What is Ascend Legacy Academy?

Ascend Legacy Academy (ALA) is an educational community  dedicated to fostering leadership, autonomy and academic excellence among students, particularly those from historically excluded communities. We aim to empower future change makers and disrupt the educational ecosystem. 

Our Mission

Ascend Legacy Academy is a 21st-century global education community that is grounded in the beliefs of Liberatory education. We are committed to providing a learning environment that instills confidence and self-awareness in our Black male scholars while creating opportunities that allow them to harness their intellectual curiosity. 

Our Vision

Every Black Male scholar that participates will become a leader in his community and create a legacy that extends beyond himself.

What programs does ALA offer?

Ascend Legacy Academy (ALA) is proud to offer a diverse range of educational programs designed to empower students and foster academic and personal growth. Currently, we provide the following opportunities:

1. Virtual-Hybrid Courses These courses combine online learning with interactive sessions to create a flexible and engaging educational experience.

2. Homeschooling Supplementary Courses Tailored to support homeschooling families, our courses provide additional resources and structured learning to enhance their educational journey.

3. Weekend In-Person Learning Labs (2025–2026 Academic Year) Our hands-on Learning Labs focus on the following subjects:

• Geometry

• Algebra

• College and Career Readiness

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Community Engaged Research

• History of Historically Black Boarding Schools

• Health & Wellness

• Trigonometry

• Data Science

 *Starting in Fall 2026, Ascend Legacy Academy will officially launch its full boarding and day school program. Recruitment will begin in Fall 2025. Visit our website in July to find out when ALA will be visiting a city near you!

When and where is the 2025 Summer Academy?  

The 2025 Summer Academy will take place from July 18th to July 25th in Charlottesville, VA. Scholars can select to participate in either the YPAR Community Engaged Research program or our Basketball Camp, hosted in partnership with the Virginia Basketball Academy.

Why isn’t your exact address listed on the website?

At Ascend Legacy Academy, the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority. For this reason, we do not publicly list the specific addresses of our programs on our website. Once a student is officially enrolled or confirmed as a participant in one of our programs, all relevant location details and logistics will be provided directly to families.

We appreciate your understanding and partnership in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all.

Why are most of your programs non-refundable, and why do you offer program credit instead?

Many of our programs require upfront commitments—such as deposits to vendors, instructors, and facility partners—which are often non-refundable to us. Because of these advance costs, we are unable to offer refunds in most cases.

However, we understand that plans can change, which is why we offer program credit that can be applied toward any future Ascend Legacy Academy programs within the same academic year. This allows families flexibility while also supporting the sustainability and planning of our high-quality learning experiences.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support!

Who can participate in ALA programs?

Ascend Legacy Academy is committed to cultivating excellence, leadership, and legacy among young Black males in grades 7–12. Our programs are uniquely designed to empower male scholars—particularly those who are often excluded from academic enrichment spaces—through hands-on learning, intentional curriculum, and mentorship grounded in legacy and purpose.

Is financial aid available? 

ALA strives to make its programs accessible to all students.

As a new independent school, we have limited financial aid and scholarship funds available. Since we do not receive federal or state funding, our operations are entirely self-financed through tuition and private contributions.  

We are committed to growing as an institution and are actively working toward building an endowment in the future. This endowment will enable us to expand our ability to provide scholarships and support more families in accessing our programs.  

We understand that affordability is an important consideration for many families, and we are happy to discuss the available options with you. While we do have limited financial aid options available, we strongly believe in prioritizing the long-term financial well-being of our families. Therefore, we do not encourage families to take on exorbitant amounts of debt to enroll their child in our programs.

To ensure that every family can make the best decision for their situation, we encourage you to work closely with a member of our team to explore and determine the most affordable options tailored to your needs. Together, we can create a plan that balances your financial considerations with your child’s academic growth.

Please contact us directly for more information.

How can I apply to ALA programs? 

To apply, visit the Admissions section of our website and complete the online application. Be sure to submit all required documents and adhere to posted deadlines.

Are there opportunities for educators to collaborate with ALA? 

Yes, Ascend Legacy Academy actively welcomes collaboration with educators! Whether through guest teaching opportunities, curriculum development, mentorship, or research partnerships, we value the expertise and insight that passionate educators bring. Our goal is to build a network of professionals committed to culturally grounded, student-centered learning experiences. If you're interested in collaborating, please reach out—we’d love to connect!

Are there opportunities for funders, community partners, or school districts?

Yes, Ascend Legacy Academy is proud to partner with educators and educational organizations. We actively seek opportunities for collaboration with schools, districts, and community-based programs to co-create meaningful learning experiences. Whether through co-designed curriculum, educator exchanges, training workshops, or joint initiatives that promote equity and innovation in education, we believe that partnership is essential to our mission. We welcome conversations with institutions and individuals aligned with our vision—let’s build together.

How is ALA building a legacy for future generations?

ALA emphasizes leadership, community engagement, and equity in education, empowering students to create lasting change. We focus on developing programs that will shape futures and build educational legacies, brick by brick.

How can I support ALA? 

You can support Ascend Legacy Academy by donating, partnering, or volunteering. Visit our website to learn how you can contribute to our mission.

Who can I contact for more information?

For inquiries, you can reach us via email, through the Contact Us section on our website, or by calling our office directly.