Empowered. Engaged. Encouraged.

VLA class sizes are kept intentionally small to support student learning and individualized attention.  K-5 elementary classes are limited to 20 students, and each kindergarten class has a full-time lead teacher and teaching assistant. 

An integral aspect of our elementary school programming that ensures a high level of success for all students is the consistent presence of centers-based instruction, across all core academic subjects, throughout the elementary school program. At VLA, each elementary school class functions on at least one grade level above their current grade. Teachers seek to enable students to present 1.5 years worth of growth at the end of each academic year.

As evidenced by our name, Village Leadership Academy is committed to developing leaders.  At VLA we believe that, “Tomorrow belongs to the children who are prepared today.”  Our richly diverse leadership development programming is designed with that in mind, and includes unique components such as a social justice curriculum, GrassRoots Campaigns, and the African leadership discipline of Tabura.

In the African language of Kiswahili, Tabura literally means ‘drill’ or ‘training’, as in a drill training team.  We use the term to describe the discipline we practice and implement to build, develop, and teach practical leadership skills.  With this ancient African discipline, we encourage and motivate VLA students to be principled leaders who act with integrity and a preparedness to overcome any challenges they are presented with to move their communities forward.

The Tabura course is offered to all enrolled VLA students in first grade and above.