Overview
Lift for Life Academy (LFLA) is a pioneering charter school based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2000, it was the city's first independent charter school, initially housed in the Manufacturers Bank and Trust building. Over the years, it has expanded significantly to accommodate approximately 800 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, all underpinned by the academy's guiding motto: Educate, Empower, Uplift. The campus features well-equipped academic classrooms and athletic facilities dedicated to fostering a nurturing and challenging learning environment.
Leadership and Staff
- Marshall Cohen: Executive Director & Co-Founder. His reported salary is $156,846 as of January 2024.
- Dr. Katrice Noble: Deputy Director, also serves as an adjunct professor at St. Louis University.
- Tierra Jackson: Dean of Middle School.
- Torrey Davie Sr.: Dean of High School.
- Travis Thomas: Dean of Elementary School.
The academy employs 31 full-time teachers, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 to ensure focused and individualized learning.
Academic Programs and Highlights
Lift for Life Academy distinguishes itself through innovative educational programs that cater to college and career readiness. One of its hallmark initiatives, the SOAR program, provides students with career pathways, internships, and mentorships to support their transition to post-secondary education. Recently, the academy celebrated the graduation of over 200 students. A strategic alliance with Mercy offers students invaluable exposure to the medical field via practical experiences and shadowing opportunities, fostering interest and skills in healthcare careers.
Financial Summary
- The academy's revenue for the fiscal year ending June 2023 was $20,282,010, marking a 36% increase from the previous year.
- Total expenses for the same period tallied at $15,750,197.
- Educating a student costs approximately $9,500, with a funding gap of $600 per student, necessitating ongoing financial support.
- State funding is a primary financial resource, supplemented by significant corporate, foundational, and individual contributions. Notably, the academy secured $4,114,821 in grants, including a major donation of $2,886,776 from the Lift for Life Foundation.
Community Involvement and Support
Lift for Life Academy is deeply embedded in the community through various engagement channels including an active social media presence on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. The school thrives on robust partnerships with donors and stakeholders, essential for its mission of empowering students through quality education. The academy also uses Diligent Community’s public portal to facilitate discussions and meetings with stakeholders, further solidifying its community-centric approach.
Contact Information:
- Address: 1731 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63104
- Phone: (314) 231-2337
- Website: [liftforlifeacademy.org](https://www.liftforlifeacademy.org/)
- Facebook: [Lift for Life Academy](https://www.facebook.com/liftforlifeacademy/)
- Twitter: [@lift4lifeacad](https://twitter.com/lift4lifeacad)
Competitor Profiling
Lift for Life Academy is positioned as a significant player in St. Louis's educational landscape, competing primarily with larger public school districts including:
- Bedford City School District: Located in Ohio, it offers comprehensive educational strategies across multiple institutions.
- Dayton Public Schools: Also in Ohio, it serves a large student population with a mix of academic and extracurricular programs aimed at holistic development.
- Broken Arrow Public Schools-Independent School District No. 3: Based in Oklahoma, this district emphasizes student engagement in both sports and arts alongside its strong academic foundation.
Lift for Life Academy's distinct advantages include its specialized charter status and manageable student body size, which facilitate personalized educational offerings. Collaborative efforts such as its partnership with Southeast Missouri State University, which provides a tuition discount to educators for online courses, strengthen its commitment to excellence and competitiveness. In a dynamic educational environment, the academy's focus on equitable and comprehensive learning stands out, essential for sustaining its competitive edge.
