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DAVID AND JEAN PHALEN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

A NEW SCHOOL FOR GARY FAMILIES

A place where scholars soar, families are empowered, and the Gary community thrives.

David and Jean Phalen Leadership Academy is exploring opening a new school in Gary for the 2026–2027 school year. Families who express interest now are not committing to enroll—you are simply showing your support for bringing Phalen Leadership Academies to your community. Together, we can build a school where children thrive.

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PLA Scholar

WHO IS PHALEN LEADERSHIP ACADEMIES?

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is a network of public, tuition-free schools serving thousands of scholars across the nation. 

We are committed to academic excellence, strong character, and preparing every child for college, career, and life. At PLA, every student is a scholar.

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE PLA

At PLA, we go beyond traditional classroom learning to offer a comprehensive blend of academic excellence and career readiness support. Our commitment is to empower scholars and their families, creating a pathway that leads to lifelong success. We provide a nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and equips students with the skills they need to thrive in their future endeavors.

Academic Excellence

High expectations, personalized instruction, and proven results.

Skilled US

FREE skill development for in-demand fields that enable adults to learn and earn more.

Summer Advantage

FREE scientifically proven summer learning and enrichment to keep scholars engaged.

Certified Teachers

Caring, experienced educators committed to helping every child succeed.

All children deserve a high-quality education, no matter the zip code. We have a deep, authentic commitment to many of the most pressing educational challenges. We also have a strong commitment to our scholars and to our school community. We believe in empowering teachers to lead and creating partnerships that involve all stakeholders. Together, we make a great school in Gary for an even brighter future.

“At PLA, we invest in our scholars, our families, and our communities—building opportunity and a brighter future for all.”

Earl Martin Phalen

CEO & Founder, PLA

Help Us Build a Partnership in Gary!

By partnering with PLA, you are helping to bring high-quality educational opportunities to Gary. Families who express interest now are not committing to enroll—you are simply showing your support for bringing Phalen Leadership Academies to your community. Your voice matters—together we can create a place where every scholar is celebrated, challenged, and supported. A place where scholars soar, families are empowered, and the Gary community thrives.

 📋 Show Your Support for PLA in Gary!

WHAT A PARTNERSHIP WITH PLA
LOOKS LIKE FOR GARY

When families, educators, and community leaders join hands with PLA, we build more than a school—we build a movement for opportunity and hope. A partnership with PLA means:

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High-Quality Education

Rigorous academics and personalized instruction that prepare scholars for college, career, and life.

Bring High Quality Education to Gary!

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Family Engagement

Parents are welcomed as partners, with open communication, resources, and support every step of the way.

Create a Brighter Future!

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Community Collaboration

Strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses that bring real-world opportunities to scholars.

Make PLA a Gary Partner!

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Holistic Support

Beyond academics, we nurture character, leadership, and social-emotional growth so scholars are ready to thrive in and out of the classroom.

Ensure Your Child’s Success!

Together, we can create a school in Gary that celebrates every child’s potential, uplifts families, and strengthens the community for generations to come.

We Can’t Wait to Support the Gary Community!

Sign to Support PLA in Gary Now! Families who express interest now are not committing to enroll—you are simply showing your support for bringing Phalen Leadership Academies to your community. 

PLA Academic Successes

PLA scholars are achieving more every day. From strong test scores to confident problem-solving, our scholars demonstrate that high expectations and personalized support yield tangible results. These successes are reflected in measurable outcomes across our schools, with students demonstrating significant growth in both reading and math. Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights from our network:

State Assessment in ELA Increase in Score:

A school increased its proficiency in one year with a 9.9% increase in ELA and a 4.5% increase in math on the state accountability assessment.

Math Scores
Increased:

On the state assessment, PLA’s schools outperformed the state in the percentage of students showing normal or above-normal growth in math and ELA.

PLA Network Doubled Proficiency Gains in Math:

Since the dip in proficiency due to COVID
during the 2020-2021 school year, as a network, PLA has doubled proficiency gains in math.