ABOUT US
Inspired by Legacy. Driven by Excellence. Built for Every Scholar.
About
George & Veronica Phalen Leadership Academy
Welcome to George & Veronica Phalen Leadership Academy, a tuition-free public charter school serving kindergarten through 8th grade scholars. As part of the Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) network, we are committed to creating a warm, inclusive, and culturally rich environment where every scholar is known, valued, and empowered to succeed.
At GVP, our teachers use data-driven instruction, small-group learning, and a rigorous, personalized curriculum to ensure every child receives the support they need to master key academic skills. Through individualized attention and differentiated learning, we help scholars grow in confidence, curiosity, and leadership.
Beyond academics, we offer a variety of clubs, enrichment programs, and real-world learning experiences that help scholars discover their interests and connect learning to life. From STEM and Writing Clubs to intramural sports, enrichment trips, and partnerships that expand opportunities, every scholar has space to learn, lead, and shine.
At GVP, we believe every child has greatness within. We prepare scholars to become confident learners, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens—ready to thrive in school, at home, and in their communities.
Lawrence Courtney
Indy Regional Supervisor K-8Principal
Contact Principal Courtney
Megan Smith
Assistant PrincipalContact Assistant Principal Smith
School Office
(317) 333-6980Contact the School Office
Redefining public education — empowering scholars, strengthening communities
Our Mission
At George & Veronica Phalen Leadership Academy, we create a warm, inclusive, and culturally rich environment where every scholar is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. Through data-driven instruction, personalized learning, and strong partnerships with families and community organizations, we inspire scholars to lead with confidence, character, and purpose.
Our Core Values
We envision a thriving school community where every child feels valued, supported, and prepared to succeed—both in and beyond the classroom. Together with our families, educators, and community partners, GVP is cultivating lifelong learners and compassionate leaders who are ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the world.
Growth
GVP scholars make strong academic progress through our data-driven, small-group instruction model that supports every child’s individual needs.
Literacy
From kindergarten on, scholars build strong reading skills through daily practice, personalized support, and engaging lessons that spark a love of learning.
Leadership
Through enrichment programs, clubs, and intramural sports, scholars grow as confident, compassionate leaders who take pride in themselves.
Together, these achievements reflect our commitment to excellence, leadership, and empowering every scholar
to learn, lead, and thrive.
The History of Phalen Leadership Academies
“We thought that if nothing else, we could adopt a male child and give him a happy home.”
– Veronica Phalen
Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) was founded in 2013 by Earl Martin Phalen, in honor of his adoptive parents, George and Veronica Phalen. Rooted in their values of Children First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude, PLA was created to give every child the same love, opportunity, and belief that changed Earl’s life.
Abandoned at birth, Earl was adopted by George and Veronica in the late 1960s. Their compassion and courage became the foundation for what would later grow into one of the nation’s most impactful education organizations.
After graduating from Yale University and Harvard Law School, Earl focused on expanding opportunities for children through education. He co-founded Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL), a national nonprofit that served tens of thousands of scholars in underserved communities. Later, he launched Summer Advantage USA, one of the country’s only research-proven summer learning models, recognized by the White House, TIME Magazine, and MSNBC for its success in closing achievement gaps.
In 2012, the Indiana Charter School Board approved the launch of the George and Veronica Phalen Leadership Academies—schools designed to deliver rigorous academics, enrichment experiences, and character education for students in underserved communities. Today, PLA partners with school districts and charter boards across the nation to manage and transform schools into thriving centers of learning and opportunity.
The legacy of George and Veronica Phalen lives on in every PLA classroom—through the love, determination, and belief that every child, no matter their zip code, can achieve greatness. Their story continues to inspire our mission to transform public education and ensure that all scholars thrive as learners and leaders in their communities and in the world.
A holistic, evidence-based model for educational excellence that impacts scholars, families and communities.
Ready to Discover What’s Possible at GVPLA?
Enroll at GVPLA
At George & Veronica Phalen Leadership Academy, our data-driven instruction and small-group learning ensure every scholar receives personalized support that builds academic growth, confidence, and curiosity. Through engaging, hands-on lessons, we prepare students to think critically, collaborate, and lead with purpose.
GVP offers a wide range of enriching opportunities—including STEM, Writing Club, intramural sports, enrichment trips, and after-school programs—designed to support the whole child. Scholars benefit from 1:1 technology access, nutritious meals, and extended care through Bee Purposely Kids Prep. Families can also access free career and job training opportunities through SkilledUS, supporting success for the entire household.
Academic Excellence
Our dedicated educators deliver rigorous, engaging instruction that challenges scholars to think critically, solve problems, and strive for excellence across every subject.
Family & Community Engagement
Families and community members connect with us through events, volunteer opportunities, and open communication that strengthen learning and school pride.
Data-Driven Success
We use real-time data and small-group instruction to personalize learning and accelerate growth for every child—ensuring each scholar achieves lasting academic success.
Our Commitment
At GVP, we set high expectations in a warm, inclusive, and culturally rich environment that builds confidence, character, and a lifelong love for learning.
McKinney-Vento Act