About Us
Who We Are
Welcome to American Leadership Johnston
Tuition-Free K-12 Charter School located in Clayton, North Carolina
American Leadership Academy Johnston is a K–12 public charter school community serving students in Johnston County, North Carolina.
Students begin at the K–5 campus and continue through middle school and high school at the 6-12 campus. Both schools share the Patriot identity, ALA's mission, and the R.A.I.S.E. values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence.
K-12
Grades Served
Clayton, North Carolina
Located in
OUR MISSION
In support of the family, provide the best educational experience to as many students as possible in a moral and wholesome environment.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to cultivate the critical thinkers and innovators of tomorrow, giving them the foundation they need to LEARN. LEAD. CHANGE THE WORLD.
OUR VALUES
Through our R.A.I.S.E. values, we cultivate a culture of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence to guide our students in becoming exemplary leaders.
Tuition-Free K-12 Charter School Education
Performance Grade information
2025-2026 - 71% B
2024-2025 - 61% C
2023-2024 - 52% D
2022-2023 - 62% C
What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are public schools that offer families another educational option while operating with greater flexibility in areas such as curriculum, school culture, and instructional approach.
At ALA Johnston, that flexibility allows us to provide a values-based education focused on academic excellence, leadership, character, and family partnership.
Our Founder
Glenn Way, Founder of American Leadership Academy
Glenn Way founded American Leadership Academy (ALA) with the vision of providing an exceptional K-12 educational experience for his family and community. Motivated by a desire to protect the family unit and help the youth of America understand who they are meant to be, he envisioned a school that fosters personal growth and self-expression in a moral and wholesome environment inclusive of a values-based curriculum. Glenn believes that every child is created to do something extraordinary, and education should be the platform that helps them discover their best selves.
Driven by concerns about the current state of education, Glenn sought to reform the system from the inside out. He wanted to disrupt traditional education by raising the bar and focusing not just on academic excellence but also on developing students into future leaders who value being great spouses and parents by providing them with the opportunity to grow emotionally and academically.
Glenn Way, ALA Founder
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.
Join the Patriot Community Today
ALA Johnston gives Patriots room to build strong foundations, discover interests, take on greater responsibility, and eventually decide what direction comes next. Visit the campus. Meet the school teams. Ask questions. See what the full Johnston K–12 experience can look like.
Now Enrolling for 2026-2027
Kindergarten through Grade 12 · Public Tuition-Free Charter School