In support of the family, to provide the best educational experience to as many students as possible in a moral and wholesome environment.

Glenn Way, Founder of American Leadership Academy

Glenn Way Headshot

Believing that wholesome environments shape future leaders, Glenn Way founded American Leadership Academy (ALA) to prioritize emotional well-being alongside educational achievements.


Central to his plan is the belief that strong families are the building blocks of a healthy nation.
Students at ALA receive a robust education, learning that leadership skills, moral fiber, and devotion to family are all essential for meaningful success.

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

Performance Grade information

2024 - 50% D

2023 - 57% C

2022 - 54% D

2021 - No Score or Letter Grade (COVID Impact)

2020 - No Score or Letter Grade (COVID Impact)

2019 - 56% C
 

Managed by Charter One

Charter One enables ALA Coastal  to emphasize rigorous academics and moral leadership by handling administrative and business duties. Created to bolster schools such as American Leadership Academy, Charter One’s support keeps ALA Coastal thriving.