ABOUT US
Redefining public education, empowering scholars, strengthening communities
About
Phalen Leadership Academies
Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is a national, nonprofit school management organization transforming public education through innovation, excellence, and community partnership. We partner with districts, charter boards, and local communities to improve existing schools and launch new ones that deliver exceptional academic results and life-changing opportunities for students.
Who We Are
At PLA, we specialize in school turnaround, management, and improvement services that strengthen teaching and learning. Our proven model provides comprehensive support for district schools, innovation schools, and public charter schools.
Why Choose Phalen Leadership Academies
Charter authorizers and school boards choose PLA because we deliver measurable results. Our schools achieve sustained academic growth, stronger cultures, and higher teacher retention through intentional systems that prioritize scholars, empower educators, and engage families.
What We Can Do For You
Ultimately, our mission is to help schools fulfill their founding promise—to become academically excellent, financially sustainable, and socially vibrant learning communities where every child thrives.
Redefining public education — empowering scholars, strengthening communities
Our Mission
At Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA), our mission is to ensure that every scholar meets the highest academic and social standards and develops the skills, confidence, and character to lead in school, at home, and in their communities. We exist to transform public education—partnering with schools and districts to close achievement gaps, accelerate learning, and create joyful, high-performing classrooms where every child thrives.
Our Core Values
At Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA), our vision is to cultivate scholars who excel academically and lead with integrity, purpose, and compassion. We aim to empower every child to master core academic skills while developing strong character grounded in honesty, service to others, a superior work ethic, and an unshakable belief in their own potential.
Over 10,000 students served across 18 schools in 5 states
Transformed 12 F-rated schools into A-rated schools
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20% proficiency growth in literacy and math over the last 3 years
Largest black founded and led school turnaround operator in the country
The History of Phalen Leadership Academies
“We thought that if nothing else, we could adopt a male child and give him a happy home.”
– Veronica Phalen
Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) was founded in 2013 by Earl Martin Phalen, in honor of his adoptive parents, George and Veronica Phalen. Rooted in their values of Children First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude, PLA was created to give every child the same love, opportunity, and belief that changed Earl’s life.
Abandoned at birth, Earl was adopted by George and Veronica in the late 1960s. Their compassion and courage became the foundation for what would later grow into one of the nation’s most impactful education organizations.
After graduating from Yale University and Harvard Law School, Earl focused on expanding opportunities for children through education. He co-founded Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL), a national nonprofit that served tens of thousands of scholars in underserved communities. Later, he launched Summer Advantage USA, one of the country’s only research-proven summer learning models, recognized by the White House, TIME Magazine, and MSNBC for its success in closing achievement gaps.
In 2012, the Indiana Charter School Board approved the launch of the George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academies—schools designed to deliver rigorous academics, enrichment experiences, and character education for students in underserved communities. Today, PLA partners with school districts and charter boards across the nation to manage and transform schools into thriving centers of learning and opportunity.
The legacy of George and Veronica Phalen lives on in every PLA classroom—through the love, determination, and belief that every child, no matter their zip code, can achieve greatness. Their story continues to inspire our mission to transform public education and ensure that all scholars thrive as learners and leaders in their communities and in the world.
A holistic, evidence-based model for educational excellence that impacts scholars, families and communities.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
EMPOWERING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
At Phalen Leadership Academies, learning goes beyond the classroom. Through programs like Skilled US and Summer Advantage, we equip both children and adults with the tools to thrive—helping families gain stability, scholars stay on track, and communities build brighter futures. Together, we’re creating opportunities that change lives across generations.
Build a Brighter Future with Skilled US
skilledus.org
Through Skilled US, PLA helps parents and family members (17+) build stable, rewarding careers. This FREE program offers hands-on training, career coaching, and direct employer connections in high-demand fields. Graduates earn $45,000+ per year—creating stronger, more secure futures for their families.
%
Complete the Program
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Increase in Yearly Earnings
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Tuition-Free Adult Education Program
Enroll in our free 5-week Summer Advantage Program
SummerAdvantage.org
PLA partners with Summer Advantage to keep scholars learning all summer. This FREE program prevents learning loss through reading, math, enrichment, field trips, and hands-on fun. While many students fall behind, PLA scholars gain skills, confidence, and friendships. Give your child a summer that makes a difference.
Scholars gain two months of reading, writing, and math skills
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90% of families gave outstanding reviews for the Summer Advantage experience
Over 2,000 scholars participate in the program each year
Tuition-free schools—helping every scholar build confidence, curiosity, and leadership skills for the future.
Ready to Create Transformative Educational Experiences?
Partner With PLA
Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) partners with school boards and authorizers to transform underperforming schools into thriving, high-performing learning communities. Through proven school turnaround, management, and improvement services, we strengthen leadership, instruction, enrollment, and operations for lasting success. Partner with PLA today to bring transformational results to your school and community.
Instructional Excellence
We implement rigorous, standards-aligned curricula and intervention systems.
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Custom tools and dashboards to track academic progress, attendance, and more.
Enrollment Growth
We create schools where scholars soar, families are empowered, and communities thrive.
Our Dedication and Commitment
We are committed to academic excellence and preparing every child for college, career, and life.
McKinney-Vento Act