A healing-centered, trauma-responsive microschool for homeschool and transitioning families seeking safety, community, and real learning. Visionary Leadership Academy is Jacksonville and the surrounding areas’ only healing-centered, trauma-responsive microschool serving students in grades 5–12. We support homeschool families, students transitioning from traditional school, and families seeking a mid-year change by offering a safe, values-driven learning environment where students are met with care, not judgment. With small classes, flexible seating, and personalized instruction, we offer 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day options that allow families to build community while meeting their child’s individual needs on a schedule that fits their family.
Instruction at VLA is intentionally blended, combining supportive computer-based learning with teacher-guided instruction. Technology is used as a tool, not a replacement, while teachers reinforce learning through hands-on activities, discussion, small-group support, and personalized guidance. Learning is not considered complete simply because an online assignment is finished; teachers ensure students truly understand concepts before moving on. Our students have demonstrated high academic growth on nationally normed assessments, including double-digit gains in reading and math, along with renewed confidence and joy in learning. Enrollment is limited to preserve our small, supportive model.
1 Review on “Visionary Leadership Academy”
Elizabeth McKendry
Our 12-year-old daughter, currently in 7th grade, has been attending Visionary Leadership Academy since the beginning of this school year, and the difference has been nothing short of life-changing for our family.
She struggled for years in public school. While she managed to get by through elementary school, 6th grade was especially difficult. Large class sizes, constant distractions, and limited individual attention left her lost in a sea of students. She has ADHD, moves a lot, and needs an environment that understands how she learns. In public school, it often felt like she was only passing because the system doesn’t allow children to fail—not because she was truly learning or thriving.
VLA has been a complete shift. With a very small class size and genuine personal attention, our daughter is finally engaged in her education and actually looks forward to going to school. The school allows creative seating, including floor seating, when it helps a student focus—something that has made a huge difference for her.
While VLA does utilize computer-based learning, what sets it apart is how that learning is reinforced. Teachers actively work with students through hands-on activities, discussion, and personalized guidance to solidify the knowledge gained from online lessons. Learning is not treated as “complete” simply because an online assignment is passed; teachers ensure students truly understand the material before moving on.
VLA also thoughtfully addresses mental health in age-appropriate ways. Our daughter’s thoughts and emotions are explored and respected rather than dismissed. Since starting at VLA, she has gone from being at or below grade level to thriving at and above grade level. The confidence we feared was lost during her difficult 6th grade year has returned. She is once again the happy, sweet kid we knew—no longer an angry pre-teen overwhelmed by school and social pressures.
The teacher interaction at VLA has been incredibly positive. Communication from the teachers and staff is responsive and collaborative. Your child’s education is something you are actively involved in, not something you find out about when a report card comes home. The flexible scheduling is another huge benefit, allowing families to meet the needs of their child without unnecessary stress.
We would recommend Visionary Leadership Academy to any family, and especially to those who have struggled with the direction public schooling has taken. VLA has given our daughter not only academic success, but her confidence and joy for learning back—and for that, we are truly grateful.