About Us

Welcome to Purpose Prep Academy (PPA)! As parents and educators, we understand the importance of striking the right balance between learning and personal interests. Today’s learners need a school experience that fits real life and still pushes them to grow. That is why our approach is personalized, focused on meaningful work, real challenge, and progress you can see. Though our core is a STEAM-focused education, our purpose is to provide the tools necessary for learners to become creative thinkers, lifelong learners, and dynamic leaders in an ever-changing world.

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Our Mission

At Purpose Prep Academy, we provide a personalized academic experience that helps each child discover their unique talents and passions. We empower learners with the confidence and skills to become 21st-century leaders who drive positive change and shape the future.

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“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”

— Plutarch

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Our Founder & Director

Dr. Lea Thompson

Dr. Lea’s unwavering belief in the power of education has fueled her 20+ year career across K-12 schools, higher education—including Big 10 universities—and educational leadership. Witnessing the transformative potential of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) ignited her passion to expand access to high-quality STEAM education for all students. This passion is evident in her extensive experience: from curriculum development and student success coaching to leadership roles, she has fostered a lifelong love of learning, particularly in STEAM subjects.

She chose the microschool model because it gives learners what traditional school often cannot: time, attention, and a learning plan that fits real life. As a high-ability learner herself, she remembers what it felt like to love learning but feel bored and under-challenged in school. She realizes that in a smaller community, learners have more opportunities to be known, challenged, and supported, not managed in a system built for the middle. As a parent of a student-athlete, she understands how training, travel, and demanding schedules collide with traditional school. Purpose Prep Academy was intentionally created for learners who want more and need a school built around who they are.

Her published doctoral research—exploring the impact of technology in project-based learning—is widely respected, cited over 100 times in key publications, and featured as a keynote presentation at an international conference for STEM leaders. This recognition highlights its significant role in shaping best practices in math, technology, and education. In addition to her advanced degrees, Dr. Thompson exemplifies her commitment to lifelong learning, having earned specialized certifications in math and science from a leading research institution and in leadership from an Ivy League university.

Dr. Thompson's expertise extends beyond academic research. Her success in implementing strategies that drive academic improvement, establishing innovative programs, and securing funding demonstrates her exceptional leadership capabilities. These combined strengths position her as a highly qualified leader for Purpose Prep Academy, an institution dedicated to empowering students through personalized learning journeys in the exciting world of STEAM.

In her spare time, Dr. Thompson enjoys listening to audiobooks, relaxing poolside, staying active with gym workouts, and expressing her creative side through singing and dancing.