LEAD Charter School

LEAD Charter School, located at 201 Bergen Street in Newark, New Jersey, is a specialized educational institution designed to serve students who are typically between the ages of 16 and 21. Unlike traditional high schools, LEAD functions as a "dropout recovery" program, specifically targeting young people who have left the conventional school system before graduation. Their mission is centered on re-engaging these students by providing a flexible, supportive, and career-focused environment that helps them earn a high school diploma while gaining valuable professional skills.

The school’s curriculum is distinctively rooted in a "work-study" model that blends rigorous academic coursework with hands-on vocational training and internships. By partnering with local businesses and organizations in Newark, LEAD Charter School aims to prepare its students not only for graduation but also for immediate entry into the workforce or higher education. Through personalized learning plans and a focus on social-emotional support, the school strives to empower Newark’s youth to overcome past academic barriers and establish a stable, productive path toward their future careers.