Meet Our Founder

Dr. Cheryl L. Thomas

Cheryl Thomas is a graduate of Jones High School. She earned her bachelor’s, master's Degree from Florida State University in Exceptional Student Education, and a Doctorate in Christian Education, Jacksonville Theological University.

She is affectionately called an “Educational Evangelist”. She has a gift to reach the hard to teach students who are challenged with finding real hope for the future.

She is an advocate for school choice with over 25 years of experience in education, from a homeschool mother of four children, a self-contained teacher for students with Behavior Disorders, a Curriculum Specialist, Charter School Assistant Principal, and Private School Principal. Dr. Thomas is the Founder of the

Thomas Leadership Academy, a private school focused on Males grades 4th - 8th.

She is also founding Executive Director of The Florida School Choice Association, a 501c3 dedicated to training & developing Christian School Founders. Her evangelistic spirit has forged a path to walk alongside School Founders from imagination to manifestation. Her impact has reached St. Pete, Tampa, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Broward County, Georgia, and beyond.

Recognized as The Black Woman Handling Business in Education, African American Womens History Month Project Community Star, and Her-Story Women Entrepreneurship Award. She is listed as a Black School Founder with Black Minds Matter, a national organization.

Dr. Thomas holds Certifications in Educational Leadership K-12, Exceptional Education K-12, Elementary Education K-6 and Christian Education Leadership K-12. Her experience spans public, private, and charter schools where she has resolved issues impacting students’ academic achievement, decreasing discipline data, parent partnership and engaging interactive staff development workshops.

When not leading change in the world of education Thomas enjoys a quiet walk on the beach, spending time with her family, and sharing her faith. She is married to Pastor Danton Thomas and together they have 4 children (Jarius, Lauren, Chelsea, & Jessica).

Why Choose TLA?

Affordable Tuition

TLA offers competitive tuition rates and accepts state scholarships as well as internal financial assistance.

A high quality, Christian education is accessible for all families

Certified Teachers

Teachers have college degrees and are certified through Florida Department of Education.

College & Career Readiness

Our graduates have gone on to attend college, launch businesses, and attend vocational school programs.

Personalized Learning Plans

Personalized support for all students provide opportunity for credit/grade recovery, and advanced classes.

TLA admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.