Phalen Leadership Academies
Redefining public education — empowering scholars, strengthening communities
How PLA Supports Families & Communities
Partner With PLA
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Our Approach/Why PLA Matters
A holistic, evidence-based model for educational excellence
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.
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—while partnering with families and communities to remove barriers to learning.
We continuously refine our practices using data, research, and feedback, and build systems that are sustainable, scalable, and responsive to local needs.
THE PLA WAY
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PARTNERING WITH PLA
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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.
X students served across 18 schools in 5 states
% proficiency growth in literacy and math over the last 3 years
% retention or satisfaction rate among scholars, families, and partners
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.
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.
Phalen Leadership Academies Awarded Historic $25 Million Lilly Endowment Grant
Phalen Leadership Academies Awarded Historic $25 Million Lilly Endowment Grant to Transform Educational, Health, and Economic Outcomes on Indianapolis’ Far Eastside INDIANAPOLIS, IN – [Insert Date] — Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) has been awarded a...
Washington Informer Feature: How Phalen Leadership Academies Closed Achievement Gaps Through Effective Teaching
Talent First: How the Phalen Leadership Academy Closed Achievement Gaps Through Effective Teaching Curtis Valentine December 11, 2019 “We will retain 85 percent of our effective teachers and remove 100 percent of my ineffective teachers.” Those words from Earl...
Harvard Grad Builds Fastest-Growing Black-Owned School Turnaround Network
Helping people turn their lives around is always admirable. A Harvard University graduate has given back in a big way by opening and running a set of schools for kids who need assistance. Earl Martin Phalen, who graduated from Harvard Law School back in 1993, has...
Transcend Education Highlights the PLA Turnaround Model in Interview with PLA Founder & CEO
Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an African American-led, fast-growing network of 22 district and charter schools serving over 10,000 scholars in Indiana, Texas, Ohio, and Michigan. They specialize in turnaround, particularly for schools that have large African...
Earl Martin Phalen Champions Equity in Education
We are incredibly proud of our Founder and CEO, Earl Martin Phalen, for using his voice in The Washington Post to champion equity, access, and opportunity in higher education. 🙌 As a proud Harvard alum, he stands tall in support of free tuition for families earning...
RTR Campaign: Fuel Minds. Fund Futures
Every scholar deserves the chance to become a confident reader. With your help, Phalen Leadership Academies' Reading Advantage program is opening doors for scholars by providing the tools, support, and encouragement they need to thrive. ✨ Your investment helps us:...
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