THEA BOWMAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Thea Bowman Leadership Academy is a Title I public charter school that is part of the Thea Bowman Leadership Academy school district, located in Gary, IN with about 1,097 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 77 teachers, Thea Bowman Leadership Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 14:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Thea Bowman Leadership Academy (TBLA), located in Gary, Indiana, is a tuition-free public charter school that serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The academy operates with a core mission centered on academic excellence, leadership development, and character building. By maintaining a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, the school aims to equip students—particularly those in urban environments—with the critical thinking skills and personal discipline necessary to succeed in higher education and become impactful leaders in their communities.

Beyond its academic focus, the academy emphasizes a holistic approach to student development, often integrating mentorship, extracurricular activities, and community service into the school experience. Named after Sister Thea Bowman, a renowned educator and advocate for social justice, the school draws inspiration from her legacy by fostering an environment that values cultural pride, social responsibility, and perseverance. Through its structured academic environment and commitment to personalized student growth, TBLA strives to bridge achievement gaps and provide its student body with the tools needed to attain long-term personal and professional success.

For more information, contact Thea Bowman Leadership Academy at (219) 883-4826 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.