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What is LEAP Academy? The Leadership, Education, and Partnership (LEAP) Academy University Charter School is a Preschool–12 public charter school in Camden, NJ that is dedicated to creating opportunities and improving conditions for the children and families of the city. Established in 1997 through a partnership with Rutgers University, today LEAP Academy serves 1200 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade and also hosts a 90-student preschool program in cooperation with Rutgers. LEAP’s academic agenda focuses on college-preparatory learning and experiences intended to raise students’ college awareness, preparedness, and attendance. Our holistic learning curriculum develops excellence in the classroom by supporting our students’ outside needs through health (physical and emotional) and nutrition programs, comprehensive services, and a variety of community service and experiential opportunities. The Rutgers/LEAP model is widely regarded as a national urban school reform model for its innovative partnership between a major research university, a public charter school, parents, and business and community partners. We integrate education into urban neighborhoods’ economic and community development, thus creating a collaboration that is mutually beneficial for the school and Camden City. Since 2005, LEAP has seen all four of its graduating classes achieve 100% college acceptance—a measure of our commitment to providing children and families in Camden with opportunities for advancement. Local and national organizations have recognized LEAP Academy. In 2003, LEAP received an inaugural New Jersey Public Charter School Exemplary School Award and a 2002—2003 Pioneer Award from the New Jersey Department of Education. The Annie E. Casey Foundation also called LEAP a “Sign of Hope” and one of Camden’s “Recent successes in improving its overall academic environment and expanding civic engagement".
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