About Us

The Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy (WYMLA) is a 6-13, single-gender, early college, leadership academy within the Wake County Public School System. Located on two campuses, grades 6-10 are held in the Thompson School Building in downtown Raleigh, NC and grades 11-13 are at Shaw University. The school opened in the Fall of 2012 and currently serves approximately 150 students in the Middle School (6-8), 100 students in the High School (9-10), and 100 in our Early College Program (11-12). WYMLA strives to develop young men into leaders who have a positive impact on their communities through Scholarship, Service, and Success..

Mission Statement

The Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy will provide a relevant and engaging education and will graduate students who are collaborative, creative, effective communicators and critical thinkers. We will do so in accordance with the following core beliefs:

1. Every student is uniquely capable and deserves to be challenged and engaged in relevant, rigorous, and meaningful learning each day.
2. Every student is expected to learn, grow, and succeed while we eliminate the ability to predict achievement based on socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity.
3. Well-supported, highly effective, and dedicated principals, teachers, and staff are essential to success for all students.
4. The Board of Education, superintendent, and all staff, while sustaining best practices, will promote and support a culture of continuous improvement, risk-taking, and innovation that results in a high-performing organization focused on student achievement, well-being, and student agency.
5. The Board of Education, superintendent, and all staff value a diverse school community that is inviting, respectful, inclusive, flexible, and supportive.
6. The Wake County residents value a strong public school system and will partner to provide the support and resources to fully realize our shared vision, accomplish the mission and sustain our core beliefs.
7. All students and staff deserve to work in optimal learning environments supported by sufficient resources, well-maintained facilities, and sustainable operational systems. 

Vision Statement

The Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy shapes young men into capable and prepared leaders who excel academically, civically, and professionally. Through rigorous and experiential learning opportunities, the academy ensures its students are proven leaders in the community.

Core Value and Beliefs

Scholarship, Service, Success

1. We value scholarship as the cornerstone of our academic community, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, rigorous inquiry, and a lifelong passion for learning. 
2. We value service as a fundamental principle, instilling in our students a dedication to giving back to their communities, fostering empathy, and making a positive impact through selfless actions and civic responsibility.
3. We believe success is achieved through dedication, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.