Wisdom and Leadership Academy hosts ribbon cutting

Sheryl Washington, founder of the academy said, “The inspiration behind opening the Wisdom and Leadership Academy was for my children to receive a faith-based education. I also wanted to extend the opportunity to other families. “My passion for education and faith was definitely a driving force in starting WLA. After teaching in the public schools for quite a few years, I began to see the importance of children having a Christ-centered education,” said Washington.

Washington’s children previously at- tended Canton Public Schools. During the opening, she told the story of one of her children struggling to read. Rather than hold him back a year, Washington realized he just needed a different learning strategy.

“Within a year, he had made the school year up and more. He was reading,” said Washington.

Oftentimes, being homeschooled or virtual can present different challenges, including challenges of atmosphere. Washington explained that having a school building for the academy was important.

“I feel that having the building will enhance our students’ experience by providing them more of a school setting. Being home sometimes gives them the opportunity to be too comfortable. Having a school building creates a school atmosphere, therefore academic excellence is also promoted,” said Washington.

The academy stands out from other institutions because of its approach to education using the book of Proverbs throughout each subject.

Photo by Courtney Warren

“The book of Proverbs is used daily in devotion. In the Christian faith, the book of Proverbs is known as the wisdom book. There are thirty-one chapters of Proverbs and thirty to thirty-one days in each month. We study a chapter of Proverbs daily to start our day,” Washington explained.

“Vocabulary words are pulled from each chapter, life lessons are taught from each chapter, and current events are discussed and analyzed from each chapter. In the future, there will be a Proverbs curriculum. At WLA, Christ and biblical morals are front and center,” said Washington.

For more information about the Wisdom and Leadership Academy, visit their page on Facebook.