Visionary Leadership Academy: Where Healing Meets Learning
Now Enrolling for 2025-2026
Visionary Leadership Academy: Where Healing Meets Learning Now Enrolling for 2025-2026
If you’ve had enough of watching your child struggle—we get it.
This is a school designed for families ready for something different—something better.
We created this school because we’ve lived what you’re living. We know what it feels like to watch your child struggle in a system that doesn’t see their potential. That’s why we’re building something different—a place where learning is personal, emotions are honored, and every student is met with care, not judgment.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Personalized Learning
We tailor learning to each student’s pace, interests, and strengths using advanced technology and one-on-one attention.
Healing-Centered Support
We use trauma-informed care and strong relationships to help students feel safe, manage emotions, and build lasting resilience.
Confidence & Character
We help students grow emotionally and socially through relationship-building, communication skills, and reflective practice.
Small, Caring Community
Our intentionally small classes ensure every student is known, supported, and never lost in the crowd.
Leadership & Purpose
Students gain real-world experiences and mentorship to develop as confident, capable leaders.
This is the right school for your family if...
Your child has struggled in traditional school settings
They’ve felt anxious, overlooked, or unsupported
They need more emotional support alongside academics
You’re looking for a small, caring community
You want your child to feel safe, challenged, and inspired
The Power of Microschools
If your child has ever felt overlooked in a large classroom or struggled to thrive in a traditional school setting, a microschool might be the fresh start they need. With small class sizes and caring educators who really get to know each student, microschools create a safe, supportive space where learning feels personal and purposeful. Here, your child isn’t just keeping up—they’re growing at their own pace, building confidence, and rediscovering the joy of learning. It’s not just about academics—it’s about making sure your child feels seen, heard, and set up for success.
A message from our family to yours
Traditional schools failed us—but we refuse to let them fail the next generation. As educators and parents, we’ve experienced the frustration of watching brilliant kids fall through the cracks. That’s why we’re creating something new: a school designed with care, built on healing, and centered on possibility.
Warmly,
Dr. Melvin Hayden, Jr. & Dr. Rashada S. Tedder
Why choose Visionary Leadership Academy?
Why choose Visionary Leadership Academy?
Visionary Leadership Academy is a microschool dedicated to revolutionizing education for students who have been under-served by traditional educational systems. We combine a personalized approach to learning with the close-knit, collaborative spirit of a one-room schoolhouse. Our approach is deeply personalized, trauma-informed, and student-centered, prioritizing healing, emotional growth, and holistic support to ensure that our students feel seen, heard, and valued. VLA Students will receive the tools that they need to excel in school and life.
AUTHORIZED DIRECT PAYMENT PROVIDER
At VLA, we believe that every child deserves exceptional education regardless of financial circumstances and no child should be prevented from accessing quality education. That is why we partnered with Step Up For Students to help families get easy accessibility to scholarships including:
Unique Abilities
Eligibility Criteria
Students from age 3 through grade 12 (or up to age 22) who have a documented diagnosis and need specialized support to thrive in a nurturing, personalized learning environment.
The 23 Diagnoses Include: Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, emotional/behavioral disabilities, speech and language impairments, hearing/vision loss, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, rare diseases, and more.
PEP
Eligibility Criteria
All K–12 Florida residents not enrolled full-time in public or private school may qualify—regardless of income. Students must be age 5 by September 1 of the school year.
Priority for Funding: Families with lower incomes, renewing scholarship recipients, and children in foster or out-of-home care receive first consideration. To apply for income-based priority, submit your household’s tax return with your application.
New Worlds
Eligibility Criteria
VPK and public school students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 5 may qualify for the New Worlds Scholarship worth $1,200 if they have reading or math deficiencies, signs of dyslexia or dyscalculia, or scored below Level 3 on state tests.
Children learning English who are enrolled in targeted ELL programs may also receive priority access to these scholarship funds, designed to boost foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
Let’s talk about your child’s future.
We’re now building our founding class. Whether you’re just curious or ready to enroll, we’d love to connect.