As we embark on our 13th year of operation as a network, we return to school with an emphasis this year on our LEAD Ethos, the founding principles of our network. We ask all staff members and students to embrace …
Jose Cisillas speaks English fluently, but the Nashville transplant only learned to read and write in his native language of Spanish in school. So when his daughter Kristie, a student at LEAD Southeast Middle, had questions about her homework in …
When Eradi walked into his first day of 5th grade at LEAD Cameron Middle School, he didn’t speak a word of English. Instead, he spoke only a remote dialect of Swahili, that no one in the district could interpret. “He …
As a student-led conference greeter inside LEAD Cameron, 8th-grader Rosie said she looked at the opportunity as one for both herself and fellow students to meet with adult volunteers much like they would for a job interview. “It gives me …
Mena Gamil extended his hand, introduced himself, and started talking about the need for solar-paneled sidewalks — sidewalks that would be environmentally friendly, safe for passersby and, above all else, an improvement over existing paths in nearby neighborhoods. “I …
Justin Martinez ‘20 took the mic and told his story. “Discrimination,” he said before 100-plus students at lunch Friday afternoon. “You hear of it, but you never expect to see it in your own life. Personally, I’m not affected …
The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools’ Board of Education approved the LEAD Academy charter renewal application on Tuesday night, which means LEAD Academy will continue providing a high-quality, equitable college-preparatory education for students over the next decade. “Thank you to the …
For LEAD Academy senior LaShonda Price, the opportunity to join Girls State this past summer allowed her to step outside of her comfort zone as a person and a student. In a word, LaShonda called it transforming. “Girls State is just …
Dr. Rock strides into his classroom at LEAD Southeast and a hush immediately comes over his assembled students. “Alright!” he says. “Let’s get this ‘Radioactive’ thing going. Let’s see if we can tear it up.” And tear it up they …
The student looked down at his folder, back up at the adult seated next to him and pondered the question at hand a bit more. “What is my favorite subject in school?” he asked, a wry smile foreshadowing his excitement. …
