School Profile
JVB LEADERSHIP ACADEMY was established in 1980 by Joslyn & Veronica Beckford as who desired to change the trajectory of children in Central Village by offering a place of learning where children could develop skills break the cycle of poverty. The first class had nine students and one teacher who served multiple roles as teacher, cook, cleaner and dressmaker. Today the school serves 180 students with a dedicated teaching staff of sixteen and a team of ancillary and support staff.
We are still driven to uphold a standard of excellence in learning and believe that
"Every student can and will succeed in ways that reflect his or her aptitude and interest".
Mission
1980 - Present
To provide an optimal environment for learning in which:
Teachers and parents work together to create an inclusive community of learning.
Students are intrinsically motivated as lifelong learners through hands-on teaching, integrated curriculum, and real-life learning with meaningful community connections.
Teachers are empowered and encouraged to teach to the needs of each individual student.
Vision
2011 - Present
The School as Community – The school is a community that has a shared vision to promote learning and where teachers are leaders and parents are partners.
​
A Curriculum with Coherence – The curriculum incorporates
"Core Commonalities” or universal experiences everyone shares.
A Climate for Learning – To promote an optimal learning climate, class sizes are manageable, teaching schedules are flexible, and student grouping arrangements are varied.
A Commitment to Character –Core virtues are taught by both word and deed and are woven into everyday classroom experiences. Students are taught to live with a purpose and are encouraged to apply these lessons, learned through curriculum, school climate, and service, to the world around them
Goal
Instill Core Virtues. The Learning Center, in addition to academics, is concerned with the ethical and moral dimensions of a child's life. The goal is to ensure that all students, on leaving school, will have developed a keen sense of personal and civic responsibility.
We teach seven core virtues. They include self-respect, compassion, perseverance, honesty, truthfulness, non-violence, and self-discipline.