Leading Edge Academy East Mesa
Grades K-8
Call: 480.984.5645 Or Visit:
10115 E. University Drive | Mesa, AZ 85207
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Now Enrolling All Grades
``We are honored to receive this recognition and look forward to continuing this important work in the year ahead.” - Jon Hutman, Principal
Leading Edge Academy East Mesa Is Proud To Announce Our Continued Participation with Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School for the 2025–2026
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We are proud to announce that Leading Edge Academy East Mesa has once again been recognized as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts® (CKH) National Showcase School for the 2025–2026 school year. This marks the second consecutive year our campus has received this distinction—an honor that reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and relationship-driven learning environment where students and staff can thrive.
Since beginning implementation of the CKH model during the 2023–2024 school year, our campus has remained deeply committed to building a culture rooted in connection and trust. Today, 100% of our staff are fully trained in CKH strategies, and these practices are embedded into daily life on our campus—from social contracts and student-led leadership opportunities to intentional relationship-building in every classroom.
What truly sets Leading Edge Academy East Mesa apart is the strong sense of community our families experience. Our small school, family atmosphere ensures that every student is known, valued, and supported. This is reflected in the confidence our families place in us, with 98% of our students returning for the upcoming school year.
The National Showcase School designation is awarded to campuses that exemplify the very best of Capturing Kids’ Hearts—those that prioritize relationships, strengthen trust, and foster a school community where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to succeed. We are honored to receive this recognition again and remain committed to continuing this important work for our students and families. Check out our FAQ page for more details on the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® (CKH) National Showcase.
Our Campus
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We are a K-8 campus with small class sizes, a safe, wholesome environment, traditional values, and school uniforms. Our campus feels much like a private school – except we are a tuition-free charter school. We invite you to join the East Mesa family! Experience our East Mesa campus by making an appointment to visit our school for a tour.
*Important information regarding student cell phone use:
We are committed to creating an “Away for a Day” learning environment, where students can focus fully on academics and relationships without the distraction of cell phones.
Check out our FAQ page to learn more about the student phone policy, the Yondr pouch, and how the policy will be enforced.
Please watch the video about Yondr to understand how it will help us stay on task in the classroom.
We are proud to be fully accredited by Cognia. Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.
Cognia is a global, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement.
Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Find out more at cognia.org.
What Parents Are Saying:
Mission & History
Leading Edge Academy will develop lifelong learners who lead with character and achieve academic excellence by educating the whole child and fostering community and parental partnerships.
Founded in 2002 by Delmer Geesey, a pastor with the vision of starting a top-notch traditional education program, Leading Edge Academy schools began with 17 students. Through word of mouth by satisfied parents, the school began to grow each year. In 2007 The Leading Edge Charter Network took this successful format and expanded to East Mesa. The Leading Edge Charter Network continues to expand and currently has school sites in East Mesa, Queen Creek, Gilbert and Maricopa.