History of LeAp
With over three decades of service, Learning through an Expanded Arts Program (LeAp) has helped more than two million K-12 students academically, artistically, and socially. We take a unique approach to education, using arts activities and hands-on projects to teach traditional academic subjects. Having served over 500 schools, we understand that different schools have different children with different needs.
LeAp makes school a place where students want to be, where learning is exciting and relevant, and where all types of learners can succeed. We're committed to improving academic performance for all students and leveling the educational playing field for disadvantaged kids.
The LeAp approach to education was born in 1977, when because of budget cuts, arts teachers in New York City were fired and the schools' arts program fell into disarray. LeAp Co-Founders Ila Lane Gross and Alice Krieger, both artists and educators, lamented the lack of arts programs in the schools and decided to do something about it. They initiated LeAp programs in four schools that year, and by tapping the resources of talented NYC artists and partnering with prestigious organizations, LeAp has grown exponentially with each passing year, both in scope and in the number of schools served.
In the late 1990s, politicians and parents alike called for greater accountability in education. When the No Child Left Behind Act became law, LeAp partnered with New York University to conduct a scientific study of a novel program for students in grades K-2 called Active Learning Leads to Literacy (ALLL). Using all of the art disciplines to teach writing and reading comprehension, ALLL K-2 resulted in students performing well above their peers and continuing to excel even after the program.
Following the success of ALLL K-2, LeAp launched the Arts Learning Leads to Literacy Program to expand the proven literacy program to grades 3-5, which was particularly effective with both gifted students and students who performed well below grade level. In addition, ALLL 3-5 effectively closed the verbal gender gap between boys and girls. When it came to non-English speaking students and English language learners, ALLL 3-5 instruction was very helpful in bringing them up to grade level.
In 2006, LeAp partnered with Fidelity Investments to launch the Fidelity FutureStage Program, now LeAp OnStage, a comprehensive theater program that brings students from 10 middle and high schools to Broadway. Students write, direct, and star in their own 10-minute plays, which are staged at Broadway or Off-Broadway theaters.The LeAp OnStage Program has helped over 1,800 middle and high school students develop a love of theater and the skills to write and act in well-constructed plays.
In 2007, we launched the August Wilson Program, in which high school students study the plays of August Wilson, and perform his monologues, culminating in a final performance at the August Wilson Theater.
Also in 2007, LeAp kicked off its citywide Public Art Program, which empowers middle school students to speak out on social issues in their communities through the creation and public exhibition of art. Students meet with world-renowned artists and the program culminates in the largest student exhibition in NYC parks history each summer in 10 parks, in cooperation with NYC Parks & Recreation.
LeAp works in 300 schools each year, helping over 200,000 students and 85,000 teachers through in-school residencies, professional development, assemblies, parent engagement workshops, and customizable afterschool and special programs. Our recent federally funded grants include Charter School Professional Development, and our new initiatives the American History Comes Alive Program, Gifted and Talented Program, and (ALLL 6-8) Arts-Based Learning Leads to Literacy Program. LeAp continues to bring students, teachers, parents, and the greater community the very best in arts education.