GOCA is now GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Dear Global Outreach Charter Academy Families,

Global Outreach Charter Academy has been proud to serve our school community since 2009, and we are thrilled to share some exciting news with you. As a school we are working to improve the education and environment we provide and as a part of this improvement, Global Outreach Charter Academy is changing its name to Global Leadership Academy.

Why the name change and why now?

We are constantly seeking to enhance your child’s education and make a positive impact in their lives and our communities.  As we have grown from one school to four, we want to ensure every child gets a quality education aligned with the vision and values of our schools.  The vision of Global Leadership Academy is to develop, equip, and empower students to become leaders who make a positive impact in their family, community, and the world.  Our vision remains centered on providing an education that goes beyond academics, instilling in our students the values and skills necessary for leadership.

Our core values are curiosity, diversity, responsibility and service.  We aim to foster our students’ sense of curiosity, sparking their passion for learning.  We are committed to promoting diversity and teaching students to be open to the unknown, recognizing the strength that comes from a community of individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.  We aim to instill a sense of responsibility in our students–teaching them that if they see a problem and have the ability to fix it, it is their responsibility to do so. Through service, we aspire to cultivate a spirit of giving back, encouraging our students to actively contribute to their communities and beyond becoming leaders who make a positive impact.

This transition will not disrupt the quality education and supportive communities that our schools are known for. Each school, while working toward developing well-rounded, globally-minded leaders will have its own unique identity and focus.

GOCA K8 (Cub and Grizzly) will now be known as Global Leadership Academy Discovery.  The school will still retain and enhance its Russian and Spanish language programs. Furthermore, enhance your child’s educational experience through coursework centered on science, technology, and Global Leadership.

GOCA HS will now be known as Global Leadership Academy High School.  The high school is focused on preparing students for their next step after high school and to make a positive impact in their communities.  They will offer coursework focused on Entrepreneurship, the arts, Leadership, and college preparation.

GOCA Intercoastal will now be known as Global Leadership Academy Intercoastal.  The school will continue to provide a high quality academic focus while also providing coursework in languages, the arts, and character development.

GOCA Arts, our newest school, will be known as Global Leadership Academy Arts.  The school will focus on providing high quality core instruction through arts integration and stand-alone arts courses in music, theater, dance and visual arts.

We understand that change can bring about questions, and we are here to address any concerns you may have. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s campus with any questions. We encourage you to join us on this exciting journey as we shape the future of Global Leadership Academy together.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to the positive impact our students will make as they grow into the global leaders of tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Larry Williams, Board Chair
Sergey and Liliya Soroka, Founders
John Galeani, Principal of Global Discovery
Luann Hoyseth, Principal of Global High
Greg Stickel, Principal of Global Intercoastal
Lianna Knight, Principal of Global Arts

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FAQ

• Why is the school being renamed?

  The school is being renamed to better reflect our vision and values. We want to be able to clearly communicate to the community and stakeholders what we do. Build Leaders!!

• What is going to change?

  We are going to continue to do what we have done for years. Languages will remain, but we will work to expand our offerings at each campus.

  For Discovery: Language programs will continue with different tracks for heritage speakers and new language learners. New classes focused on leadership, science and technology will be added.

  For Intercoastal: Students will get the same quality education they have been receiving, but as the school grows more electives will be offered including art, music, languages and character education.

  For High School: Students will have an opportunity to take a Leadership class focused on the skills and knowledge needed to excel in Leadership roles. We will offer a Business Academy with specialized courses in business management, entrepreneurship, and finance. The high school will also be adding the AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination). AVID is a college readiness program designed to help students develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed in college and beyond. This program focuses on academic rigor, writing skills, inquiry-based learning, and collaborative learning strategies.

• Will Foreign Languages go away?

  No, the language programs will remain.

• What will happen with uniforms?

  All new uniforms moving forward will be printed with the new logo. Students will be able to wear their old uniforms. Uniforms can be purchased at: https://www.goca.viawears.com/

• How will the renaming process impact students and families?

  While there may be administrative adjustments and updates to reflect the new name, such changes are primarily procedural and are not expected to affect the educational experience or learning outcomes of students.

• How can parents stay informed about the progress of the renaming process?

  Regular updates will be provided through school newsletters, emails, and other communication channels.

• What will happen to the old name/logo after the renaming?

  The old name/logo will be phased out gradually, and steps will be taken to update signage, stationery, and other materials with the new name/logo.

• Will there be changes in the school's curriculum?

  No, there are no anticipated changes to the curriculum of the school.

• Will there be school hours changes?

  No, there will be no changes to the school hours.

• What new leadership programs will be offered at the schools due to the name change to “Leadership Academy”?

  Leadership instruction will be integrated into the curriculum of K-8 educational institutions, while Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and dedicated leadership courses will be made available within high school settings.

• Who do I reach out to if I have more questions regarding the re-brand and the new direction of the schools?

  Parents are encouraged to reach out to the school administration with any questions or concerns. They can call the school office or send an email to: discovery@glacademy.us, hs@glacademy.us, ic@glacademy.us, arts@glacademy.us

• Will there be school leadership changes following the re-brand?

  There are no anticipated changes in school leadership.

• Will there be any parent meetings to discuss/explain the new direction of the schools?

  Yes, a parent meeting, Vision casting - Name change discussion with principal and CEO, will be scheduled at the end of March, to discuss rebranding and new direction of the schools.

  The meeting will be held at Discovery Campus on March 27th, 2024 at 4pm.