The top reported proficiency rate is 42% in English language arts. The lowest is 9% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Lead Academy
LEAD Academy is a public school district in Alabama that serves students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. It operates two school buildings, labeled Building A and Building B, both of which are open. The district enrolls a medium-sized student body for its grade band, and its student population is predominantly Black. White, Hispanic, Asian, multiracial, and Native American students each make up a very small share of the enrollment.
Academically, LEAD Academy’s state test results place it in a tough position. On the 2024-25 Alabama ACAP assessments, literacy proficiency rates were the district’s strongest subject, with the highest rates appearing in the upper elementary and middle school grades. But math proficiency was very low across every tested grade, with a particularly steep drop in the middle grades where no students met the proficiency bar in one grade level. Science proficiency also lagged. When compared to other districts in Montgomery County, LEAD Academy’s overall proficiency index fell below the midpoint of the group, meaning most other county districts posted stronger composite results. A parent considering LEAD Academy will want to talk directly with the school about how classroom instruction addresses these fundamentals and what supports are available for students who need to catch up in math and science.
The district’s chronic absenteeism rate, at a level that sits above the midpoint among county districts, is another area that warrants a closer look. Students who miss a lot of school tend to struggle academically, and this pattern may help explain some of the low test performance. A family should ask what attendance initiatives the district runs and how it tracks and supports students with frequent absences.
Graduation rate data was not available, which is notable for a district that serves high school grades. The enrollment counts show that while the district runs through twelfth grade, it had no students in grades ten, eleven, or twelve in the most recent reported year. It appears that the upper high school grades may not yet be fully populated or may operate differently than a traditional comprehensive high school. The district’s per-pupil spending was in the lower range among Montgomery County’s districts, which may be a conversation point for families curious about resource allocation.
The data did not include information on free or reduced-price meal eligibility, special education services, or English learner supports. Similarly, no specific program offerings such as Advanced Placement, career and technical education pathways, or dual enrollment were reported. The research into district changes over the past four years turned up a general charter and curriculum profile but no specific changes that would have a lasting impact on parents. Without that information, it is hard to assess whether the district is expanding its academic options or making strategic shifts.
LEAD Academy serves a predominantly Black student community in a county with several other districts. Its academic numbers are a genuine concern, particularly in math. But the district is small and has two separate buildings, which may allow for more personalized attention than a larger system. The strongest academic showing comes in literacy, where some grades approach half of students meeting proficiency. A family should engage directly with the school leadership to understand the academic plan, how attendance issues are being addressed, and what the high school pathway will look like as upper grades develop.
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