OUR PHILOSOPHY ABOUT STUDENTS

Our founding principle is that every child can and will learn, regardless of economic challenge, ethnicity or educational disadvantage.

Any child can learn just about anything if it is presented in a way that is relevant.

We know that when children believe something is important, when they are able to make connections in how academics translate into meaning in their lives… they WILL learn it! 

The Leona Group works to provide students a safe, nurturing and respectful learning environment while maintaining high standards of instruction. The overarching goal is to improve student learning and achievement in core subject areas, while maintaining a keen focus on educating the whole child – academically, socially and behaviorally.

Leona students are challenged to achieve – not just academically, but as a whole child – socially, behaviorally and emotionally. Our schools are open to all students, and are trusted to be safe, caring places to learn and grow.

Our student populations are diverse. Most Leona schools serve populations where more than 90% of families are receiving free/reduced price lunch; we serve significant populations of African American, Hispanic, Arab American, Asian and other ethnic minorities; many of our students are English Language Learners; on average, 12-15% of each school's enrollment have special needs - though at some schools as many as 40% receive special education services.

We continue to strive for consistent academic excellence and hold high expectations for academics and behavior. And, students are rising to these expectations. Faculty and staff nurture and develop students in a caring, respectful way. To be in a Leona school is to be in a warm, family-friendly environment. These caring relationships, when combined with educational best-practices, effect improvements in our students’ academic progress and proficiency, including their performance on state standardized tests.