The Scholar Experience
A high-performance, supportive environment where every scholar thrives
Discover the
JRPLA Scholar Experience
At James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy, we believe every student has extraordinary potential. As a tuition-free, public charter school serving grades 7-12, we provide a rigorous, personalized, and well-rounded education that empowers your child to not only succeed in school but to thrive in life.
Our mission is built on three pillars: rigor, relevance, and relationships. We pair high expectations with real-world experiences and strong adult-scholar connection. That means small class sizes, caring qualified teachers, and career pathways that ensure scholars are future-ready.
Families often say JRPLA feels like home — and that’s by design.
Nicole Fama, Executive Director, James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy
“At JRPLA, we believe every scholar deserves a pathway to purpose. Whether they dream of becoming a teacher, entrepreneur, or engineer, our job is to give them the skills, confidence, and real-world experiences to make those dreams a reality. We’re more than a school — we’re a family. Here, every scholar is known, supported, and challenged to grow into the best version of themselves. Together with parents and our community, we’re preparing leaders who will change the world.”
Career Pathways &
Real-World Preparation
One of the most exciting things we offer at JRPLA is meaningful career pathway programming. We know the world is changing and college alone isn’t the only route — we prepare scholars for a variety of pathways, including college, technical credentials, and immediate employment.
Scholars engage in hands-on projects, industry partnerships, internships and capstone experiences that bring learning to life. Through these pathways, your scholar will build marketable skills, earn credentials or certifications, and gain confidence for their next step — whether that’s a four-year college, two-year program, apprenticeship, or direct career.
Early Education
In our Early Education Pathway, scholars explore the art of teaching and leadership — gaining hands-on experience that prepares them to inspire the next generation of learners.
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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Through the CNA Pathway, scholars earn real certifications and clinical experience that open doors to healthcare careers and immediate employment after graduation.
Cosmetology & Barbering
The Cosmetology and Barbering Pathway helps scholars build creativity and confidence while mastering professional beauty and grooming skills that lead to licensure and entrepreneurship.
Business
Our Business Pathway teaches scholars how to think like innovators — from marketing and management to launching their own ventures in the real world.
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Nick Watson
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Computer Science
In the Computer Science Pathway, scholars learn to code, design, and solve problems through technology — preparing for high-demand careers in tech, gaming, and software development.
Welding
The Welding Pathway equips scholars with industry-recognized skills, safety training, and certifications that lead to stable, high-paying careers in skilled trades and manufacturing.
Why Families
CHOOSE JRPLA
Families choose JRPLA for a school that feels safe, caring, and connected—where scholars are supported, challenged, and inspired every day. From rigorous academics to enriching programs, we help every child reach their full potential and grow into confident, compassionate leaders.
Tuition-free public charter school:
Quality education without cost to the family.
Grades 7-12 continuum:
A seamless middle-to-high school progression on the same campus fosters stability and growth.
Future-focused pathways:
Whether your scholar dreams of college, coding, entrepreneurship, healthcare or trades, we have a structured pathway for them.
High-expectation culture with care:
Scholars thrive when we challenge them but also support them with strong relationships.
Community investment:
Our campus is committed to the success of every child and family in the neighborhood and beyond.
Athletics & Enrichment Opportunities:
We offer enriching clubs and athletics that inspire creativity and leadership—from Spanish and Film Clubs to football, cheerleading, soccer, and more.
The Scholar Journey
Through JRPLA (7-12)
Middle School (7-8)
A bridge between childhood curiosity and high school independence. Our program is designed to build confidence, leadership, and academic excellence, preparing every scholar to thrive in high school, college, and future careers.
Summer Advantage
Learning doesn’t stop when school ends. Through our partnership with Summer Advantage, scholars stay engaged and inspired all summer long with hands-on enrichment, reading and math instruction, field trips, and fun experiences that boost achievement and prevent learning loss.
High School (9-12)
Our high school is a place where academic excellence meets opportunity. Scholars benefit from career pathways, small classes, caring teachers, and individualized learning plans that ensure they are challenged, supported, and prepared for success beyond graduation.
Athletics, Clubs & Whole-Child Opportunities
Our athletics program offers competitive sports where scholars build teamwork, discipline and school pride. More than just athletics: scholars can join clubs, explore arts (visual/performing), robotics, leadership groups and more.
Skilled US
Scholars can enter the Skilled US program. With Skilled US, PLA extends opportunity beyond the classroom—offering free career training for parents and adult family members (ages 17+). Graduates often earn $45,000 or more per year, building financial stability, confidence, and a stronger foundation for their children’s success.
Beyond Graduation & Community Impact
The JRPLA experience transforms entire families. Alumni, parents, and partners become leaders and advocates who strengthen their neighborhoods and inspire the next generation—creating a lasting legacy of learning, growth, and opportunity.
Empowering Scholars, Strengthening Families,
Transforming Communities
At James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academies, learning goes beyond the classroom. Through programs like Skilled US and Summer Advantage, we equip both children and adults with the tools to thrive—helping families gain stability, scholars stay on track, and communities build brighter futures. Together, we’re creating opportunities that change lives across generations.
Build a Brighter Future with Skilled US
skilledus.org
Through Skilled US, JRPLA extends its mission beyond the classroom—empowering parents and adult family members (ages 17+) to build stable, rewarding careers. This FREE job training program offers hands-on instruction, career coaching, and direct connections to employers in high-demand industries. Graduates of Skilled US programs earn $45,000 or more per year, creating greater financial stability for their families and stronger foundations for their children’s success. When parents thrive, scholars thrive. Click below to learn more and start your journey toward a new career today.
Enroll in our free 5-week Summer Advantage Program
SummerAdvantage.org
JRPLA partners with Summer Advantage to keep scholars learning, growing, and thriving year-round. This FREE, research-based summer program helps prevent learning loss and boosts academic achievement through hands-on enrichment, reading and math instruction, field trips, and fun activities that spark curiosity. While most students lose ground over the summer, JRPLA scholars gain skills, confidence, and friendships that carry into the next school year. Families love the joy, structure, and inspiration their children experience every day. Click below to learn more and give your child the gift of a summer that makes a difference.
“Choosing JRPLA was the best decision we made. My son is thriving, and I feel part of a family that believes in his potential.”
— JRPLA Parent
“Being a scholar at James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy is exciting. I’m learning, making friends, and getting ready for the life I want after graduation.”
— JRPLA Scholar
“At DCP Harper Woods, we combine academic rigor with genuine care, helping every scholar reach their full potential.”
— Erika Dietz, Principal
“JRPLA has changed our lives. My daughters are thriving in school, and through Skilled US, I found a career that lets me provide more for my family.”
— JRPLA Parent
“PLA and Summer Advantage make learning exciting. I’m getting smarter every day and can’t wait to come back each summer.”
— JRPLA Scholar
“Being a PLA cheerleader taught me confidence, leadership, and school pride. I love representing my school!”
— JRPLA Scholar
"Together with JRPLA, Skilled US helps parents build skills, earn more, and model success for their children—strengthening families from the inside out."
— Kristi Williamson, Executive Director
“I’ve learned that being a leader means helping others, not just yourself. My teachers at JRPLA make me believe I can do anything.”
— JRPLA Scholar, 11th Grade
Our
Testimonials
Voices from our schools and communities
See what our scholars, teachers, families, and alumni are saying about the difference DCP Harper Woods makes in everyday lives.
Learn how we’re driving equity, nurturing leadership, and inspiring change—one school, one scholar, one community at a time.
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