About Us
American Leadership Academy in South Carolina
American Leadership Academy (ALA) is growing in the Palmetto State—bringing our values-based, tuition-free model to families who want more than “just school.” Today, we welcome students at our Lexington K-5 and Lexington 6-12 campuses, and we’re actively preparing new K-12 locations in Blythewood, Greenville, and Rock Hill (opening Fall 2026). Wherever we plant our flag, the goal is the same: a safe, challenging place where young people sharpen their minds and strengthen their character.
- Academics that rise above state standards: From phonics foundations to AP and dual-credit courses, every lesson is built for depth, rigor, and real-world relevance.
- Personalized instruction inside a traditional classroom: Teachers blend whole-group teaching, small-group practice, and targeted intervention so each child moves forward with confidence.
- Rich extracurricular menu: Competitive athletics, marching band, visual arts, robotics, service clubs, and more—because talent needs room to stretch.
- A moral, wholesome atmosphere: Clear behavior expectations and a simple uniforms policy keep the focus on learning, friendship, and personal growth.
- R.A.I.S.E. Leadership Focus: Daily habits of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence are practiced in class, on the field, and out in the community.
- Parent Partnership: Open communication, volunteer opportunities, and family events make school an extension of home, not a separate world.
- Patriotism with purpose: Students study our nation's history, honor civic heroes, and learn what it means to serve something bigger than themselves.
Our Mission:
In support of the family, we will provide the best educational experience to as many students as possible in a moral and wholesome environment.
Our Vision:
To Learn. Lead. Change the World!
Whether your child is just starting kindergarten or gearing up for college prep, American Leadership Academy South Carolina offers a place to grow, to serve, and to lead—with a community that cheers every step of the way.
Academics
At American Leadership Academy, strong academics are just the starting point.
- Challenging coursework: Every grade level follows a rigorous curriculum—including specialized gifted classes—that pushes students to think deeper and aim higher.
- Character first: Lessons are anchored in our R.A.I.S.E. values—Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence—so learners grow into principled young adults, not just high achievers.
- Everyday leadership: From group projects to campus service projects, students practice leading by example, gaining the confidence to influence their classmates today and their communities tomorrow.
Nurturing Environment
Partnership sits at the heart of our work in South Carolina. We team up with parents, community leaders, and local organizations to build the kind of school culture where children flourish. Whether your family is in Lexington today or planning for our future campuses in Blythewood, Greenville, and Rock Hill, you’ll find the same open-door spirit: every voice heard, every relationship valued, and every student challenged to rise. By uniting neighborhood support with ALA’s proven approach, we give South Carolina families both a warm welcome and an uncompromising standard of excellence.
Our Growth
American Leadership Academy opened its doors in 2009 with a simple promise: give every child an outstanding education in a place that feels both safe and principled—the kind of school we would choose for our own kids. From day one, we set out to blend rigorous academics with strong character training, removing the distractions that can get in the way of real learning and growth.
That vision struck a chord with families. What began as a single campus has expanded into a network that now serves communities across the region. Even as we grow, our purpose stays the same: help students master their studies, discover their gifts, and use both to make a difference in the world.
Glenn Way, Founder of American Leadership Academy
Glenn Way started American Leadership Academy with a straightforward goal: give families a K-12 school experience built on choice, high standards, and rock-solid values. He wanted campuses where kids feel safe, challenged, and inspired—not just to earn good grades, but to grow into responsible adults and community leaders.
Glenn believed every student carries untapped potential, so he set out to rethink traditional schooling and raise the bar for both academics and character formation. His vision asks students to dream big—about college and careers, yes, but also about becoming caring spouses, parents, and neighbors.
To make that vision happen, Glenn launched Charter One, an education-management organization that powers ALA and other partner schools. Together, they craft a rigorous curriculum grounded in time-tested teaching methods and anchored by the R.A.I.S.E. values: Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. The result? Welcoming schools where young people learn, lead, and leave ready to change the world.
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
The Mission of Charter One and American Leadership Academy
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is American Leadership Academy (ALA) a tuition-free school?
- Which grades do the South Carolina campuses serve?
- What makes ALA’s academic program different?
- When can my family apply?
- Do you require uniforms?
- Are athletics and fine-arts programs available?
- How does ALA support working families?
- What role do parents play at ALA?
- Who manages school operations?
- Why is ALA expanding in South Carolina?