Education rooted in relationship

Letter From the Head of School

Collective Leadership Academy was born out of both passion and personal need. As Head of School, a retired Marine Corps officer, a foster parent of over 10 years, a Master's graduate in Family Counseling, and a mom of five—one of whom is autistic— I have spent years advocating for educational freedom, family discipleship, and personalized learning environments that truly serve the whole child. With an autistic child, there was a need for affordable private education which was almost impossible to find in an inclusive family environment; this was one of the major driving factors to starting CLA.

Being drawn to cottage model schools led to the discovery of Charlotte Mason philosophy—an approach that values rich ideas, hands-on learning, and intentional discipleship instead of rigid systems. I've long envisioned a school that reflected the same kind of nurturing, faith-filled environment I have fought to cultivate in my own home: one that is intimate, relational, and rooted in God’s Word. A place where every child is known, where their strengths are celebrated, and where leadership is developed through a biblical worldview.

Collective Leadership Academy reflects that vision—a place where education is rooted in relationship and where students are equipped to live boldly in their God-given purpose. The opportunity for the school arose organically as homeschool families at Collective Church began combining efforts in the Fall of 2024. The vision for the school then found footing as space was made available on the campus of Spilman Memorial Baptist Church.

With all this in mind, I couldn't be more excited for the year ahead at Collective Leadership Academy. It is a joy and an honor to walk alongside families in this journey. I truly believe God is doing something special here and I cannot wait to see how each student grows this year.

- Meghan Pileggi, Head of School

Accreditation

Collective Leadership Academy is a fully accredited educational institution dedicated to academic excellence. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our school operates with transparency and integrity, ensuring that all resources are directed toward providing a high-quality learning experience for every student.

Incorporated in the state of North Carolina and recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, CLA adheres to all state and local educational requirements, affirming its commitment to accountability and student success.

In addition to its state and federal recognitions, CLA is an approved participant in North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship Program. This enables eligible families to access financial support and choose a school environment that best fits their child’s educational needs. The school’s inclusion in this program underscores its reputation for providing accessible, inclusive, and high-caliber education.

The VELA Founder Network is a national community of entrepreneurs creating innovative learning environments and educational alternatives that families choose outside the traditional K–12 school system. VELA supports founders by providing early-stage funding, professional connections, resources, and a collaborative network that helps them launch and grow sustainable education models.

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The National Microschooling Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the growth and success of the microschooling movement by supporting founders, families, and communities across the United States. It provides training, resources, research, and expert guidance to help microschool leaders launch, operate, and strengthen high-quality learning environments.

CLA is proud to offer a dual enrollment opportunity in partnership with Arizona State University, providing our middle and high school students with a unique and valuable head start on their college education. This collaboration allows eligible students to earn college credits while still in school, giving them a competitive advantage as they prepare for higher education and future careers.