Today we’d like to introduce you to April Lilly.
LELA Academy was born after many parents of Mrs. Lilly’s previous employer (a local private school that closed without warning and left many kids and teachers with nowhere to go) approached Mrs. Lilly. These parents were looking for an alternative to the public education system that was failing their child. The parents seeking Mrs. Lilly’s help had children with a range of differences such as anxiety, dyslexia, depression, dysgraphia, ADD / ADHD, etc., as well as lifestyles and goals such as competitive athletics, professional musicians, and budding entrepreneurs. With years of experience in education, curriculum development, and special education, Mrs. Lilly welcomed the children with open arms, and LELA Academy began.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to success has been challenging due to the Pandemic (Covid 19) and being unable to market the school. The main struggle is low enrollment. We were able to do distance learning during the closure but it is sometimes difficult for students to self-motivate. Beginning a school in November is difficult… it in at the semester end, the beginning of the year or the end.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What’s unique about LELA Academy is that as a private school, we can offer so many different curriculum options, which means almost any student can learn and progress whether they are ahead, behind, or right where they should be. I can choose curriculums from differing levels for each child in each subject, balancing difficulty while keeping them motivated. Each student, upon acceptance, is administered the Woodcock-Johnson IV to determine academic grade level. For example, a child could test in 7th grade for math but 9th grade in English and vocabulary. I can choose a curriculum that meets each student where they are. In doing this, LELA can provide them with the high school credits needed for graduation. At LELA, students aren’t labeled. Their curriculum is THEIR curriculum… and EVERY students’ is different. The class ratio is 8 students to 1 teacher. I am most proud of the fact that the first year we were open we had four graduates!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in a dysfunctional household prepared me for the challenges that face our kids today. I am able to build bridges and connect with each child on a daily basis. As a teen, I loved to dance and continue today as a ballroom dancer.
Contact Info:
- Email: alilly@lelaacademy.com
- Website: www.lelaacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lelaacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lelaschool
