Thomas Jefferson Leadership Academy reports enrollment gains, expanded student leadership

Emily Carlson, principal of Thomas Jefferson Leadership Academy, told the Bentonville School Board on Nov. 18 that the school’s first year as a parent‑choice leadership campus brought a 9% increase in enrollment and notable program growth.

Carlson highlighted hands‑on, leadership‑focused instruction woven into daily routines, classroom mission statements and schoolwide leadership positions. About 20% of students currently hold a schoolwide leadership role, she said, and the school has added after‑school options that 15% of students used in the first semester.

Carlson credited community partners — including Upstart Athletics, Larson’s Language Center and Bentonville Moves Coalition — for helping run clubs such as soccer, Spanish and a bike club. She said some partners provided scholarships to expand access while the district pursues a grant to offer more subsidized spots.

The principal described classroom practices intended to make leadership concrete: peer encouragement, regular goal‑setting and tracking “wildly important goals” (WIGs) at the grade level. Carlson said the school will introduce student leadership portfolios next semester so pupils can document goals, progress and achievements and share them during conferences.

Board members praised the presentation and asked about growth targets and outreach. Carlson said she hopes to add roughly 10% more parent‑choice students in year two but acknowledged practical limits as the program matures.

The school will launch a communications plan in January to make the leadership model and its expectations clearer to families, Carlson said. She invited trustees and families to contact her for tours and follow‑up questions.

The board did not take action on the presentation; the item was provided for information.