Home of the Patriots

Hello, and welcome to American Leadership Academy. We are proud to offer an exceptional educational experience to students in the Clayton area.  Our school is focused on the whole child, in a safe, academically challenging setting, providing all this in a moral and wholesome environment, where we R.A.I.S.E. Leaders.

Parents' Corner

American Leadership Academy, Johnston K-5 has a variety of exciting upcoming events throughout this school year. Get the details, location, and time/date information by viewing our school calendar. Half days and holidays are also listed.

Open Calendar

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School calendar

Don't miss out! Johnston K-5 is still accepting applications for new students for the 2023-2024 school year.

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Application & Enrollment

Looking for information? Visit Johnston K-5's parent resource tab for lunch menu details, forms, uniform guidelines, and more. Each resource we have available to parents is downloadable.

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Parent resources

Buy Johnston K-5's school uniforms online. Our Uniforms page has details on where to purchase American Leadership Academy uniforms and our school's guidelines/policies. 

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Uniform policies & online store

School Leaders

Mrs. Lalani Hunsaker, Director

Lalani Hunsaker is a seasoned professional passionate about education and public service. After attending NC State, Mrs. Hunsaker earned two bachelor's degrees in history and political science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she also received her teaching credential. Her extensive background in political science as a former legislative assistant, political consultant, and, most recently, Director of Government Relations for Charter One serves as a solid platform for her work in and out of charter schools and the classroom.

Mrs. Hunsaker is a firm believer in ALA Johnston's RAISE values and the impact they can make on students' lives and education. She is committed to ensuring students receive the best education possible in a moral and wholesome environment. Mrs. Hunsaker recently moved to North Carolina from Gilbert, Arizona, with her husband and four children. She enjoys traveling internationally and loves all things outdoors! Her favorite quote that she lives by is, "be the girl who decided to go for it."

Spotlight

Melissa Hansen

"I was so grateful to see him come to a school where there was some accountability " Learn more.

Deborah Byers

"These teachers want the kids to be successful.." Learn more.

Laura Paulsen

"I've never seen my child care more about his grades and his character. " Learn more.

De'lean Strong

"The students feel like they are wanted here." Learn more.

Christine Stine

"The second that we saw the R.A.I.S.E. Values, we knew [...] we wanted our children to go somewhere they were going to be taught to be good citizens."  Learn more.

Aisha Bakkar

"...ALA is definitely the school you wanna send your kids to! " Learn more.

Heather Rodriquez

"ALA is the right fit, and will continue to be the right fit, because of the R.A.I.S.E. system.." Learn more.

The ALA Life

Raising Leaders

The teachers and staff at American Leadership Academy, Johnston K-5 are focused on each child as a whole. Through our academics, extracurriculars, sports, and fine arts, we R.A.I.S.E leaders who have a well-rounded education.