A New Tuition-Free Public Charter School Coming to Gary, IN

David & Jean Phalen Leadership Academy

TUITION FREE | GRADES K-5

Enroll Today!
DJPLA scholar.
JRPLA logo.

David & Jean Phalen Leadership Academy

Opening Soon!

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Email us

ktolbert@phalenacademies.org

OUR APPROACH

How DJPLA Empowers Scholars

DJPLA scholar.

A School Built for Student Success

✔ Tuition-Free Public Education

✔ High Academic Expectations

✔ Focus on Leadership & Character

✔ Family-Centered School Community

DJPLA scholar in the classroom.

At DJPLA, scholars will experience:

✔ Strong literacy and math instruction

✔ Hands-on learning and critical thinking

✔ Support for every learner

✔ Enrichment opportunities that spark curiosity

PLA schools across the country have a proven track record of academic growth, student engagement, and family satisfaction. DJPLA will build on that legacy while honoring the unique needs and strengths of the Gary community.

Learn More About David & Jean Phalen Leadership Academy!

Explore David & Jean Phalen Leadership Academy!

We believe every scholar deserves a future filled with opportunity. Our school provides a nurturing environment where teachers build strong relationships and inspire scholars to reach their highest potential.

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Enrollment Application

Complete the official enrollment application online today.

Click here for the Application in English >

DJPLA scholar.

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Our

Testimonials

See how PLA is helping scholars grow, dream, and succeed. Our families and educators share what makes our school a special place for learning, leadership, and community.

— Parent of a 2nd Grade Scholar

“PLA has truly supported my child’s growth. The teachers know their students, challenge them, and celebrate every milestone.”

— 4th Grade Scholar

“I love my school because we get to learn new things every day and do fun projects. My teachers always help me when I need it.”

— Parent of a 5th Grade Scholar

“Since enrolling at PLA, my daughter is more confident, more motivated, and excited about learning. The small groups and personal attention make a real difference.”

— 5th Grade Scholar

“At PLA, our teachers push us to work hard, be responsible, and believe in our futures. They help us grow inside and outside the classroom.”

McKinney-Vento Act

ATTENTION FAMILIES AND SCHOLARS

Enroll in our free 5-week Summer Advantage Program! Open to the ENTIRE community.

We provide an engaging 5-week program packed full of learning experiences to support our scholars' continued growth. Students in our program will experience fun enrichment courses, exciting field trips, and continued practice on core subjects to support their academic achievement.

Enroll in our free 5-week Summer Advantage Program! Open to the ENTIRE community.

Enroll Today!

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.