Academy in Eatonville offers students a different way to learn

EATONVILLE, Fla. — A new school in Eatonville is taking a different approach to make sure children in their community start their futures with a strong foundation.

Seven other schools surround the Thomas Leadership Academy in Eatonville. But officials say it’s not competing but giving Eatonville parents another option.

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The days, times and needs are tailored and shifted specifically for each child that enrolls in the school.

This year, 55 students enrolled in the school.

Executive Director Cheryl Thomas is a former corrections officer turned behavioral disorder and exceptional learning specialist. She saw firsthand what turned students into inmates.

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“What I noticed working with those juveniles was that a lot of them did not have adequate education,” she said.

Along with her husband Danton Thomas they wanted any gaps filled in their community.

In daily lessons, students connect class skills to society. Students losing a game turns to a lesson on how to overcome a challenge when you’re in the workforce.

Read: Family marks century owning Eatonville land that served as sanctuary for Black families

“Helping our boys overcome defeat was a big one this year,” Cheryl said.

And lessons are adjusted based on how each student learns best, and staff checks in weekly on their progress.

The goal for the Thomas’ is for the academy to be open all year round. And they’re also working on a school for adults in Eatonville.

The average tuition is $8,200 per child. The academy accepts all state scholarships, including the Hope scholarship. The school is funded by donation, grants and tuition.

Video: Family marks century owning Eatonville land that served as sanctuary for Black families An Eatonville family is celebrating 100 years of owning acres of land covering part of Maitland and Eatonville. (Phylicia Ashley, WFTV.com)

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