Who We Are
The McLeod Family Foundation originated in 1996 as an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in the Roanoke Valley. In 2018 the Foundation decided to open a tuition free private school for families within our community called The Academy at Belle. In August of 2026, the school moved to a new location at 2222 and 2230 Electric Road to form our first multi-building campus and changed its name to better reflect our mission of teaching life skills to students and families called Life Skills Academy.
We enhance the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) curriculum with hands on learning opportunities and a focus on tools for life success including budgets, banking services and other financial management tools, and with programs related to character, values and life skills.
The Academy offers free childcare in the early morning and evening hours while parents work. We operate in the summer to provide learning opportunities and frequent field trips.
A Great Year
The Academy has had an amazing year! We opened our new multi-building campus at 2230 Electric Road in August with a 23% increase in enrollment.
Our students and families have made important strides.
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32% of our families improved their housing situations, moving to safer neighborhoods or purchasing their own homes
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24% of our families improved their employment situations, gaining employment or earning promotions
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100% of our families worked with The Academy coaches to develop and establish goals to help them achieve the life that they envision for their family
