About us
Archie Talley Middle & High School (ATA) is an emotional intelligence and mentorship-based educational community dedicated to the academic, physical, and social growth of all students by teaching to the “whole child” and fostering an environment where significance breeds success.
“Success is what happens to us…and Significance is what happens through us”
~Daniel Puder, Co-Founder
Our vision is to cultivate a dynamic and supportive learning environment through exceptional mentorship, leadership, and robust Emotional & Belief Intelligence programming. By integrating technology throughout the curriculum, we empower students of all abilities to maximize their potential and prepare for meaningful, successful lives defined by significance.
Vision- What we want to create
Mission- How we are going to create it
Purpose- Why we do what we do
Team- With whom we are going to do it with
Commitment- Our choices and decisions
- Student success is the primary focus.
- Our community is strengthened by embracing diversity.
- All staff members should build and foster positive relationships with students to improve student learning.
- Trust is a vital part of the educational community.
- Endless possibilities are created through education.
- Quality education is the responsibility of the School System and the community.
- A partnership between school and home is necessary for student success.
- Focus on the whole child is essential-social/emotional skills are equally as important as academics.
- All adults in the community are an integral part of students’ success.
- A safe, supportive, and respectful environment is the right of all.
- Excellence in teaching and learning is expected and required.
- No one person in the community is more valuable than another.
- Success is inherent to self-discipline and commitment to hard work.
- All community members can lead from where they are.
ABOUT US
In 2010, the foundation for what would eventually evolve into Foundation Academies began with the establishment of My Life My Power World Inc. (MLMP), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to provide innovative solutions for schools and today’s youth. MLMP’s mission addressed pressing issues such as bullying, truancy, and academic disengagement while equipping young people with tools for personal development, life skills, job readiness, and a strong sense of identity and purpose.
As MLMP expanded its reach nationally—partnering with entities such as the Department of Juvenile Justice, foster care systems, Boys and Girls Clubs, and alternative education programs—it became increasingly clear that many students were being left behind by the traditional education system. Despite the dedication of many educators, the conventional classroom model was not designed to meet the needs of all learners, especially those facing trauma, instability, or learning differences. Therefore, through years of mentoring, program delivery, and community-based interventions, MLMP’s leadership identified a need to go beyond support services and create a completely new kind of educational system—one rooted in understanding the whole child. This vision led to the formal creation of a school system that integrates Emotional, Belief, and Physiological Intelligence (EBPI) as core pillars. The goal was to reimagine the learning experience in a way that honors students’ emotional well-being, belief systems, and physical state as essential to academic success.
With this in mind, the MLMP School System was launched—built upon a foundation of social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, personalized learning paths, and strong community partnerships. Leading this charge was MLMP’s CEO, Daniel Puder, a former undefeated MMA fighter and passionate advocate for youth empowerment. Alongside him were a team of seasoned educators and community leaders: Jennifer Kramer, M.Ed., with over 27 years of experience in curriculum, accreditation, and educational policy; Guillermo Queris, an expert in educational infrastructure, recruiting, and scholarship development; and Michael Williams, who brought over two decades of experience in juvenile justice and vocational training.
In 2024, to reflect its evolving mission and anticipated national expansion, the MLMP School System was officially rebranded as Foundation Academies. This new identity was chosen to emphasize the organization’s commitment to building a strong, lasting educational foundation for every student—particularly those who have not found success in traditional environments. Foundation Academies represents more than just a school; it’s a comprehensive, student-centered system designed to cultivate self-worth, academic achievement, and life readiness. Today, Foundation Academies stands as a new model in education—one that brings together innovation, compassion, and structure to create transformative experiences for youth, families, and communities.
Executive Summary
Archie Talley Middle & High School
Philosophy of Education
The School System’s educational philosophy is built on a commitment to nurturing the whole child. By utilizing a diverse array of tools and techniques tailored to each student’s unique learning style and strengths, the system empowers students to become self-directed learners. This approach draws from a blend of research-based methods, incorporating elements of emotional and belief intelligence, Montessori principles, mentorship, and collaborative, project-based learning. The result is a holistic framework that not only prepares students for academic success but also equips them with essential social and emotional skills for life. By focusing on the comprehensive development of each student, we aim to create an environment where they can thrive, grow, and realize their full potential. This philosophy fosters a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability, setting students up for sustained success in an ever-changing world.
Curriculum
The School System utilizes a curriculum approved by the Department of Education and Step Up For Students, currently based on the Apex Learning Virtual School (ALVS) curriculum. Apex Learning offers rigorous, standards-based digital courses that support personalized, flexible learning environments. The curriculum covers core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics, delivered in a hybrid format to accommodate different learning styles. In addition, the School System provides mentorship programming with a strong emphasis on life skills. These programs are particularly valuable, as many of our students transition directly into career paths after high school graduation, equipped with both academic knowledge and practical skills for the future.
Students in the school system have access to a variety of guidance and learning opportunities to support their college preparation and career development. Dedicated school counselors play a central role in assisting students with exploring different career paths, preparing for college, and testing, such as the SAT or ACT. In addition, career and academic advisors help students identify and pursue internships, vocational training, and specific career pathways that align with their interests and skills.
To ensure students and families are well-informed, the school system follows a written student progression plan outlining academic requirements, graduation criteria, and college and career readiness benchmarks. This plan, which includes course requirements, state assessments, and progress milestones, is shared with families early on and regularly reviewed to ensure students are on track to meet their academic and career goals. Through these resources, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to succeed in their post-secondary endeavors.
Instruction
Instruction includes a diverse range of teaching methods, such as traditional lectures, collaborative learning, hands-on activities, competency-based education, and a mix of on-site and distance learning options. Technology plays a pivotal role, with the core curriculum delivered through Apex Learning, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for students. Each student receives personalized support through an individualized education plan crafted by teachers and academic staff to meet their unique learning needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that students benefit from a variety of educational experiences tailored to their individual preferences and strengths. By integrating advanced technology and innovative instructional techniques, the School System fosters an engaging and dynamic learning environment that empowers students to thrive both academically and personally. This blend of traditional and modern methods equips students with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
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