Our History
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The Leona Group was formed in 1996 in Michigan by Dr. William Coats, a nationally-recognized leader in education reform. At the core of The Leona Group is the philosophy that every child can and will learn, regardless of ethnicity, economic, or educational disadvantage. These founding beliefs continue to drive Leona’s commitment to excellence in elementary, middle and high school classrooms across the country today. At the time of Leona's inception, the dropout rate in Detroit was 76%; less than 1 in 4 freshmen managed to earn their high school diplomas. Leona first sought to change that by operating schools in the Detroit area. To this end, César Chávez Academy was the first charter to partner with TLG and initially served grades K-5. Today, it has grown to serve more than 2,000 students in grades preK-12 on five Detroit campuses and is the top-performing, non-examination public high school in Detroit.
With its proven track record in Michigan, Leona sought to make a difference in Arizona, a state that also demonstrated tremendous need for a change. At that time, the dropout rate in Maricopa County was 12%; 1 out of 8 freshmen failed to persist through high school to earn their diplomas. The Leona Group Arizona was started in 1996 with the explicit intent of improving life outcomes for Arizona high school students and their families. Leona Group Arizona, under the authorization of the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, opened five charter high schools in the metro-Phoenix area in 1997 and began its over 22 year journey of changing the educational landscape across our state.
Over time, The Leona Group Arizona has evolved in response to demonstrated needs in our communities. When community stakeholders approached Leona to support their visions for rigorous, college-preparation options in their neighborhoods, Leona listened and responded with action. That is how South Ridge High School, Mission Heights Preparatory High School, and Glenview College Prep High School were conceived. When parents and community members reached out for quality elementary school options, Leona heard them and helped realize those dreams, culminating into a family of nine elementary schools to date. Leona's Arizona journey has been, and continues to be, a collective one driven by innovation and collaboration among community leaders, parents, students, and families.
Regardless of the types of schools, grade levels offered, or specific programs at each local site, The Leona Group Arizona schools are bound by a common, unwavering love for, and open invitation to, ALL students and their families. Leona educators welcome ALL children into our schools with enthusiasm, skill, and responsiveness...and without any barriers to enrollment. We ensure that effective, responsive programs exist to foster the success of each and every child we serve, including:
With its proven track record in Michigan, Leona sought to make a difference in Arizona, a state that also demonstrated tremendous need for a change. At that time, the dropout rate in Maricopa County was 12%; 1 out of 8 freshmen failed to persist through high school to earn their diplomas. The Leona Group Arizona was started in 1996 with the explicit intent of improving life outcomes for Arizona high school students and their families. Leona Group Arizona, under the authorization of the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, opened five charter high schools in the metro-Phoenix area in 1997 and began its over 22 year journey of changing the educational landscape across our state.
Over time, The Leona Group Arizona has evolved in response to demonstrated needs in our communities. When community stakeholders approached Leona to support their visions for rigorous, college-preparation options in their neighborhoods, Leona listened and responded with action. That is how South Ridge High School, Mission Heights Preparatory High School, and Glenview College Prep High School were conceived. When parents and community members reached out for quality elementary school options, Leona heard them and helped realize those dreams, culminating into a family of nine elementary schools to date. Leona's Arizona journey has been, and continues to be, a collective one driven by innovation and collaboration among community leaders, parents, students, and families.
Regardless of the types of schools, grade levels offered, or specific programs at each local site, The Leona Group Arizona schools are bound by a common, unwavering love for, and open invitation to, ALL students and their families. Leona educators welcome ALL children into our schools with enthusiasm, skill, and responsiveness...and without any barriers to enrollment. We ensure that effective, responsive programs exist to foster the success of each and every child we serve, including:
- Free breakfast & lunch programs
- Free transportation
- Complete ELAS programming
- The full continuum of special education services, including a site special education teacher
- A social worker at every site
- ACES-trained school teachers & staff
- A site instructional coach to help all teachers meet the learning needs of all students
Every year we evaluate our effectiveness and find ways to improve how we serve our students. We lovingly endeavor to have the knowledge and passion to help each and every child own their futures.
