Kindergarten - Grade 12 | Tuition-Free Charter School

ALA Johnston

American Leadership Academy Johnston is a K-12 public charter school in Clayton, serving families across Johnston County and the southern Triangle. Lower School and Upper School share one campus, so a Patriot can start in kindergarten and graduate without changing schools.

Home of the Patriots

Home of the Patriots

ALA Johnston

A group of young football players in blue and red uniforms walk across a grassy field with a blurred background of spectators and a hill.

At A Glance

Building a Bright Future, Starting Day One

Every athletic team and every club at ALA Johnston completes two service projects each semester. That is the rule, not the aspiration, and it is why the school is one of the county's largest contributors to Special Olympics, with a Unified Club that pairs Patriots with athletes with intellectual disabilities. Weekly leadership lessons run through grades 6 through 12, and students sponsor and lead the campus's events and community involvement rather than attending them.

2

Service Projects required per semester of every team and club

10:1

Student Teacher Ratio

8

Sports for both boys and girls

2

Full-size gymnasiums and a turf field

DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE

INSPIRING LIFELONG SUCCESS

student sitting at the door of a yellow transportation bus

Getting your child to school safely and on time is our priority. Learn about our offered bus routes and shuttle services, check individual and family pricing tiers, and submit your transportation request online today.

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Johnston Student works on an assignment during class.

ALA provides a connected academic path from elementary foundations through high school graduation. A Core Knowledge-based curriculum, clear expectations, and ALA’s R.A.I.S.E. leadership values help students build essential skills, take greater ownership of their learning, and prepare for college, career, technical training, military service, and life beyond school.

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Johnston football player running down the field.

Patriot athletics give students in grades 6–12 opportunities to compete, develop discipline, and build school pride. Through practices, games, and team experiences, student-athletes learn perseverance, accountability, teamwork, and how to represent ALA with character on and off the field.

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Johnston Performing Arts team during their Spongebob the Musical performance.

Fine arts at ALA give students opportunities to create, perform, and communicate in new ways. Through visual and performing arts, students can develop confidence, creative discipline, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation for music, theatre, visual art, and self-expression.

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A group of young football players in blue and red uniforms walk across a grassy field with a blurred background of spectators and a hill.

Before-and after-school care through The Academy gives K–8 families dependable support beyond the regular school day. Students can complete homework, participate in STEM, literacy, math, art, and music activities, and spend time with friends in a structured and engaging environment.

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Testimonials

Our Families Say It Best

The teachers are absolutely phenomenal. We have had the best experience with them. ALA has been the best fit for our family overall.

Chelsey DavisALA Parent

I love that my kids are learning and are being challenged. They have great teachers that we are very happy with.

The Slade FamilyALA Parents

The reason why we love ALA is because our kids are protected, safe, and they learn all the things necessary to be successful.

The Gomez FamilyALA Parents

With my education background, I wanted to make they were getting the best education possible, and ALA is what stood out to us.

Michelle SorensenALA Parent

We loved the fact that our kids would be able to attend all the way through high school and that we weren't going to have two drop offs and pick ups.

The Alvarez FamilyALA Mesa North Parents

We absolutely love the uniforms. It's made our mornings so easy. She knows what her options are and she can pick it out... As a mom, it makes my job easier, too!

Ashley PetersonALA Parent

ALA Patriot Mascot logo color

News & Blog

Latest News

Unified Club

ALA Johnston’s Unified Club brings students together to build friendships, celebrate differences, and promote kindness, inclusion, and acceptance across campus. Members participate in service projects and school events while helping create a community where every student feels valued and empowered.

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ALAJHS Tri-M Music Honor Society Flyer 26/27

ALA Johnston is launching a chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society to recognize student musicians who demonstrate musical excellence, leadership, and service. Members can develop their talents, lead arts-based service projects, earn honors, and join a national community of dedicated music students.

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ALAJHS Thespian Society Flyer 26/27

ALA Johnston students can join the International Thespian Society to earn recognition for excellence in performance, technical theatre, leadership, and service. Membership also provides access to scholarships, educational opportunities, national connections, and experiences that strengthen college and career preparation.

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ALAJHS Theatre Program Flyer 26/27

ALA Johnston Theatre invites students of all experience levels to perform, design, build, and work behind the scenes in its award-winning fine arts program. The 2026–2027 season features The Wizard of Oz, The Three Musketeers, and Frozen, offering students opportunities to build confidence, creativity, teamwork, and technical theatre skills.

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Now Enrolling for 2026-2027

Kindergarten through Grade 12 · Public Tuition-Free Charter School

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