Learn. Lead. Thrive.

Phalen Leadership Academies

TUITION FREE | GRADES K-12

DCP Redford scholar.
PLA logo.

Enroll and join our school family

Change your child’s life today!

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888-655-0777

OUR APPROACH

WHY PLA MATTERS

Young female PLA scholar

THE PLA WAY

Phalen Leadership Academies is a national network of high-performing public schools dedicated to closing achievement gaps and building brighter futures through academic excellence, innovation, and community partnership.

Young male PLA scholar in the classroom

PARTNERING WITH PLA

At PLA, we believe that every child deserves access to rigorous academic instruction, caring relationships, and wraparound support. Our model integrates high standards in literacy, math, character development, and enrichment. Partner with us today!

We continuously refine our practices using data, research, and feedback, and build systems that are sustainable, scalable, and responsive to local needs.

Join Phalen Leadership Academies in shaping the future.

Whether you’re a school board member, educator, philanthropist, or community advocate, there’s a role for you in advancing PLA’s mission. From opening new schools to deepening wraparound services or investing in innovation, your involvement accelerates impact across communities.

Over 10,000 students served across 18 schools in 5 states

Transformed 12 F-rated schools into A-rated schools

%

20% proficiency growth in literacy and math over the last 3 years

A VISION FOR

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION

Meet Earl Martin Phalen, Founder & CEO of Phalen Leadership Academies. Earl works to lead a national movement to transform public education and help every child reach their full potential. Hear his inspiring story and the mission driving PLA’s impact across the country.

News

Latest at Phalen Leadership Academies

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Stay connected with Phalen Leadership Academies on Facebook for inspiring stories, school updates, and community highlights. Follow us today to see how we’re transforming education and empowering scholars across the nation.

PLA mom and son.
Junior High PLA scholar.
PLA Principal Dr. Tora Townsend.
PLA High School scholar giving a thumbs up.
Young male PLA scholars during Summer Advantage, PLA's Summer Learning Program.
PLA cheerleader.
Director of Skilled US, PLA's Adult learning program.
PLA male scholars at 8th grade graduation.

“Choosing PLA was the best decision we made. My child is thriving, and I feel part of a family that believes in their potential.”

— PLA Parent

“Being a freshman at PLA is exciting. I’m learning, making friends, and getting ready for the life I want after graduation.”

— PLA Scholar

“At Phalen Leadership Academies, we combine academic rigor with genuine care, helping every scholar reach their full potential.”

Dr. Townsend, PLA Virtual Principal

“Phalen Leadership Academies changed our lives. My child is thriving in school, and through Skilled US, I found a career that lets me provide more for my family.”

— PLA Parent

“PLA and Summer Advantage make learning exciting. I’m getting smarter every day and can’t wait to come back each summer.”

— PLA Scholar

“Being a PLA cheerleader taught me confidence, leadership, and school pride. I love representing my school!”

— PLA Scholar

"Together with PLA, Skilled US helps parents build skills, earn more, and model success for their children—strengthening families from the inside out."

— Kristi Williamson

“I’ve learned that being a leader means helping others, not just yourself. My teachers at PLA make me believe I can do anything.”

— PLA Scholar, 8th Grade

Our

Testimonials

Voices from our schools and communities

See what our scholars, teachers, families, and alumni are saying about the difference PLA makes in everyday lives.

Learn how we’re driving equity, nurturing leadership, and inspiring change—one school, one scholar, one community at a time.

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act protects scholars from discrimination based on their lack of a permanent residence. Homeless Scholars are eligible to receive a variety of services including: transportation services, free meals under the school nutrition programs, limited English proficiency class, gifted and talented programs, and special education services based on a scholar’s eligibility. Homeless Scholars will not be denied enrollment based on lack of proof of residency. Please consult the McKinney-Vento Act Liaison if you need assistance. The PLA Network does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability or national origin in any employment and/or educational opportunity. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination in any program or activity for which the PLA Network Board is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. The PLA Network values diversity. Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is committed to making its websites accessible for all, including individuals with disabilities, and strives to ensure accessibility currently and as new technologies emerge. PLA welcomes questions and input on its sites' accessibility at each development phase. Please contact our Call Center at 888.655.0777 or submit feedback to Communications@PhalenAcademies.org if you encounter an issue accessing any portion of the network's websites.