About ELA

Philosophy

Englewood Leadership Academy (ELA) is designed as a middle school of choice for focused learners.  With a small student/teacher ratio, students pursue a results-oriented course of study dedicated to academic rigor.  Increased opportunities for individualized attention, community partnerships and interdisciplinary projects are cornerstones of ELA’s program.  Leadership skills and personal responsibility are developed and nurtured through an integrated curriculum, grounded in principle-centered ethics, and embedded in activities at the school.  Students are encouraged to develop outstanding life-long learning habits and attitudes of global citizenship.  ELA represents a collaborative learning community constructed in partnership with students, parents, teachers and the greater Englewood Community.

History 

Englewood Leadership Academy was opened in the fall of 2000 to provide an educational choice at the middle school level for Denver metro area students. Our school began with two teachers at the helm: Eve Brady and Ericka Legnard. We started with 25 students in three classrooms at the now-demolished Lowell Annex. In the second year, we increased to 45 students, added teacher Suzanne Stark, a principal, and office help. In 2007, we welcomed Erika Groman to our faculty. In the 2009-2010 school year, we moved locations into a wing of Englewood High School, added 9th grade, and blossomed to 80 students. After the 09-10 school year, we realized that 4 years of ELA is just too much of a good thing and returned to 3 grades. In 2014, Eve Brady and Suzanne Stark retired and welcomed Julie White and Rebecca Raimonde to fill their shoes. Now, rolling into our 15th anniversary, we are enjoying our new home in the TEC campus and look forward to enjoying our state-of-the art facility.  

Leadership Development

There are no shortages of challenging opportunities to radically alter the world in which we live and work.  The opportunities for leadership are available to all of us everyday.  More than ever there is a need for people to seize these opportunities to lead.  Yet in traditional schooling, little time is spent nurturing the talents and skills for personal effectiveness.  At ELA, a specific focus has been designed across the curriculum to assist students in developing a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty and human dignity – principles that provide students the wisdom and power to seize leadership opportunities in their future.

Through the internationally acclaimed work of Stephen and Sean Covey, the book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens will serve as a guidebook for dialogue, developmental activities and reflection.  In addition, students will be presented with numerous opportunities to practice their leadership talents throughout the year in the school and in the business community through special projects.

Conduct, Discipline and Student Appeals

Students are expected to remain in good standing at ELA.  If a student has not fulfilled their conduct agreement, the first step toward reaching a solution is that the student goes before the appeals board.  The appeals board is made up of students and faculty whose job it is to brainstorm solutions and prescribe consequences for first time and minor infractions.  More serious or repeat infractions warrant a warning contract between parents, teachers and the student.  In the event that the problem remains uncorrected, the student will be placed on probationary status.  Failure to uphold this contract will result in permanent dismissal.

Each student is required to sign a Conduct Agreement with Englewood Leadership Academy.  In addition, all Englewood School District rules and regulations will apply to all ELA students.

To remain in good standing at ELA a student must:

  • Maintain a 2.75 GPA 
  • Maintain 85% of their points on the yellow card
  • Show consistent effort
  • Conduct themselves in a respectful manner, and abide by the “We Agree” statements
  • Fulfill the community service requirement