Our Namesake & History

Our Journey

The Leona Group was formed in 1996 in Michigan by Dr. William Coats, a nationally-recognized leader in education reform. At the core of The Leona Group is the philosophy that every child can and will learn, regardless of ethnicity, economic, or educational disadvantage.

1996

Our Beginning in Michigan

At the time of Leona's inception, the dropout rate in Detroit was 76%—less than 1 in 4 freshmen managed to earn their high school diplomas. The Leona Group first sought to change that by operating schools in the Detroit area. César Chávez Academy was the first charter to partner with The Leona Group, initially serving grades K-5. Today, it has grown to serve more than 2,000 students in grades PreK-12 on five Detroit campuses and is the top-performing, non-examination public high school in Detroit.

1997

Expansion to Arizona

With its proven track record in Michigan, The Leona Group sought to make a difference in Arizona, a state that also demonstrated a tremendous need for change. At that time, the dropout rate in Maricopa County was 12%—1 out of 8 freshmen failed to persist through high school to earn their diplomas.

Under the authorization of the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, Leona Group Schools opened five charter high schools in the metro-Phoenix area and began its over 25 year journey of changing the educational landscape across our state.

Today

Community-Driven Evolution

Over time, Leona Group Schools has evolved in response to demonstrated needs in our communities. When community stakeholders approached Leona to support their visions for rigorous, college-preparation options in their neighborhoods, Leona listened and responded with action. That is how South Ridge High School, Mission Heights Preparatory High School, and Glenview College Prep High School were conceived.

When parents and community members reached out for quality elementary school options, Leona heard them and helped realize those dreams, culminating into a family of nine elementary schools to date. Leona Group Schools' Arizona journey has been and continues to be a collective one driven by innovation and collaboration.

Our Unwavering Commitment

Regardless of the types of schools, grade levels offered, or specific programs at each local site, Leona Group Schools is bound by a shared, unwavering love for, and open invitation to, ALL students and their families. We welcome all children into our schools with enthusiasm, skill, and responsiveness, without any barriers to enrollment.

Programs Supporting Every Child

Free Meals

Breakfast & lunch programs

Free Transportation

Safe rides to school

ELAS Programming

Complete language support

Special Education

Full continuum of services

Social Workers

At every site

ACES-Trained Staff

Trauma-informed educators

Every year we evaluate our effectiveness and find ways to improve how we serve our students. We lovingly endeavor to have the knowledge and passion to help each and every child own their futures.

Our Inspiration

Our Namesake: Leona

Leona grew up in a small, rural Ohio town during the early part of the 20th century. She was an outstanding student who valued school and loved to learn. Because of societal expectations at the time, her formal education was limited to just seven years.

Leona's experience was not unusual for women in her time or for countless other minorities. Even today, access to educational opportunities is not equal for all genders, races, and socio-economic groups in Arizona and the United States.

As an organization, our vision of "redefining what's possible by empowering all students to own their futures" is a goal worthy of Leona's name. She symbolizes our commitment to removing barriers to success, creating tuition-free educational opportunities that improve life chances for all young people.

Leona

Our Inspiration & Namesake

Our Founder

Dr. William "Bill" Coats

A visionary leader who dedicated his life to improving educational opportunities for all students

William (Bill) Coats, Ph.D., worked to improve public education throughout his career as a school superintendent, university professor, foundation director, and founder of The Leona Group, L.L.C. During his tenure as superintendent of public school districts across the nation, Dr. Coats worked within the system to allow parents freedom and choice within the schools, empower teachers and staff, and promote the idea that all children can learn.

Education

Ph.D., University of Michigan

Recognition

2017 Founders Award

Impact

Tens of Thousands of Graduates

In 2017, Dr. Coats was awarded the 'Founders Award' from AZBigMedia, honoring him as an innovative leader who positively changed the face of an entire industry in Arizona. It was an exciting recognition of the work Dr. Coats had led in our state since 1996.

Dr. Coats created responsive, student-centered schools designed to meet the "unique needs, hopes, and aspirations of the communities they serve." Today, Leona Group has produced tens of thousands of graduates across the country who are leading successful lives aided in part by their educational experience at a Leona Group school.

We, at Leona Group Schools, owe Dr. Coats a debt of gratitude for his relentless determination to improve life chances for every student by empowering them to own their futures, redefining what's possible in life. Our schools and our students are Dr. Coats' continuing legacy, as is our ongoing commitment to them and the communities we are privileged to serve.

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