Leading Edge Academy breaks ground on facility to double capacity (video)

In six years, Leading Edge Academy’s presence in Maricopa grew from a trailer, where Principal Mat Reese interviewed parents of prospective students, to a 430-student charter school.

“We’ve seen it grow, and we kept thinking, ‘Are they going to expand? Classrooms are getting kind of tight,’” said Heli Tanon, who placed two children in the school. One has now moved on to high school and the other is in fourth grade.

Tuesday morning, LEA broke ground for the much-anticipated expansion.

LEA founder Delmer Geesey was on hand along with Mayor Christian Price, members of the city council, county Supervisor Anthony Smith, Ak-Chin Chairman Robert Miguel, members of the Ak-Chin tribal council and some parents. A school choir performed the national anthem.

“It’s nice to see everybody come together and support the school,” parent Nicolle Tanon said.

The expansion at the northwest corner of Porter Road and Adam’s Way came about after Community of Hope Church sold its parcels on the site to Leading Edge. From there, things moved quickly.

“I went on spring break and came back and suddenly all the fencing was up,” Reese said.

The 28,500-square-foot expansion provides space for up to 450 more students. Reese said it will include 18 classrooms, a gymnasium and office space. Completion is planned for August.

Price called Leading Edge a “great partner” with the city.

Leading Edge Groundbreaking

1 of 15