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Lead Academy

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 270264738 ✦ Greenville, SC ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Lead Academy?

Lead Academy is a nonprofit organization situated in Greenville, South Carolina. Their primary focus is on nurturing all students to achieve at an exceptionally high level, regardless of background or circumstance. They uphold high expectations through their emphasis on four core values: being nice, working hard, serving well, and having fun. The organization incorporates project-based learning expeditions, encouraging interdisciplinary, in-depth study of compelling topics, fostering high levels of student engagement, achievement, and character development. Lead Academy collaborates with various organizations, such as the United Way of Greenville County, Goodwill GoodGuides, and the Rotary Club of Greenville, to enhance opportunities for students, provide technology, assign mentors, assist with college and career planning, and engage students in regular character education lessons. Their ultimate mission is to prepare students, especially those who struggle in traditional school environments, for lifelong success, fostering servant leaders through commitment to their seven key areas: leadership, scholarship, character, teamwork, creativity, community engagement, and identity.


Official website here: www.myleadacademy.com

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: Needs Improvement

Lead Academy has received a two-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a need for improvement in its overall operations and financial management. The organization has a fairly strong accountability and finance score of 71%, with notable strengths including a fully independent board and solid financial audit practices. However, it falls short in several critical areas such as the absence of a whistleblower policy and a document retention policy, which are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability.

While Lead Academy effectively manages its program expenses, with a program expense ratio of 68.79%, the liabilities to assets ratio raises concerns at 92.89%. This suggests that the organization may be over-leveraged, which could pose risks to its financial stability. Additionally, the lack of certain required documents, like the tax form on its website, further highlights areas where the organization needs to enhance its compliance and transparency.

Overall, while Lead Academy demonstrates some solid governance practices, the shortcomings identified in its policies and financial management indicate that there is significant room for improvement to better serve its mission and stakeholders.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

What do the Facebook reviews say about Lead Academy?

90% of 36 reviewers on Facebook recommend Lead Academy. Here is a summary of their reviews:

Many parents express profound appreciation for the positive impact Lead Academy has had on their children's lives. One reviewer describes the experience as "life-changing" and wishes they had discovered the program earlier, indicating a strong sense of satisfaction with the services provided.

Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting that Lead Academy effectively meets the needs of families looking for supportive educational opportunities for their kids. The program seems to resonate well with those who engage with it, fostering a sense of community and support among parents and students alike.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is Lead Academy legitimate?

Lead Academy is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Lead Academy submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $2,199,003

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.myleadacademy.com

What is the mission statement of Lead Academy?

Lead Academy's mission is centered around preparing students, especially those who have struggled in traditional educational settings. The academy aims to equip these students with the skills needed for lifelong success through a structured, caring environment that fosters high academic expectations. Lead Academy also strives to cultivate servant leaders by focusing on the development of seven key areas in each student: leadership, scholarship, character, teamwork, creativity, community engagement, and identity.


Official website here: www.myleadacademy.com

Who is the CEO of Lead Academy?

Elias S Surkin is the Board Chair of Lead Academy.


Official website here: www.myleadacademy.com

What is the revenue of Lead Academy?

Lead Academy's revenue in 2022 was $4,564,880.


Official website here: www.myleadacademy.com

Who are the executives of Lead Academy and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Lead Academy during 2022 was $34,905. There are 63 employees at Lead Academy.


Here are 9 key members and their salaries:


Elias S Surkin (Board Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Milton Shockley (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rebecca Faulkner (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Courtney Burnett (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michana Talley (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paul Thompson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sunny Broadus (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Berri Heinz (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sarah Kelley (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.myleadacademy.com

Where can I find the form 990 for Lead Academy?

Lead Academy's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.myleadacademy.com

Learn more at the official website: www.myleadacademy.com

Mission Statement of Lead Academy

Lead Academy, a nonprofit organization, is committed to preparing students, particularly those who have struggled in traditional school environments, for lifelong success. The institution provides a structured, caring environment that fosters high academic expectations. Its mission is to educate servant leaders by developing each student in seven key areas: leadership, scholarship, character, teamwork, creativity, community engagement, and identity. By focusing on these areas, Lead Academy aims to equip its students with the skills and qualities necessary to thrive in various aspects of life. The organization's approach is unique in its dedication to holistic development, ensuring that students not only excel academically but also grow as individuals with strong character and a sense of community engagement.

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Impact




October, 2024

Lead Academy has a profound impact on its students, particularly those who have struggled in traditional educational settings. By focusing on developing essential skills and characteristics through a structured and supportive environment, the academy prepares students for lifelong success.

With an emphasis on high academic expectations, Lead Academy nurtures students in seven key areas: leadership, scholarship, character, teamwork, creativity, community engagement, and identity. This comprehensive approach cultivates not only academic achievement but also personal growth, ensuring students are well-rounded individuals ready to face real-world challenges.

The school fosters a positive culture underscored by values such as kindness, hard work, service, and fun. These core values guide all initiatives and programs, creating an atmosphere where students feel valued and motivated to excel. Through project-based learning expeditions, students engage deeply with interdisciplinary topics, collaborating with peers and their community while demonstrating their knowledge through presentations and portfolio assessments.

Partnerships with organizations like the United Way of Greenville County and Goodwill GoodGuides provide vital resources and opportunities, enhancing the educational experience. These collaborations support extended day programs, offer mentorship, and help with college and career planning, ensuring that students are equipped for future success.

Additionally, the wide array of extracurricular activities, including honor bands and athletic leagues, allows students to explore their interests, foster teamwork, and develop their identities outside the classroom, further enriching their educational journey.

Overall, Lead Academy's impact lies in its commitment to empowering students to achieve their fullest potential, equipping them with the skills, values, and experiences necessary for thriving in life and career.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Lead Academy. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$4,564,880 (2022)
Expenses
$5,027,604 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $1,250
  • Program Service Revenue: $37,115
  • Gross Receipts: $4,564,880

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $17,504,894
  • Total Liabilities: $16,223,830
  • Net Assets: $1,281,064

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

PUPIL ACTIVITY

Revenue

$37,109

LUNCH SALES

Revenue

$6

Organization Details

Founding Year

2009

Principal Officer

Elias S Surkin

Main Address

804 MAULDIN ROAD, GREENVILLE, SC, 29607

NTEE Category

Code: B25 - Education

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