CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Patrick Morrisey today joined families, educators, and local officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Mary Phalen Leadership Academy, marking a significant step forward for public charter schools in West Virginia.
“This is about giving families more options and creating new opportunities for students to succeed,” said Governor Morrisey. “Schools like this show what is possible when you empower educators to innovate and focus on outcomes.”
The Mary Phalen Leadership Academy is the first public charter school to open in the Charleston area, expanding educational choice for families across the Kanawha Valley. It operates under the Phalen Leadership model, with a focus on academic rigor, leadership development, and preparing students for long-term success.
The opening comes as part of broader efforts to expand educational opportunity in West Virginia, including strengthening charter school laws and growing programs like the HOPE Scholarship to ensure funding follows the student.
“As Attorney General, I defended West Virginia’s charter school laws and secured a victory at the state Supreme Court,” Governor Morrisey said. “Today’s opening reflects what that work made possible for families in this community.”
