A school built on love, rooted in lived experience
We are a village built by a mother who watched her son struggle, driven by a sister who refused to let his story end with him.
Born from a deeply
personal place
L.E.A.D. began in 2012 with a passion for closing academic and behavioral gaps by providing compassionate, individualized support to children and families seeking a safe, nurturing environment where people genuinely care.
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally — regardless of the challenges they face.
At the heart of this mission is a mother who navigated constant school changes, behavioral challenges, and a fragmented support system for her son — and a founder who watched that journey and promised something better.
Now launching as a full K-5 charter school in August 2026, L.E.A.D. is turning that promise into a place where families like ours never feel alone again.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive — regardless of the challenges they face. We are building the school they deserve."
— Demetres Thomas, FounderIn Loving Memory
The child who started it all — Derrick
Derrick was a bright, energetic child who loved life but faced significant challenges. Diagnosed with ADHD and an emotional behavioral disorder, he struggled to find his place in traditional school settings.
His family navigated constant school changes, behavioral interventions, and a fragmented support system that too often left them feeling alone and overwhelmed. Despite his challenges, Derrick had a contagious smile and a heart full of potential.
But too often, he was labeled "too difficult," "too disruptive," or "too much." He passed away at just 11 years old — far too soon, and long before the world truly got to see what he was capable of.
Derrick is the reason L.E.A.D. exists. Every child we serve, every family we support, every program we design — it is all in his memory. We are building the school he deserved.
Derrick
2000 – 2011
"His life, though far too short, serves as a lasting reminder of the children who are often overlooked, misunderstood, or labeled as 'too difficult.'"
Leading with purpose, advocating with heart
Demetres Thomas founded L.E.A.D. Educate, Inc. out of a deeply personal commitment to children with disabilities and the families who love them. Her journey from advocate to educator to school founder was shaped by watching her brother Derrick navigate a system that was never designed for him.
With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, IEP consulting, behavioral support, and family advocacy, Demetres brings both the professional expertise and the lived experience necessary to build a school that truly meets families where they are.
Her vision for L.E.A.D. goes beyond academics — it is about creating a village, a community of support where every child is seen, celebrated, and given the tools to grow on their own terms.
Pay it Forward
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Pay it Forward 〰️
What L.E.A.D. means to us
Every letter of our name represents a commitment — to children, to families, and to the community we are building together.
Every student receives a reading assessment that drives the level and type of support they receive, exposing them to strategy-based instruction for reading and writing.
Speech therapy, ABA services, and occupational therapy are integrated into daily learning — not separate appointments to coordinate outside of school.
We support families with IEP reviews, community referrals, and workshops — building confident advocates out of every parent and guardian who walks through our doors.
Our educators go above and beyond — they genuinely love children, see potential where others see limitations, and treat every student like their own.
Be part of the village
Whether you are a family looking for the right school, a professional who shares our passion, or a community partner who wants to make a difference — there is a place for you here.