KGUN9 – New Charter School Set to Open in Fall

By Jennifer Delacruz. CREATED May 19, 2015 – UPDATED: May 19, 2015

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MARANA (KGUN9-TV) – Tucson native, and best-selling author, Dr. Kevin Leman, is opening the doors to Marana’s newest charter school this fall.

The world renowned psychologist takes an innovative stance on education. Piece by piece, walls are going up, floors are going down, and classrooms are slowly coming to life.

Work began just two months ago, and by the first week of July, the Leman Academy of Excellence is set to be fully finished and ready for the first day of school.

Dr. Kevin Leman’s vision for the new K-6 school near Silverbell and Cortaro is bringing a different type of learning to Southern Arizona.

“We are a high level school. We have high expectations for you academically,” says Leman. “The days of blocks and playdough in kindergarten are over. These kids in kindergarten are reading.”

The school focuses on a classical education model that is outlined in several of Leman’s best selling books. Students are encouraged to explore critical thinking and self-expression, while learning Spanish and Latin in their early years.

“In traditional schools, I think we beat the curiosity out of kids in the first three four grades of school. So we’re gonna challenge kids. The whole classical model of teaching kids is unique. It’s all about accountability, it’s accelerated and it’s fun.”

The school is set to build more classrooms for 7th and 8th grade students to be open for the 2016 school year. 700 students are already enrolled in the existing K-6 programs, and more students are still being accepted.