What LISA Academy does

LISA Academy is a public charter school network headquartered in Arkansas, founded in 2004, that operates 13 schools across 10 campuses serving K-12 students in a tuition-free model. The network has a stated enrollment of 4,300+ students, employs 251-500 staff, and has cumulatively served more than 16,000 students over its 21-year history. It positions itself around a STEM-C (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Computer Science) curriculum that incorporates makerspaces and is being augmented with AI-focused programming through a dedicated AI Center launched in 2025.

The network's core product is the in-person K-12 educational experience, supplemented by an online school offering that extends reach beyond physical catchment. Its underlying technology stack centers on a proprietary STEM-C curriculum framework, hands-on makerspace facilities, and licensed AI tooling (MagicSchool AI for educators and Google Gemini for staff) layered into instructional workflows. The network cites top-in-state graduation outcomes among Arkansas charter schools and recognized educator honors (Milken Educator Award, 2025) as performance and brand markers.

The business model is that of a publicly funded charter operator: revenue is generated primarily through per-pupil state and federal allocations from Arkansas, augmented by competitive federal grants such as the Charter School Program (CSP) Expansion Subgrants ($2M and $1.5M awarded in 2025). Because enrollment and per-pupil funding flow through a single state's system, revenue concentration is structurally tied to Arkansas state funding policy and to charter authorization/renewal by the Arkansas Department of Education.

Name

LISA Academy

Legal name

LISA Academy Public Schools

Website

https://lisaacademy.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

LISA Academy is an Arkansas public charter school network founded in 2004, operating 13 K-12 schools across 10 campuses that enroll 4,300+ students in a tuition-free STEM-C curriculum. Revenue is generated primarily through state per-pupil funding and federal grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 Charter School Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Services (611), Educational Services (61)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Charter College-Prep & Advanced Academics Schools (EDAJACAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Charter Career & Technical Education (CTE) Schools (EDAJACAK), District-Run Virtual Academies & Online Programs (EDAJADAB), Virtual/Online Charter Schools (EDAJACAD)

Keywords

• K-12 STEM education
• Public charter schools
• College preparatory programs
• Online K-12 learning
• Makerspace education

Headquarters

HQ city

Little Rock

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Per-Pupil Public Funding: As a tuition-free public charter school, LISA Academy's primary revenue comes from state and federal per-pupil funding based on student enrollment. This includes state education funding, federal Title programs, and special education funding.
2. Community Donations and Fundraising: The school accepts donations through its website and participates in community fundraising programs including Kroger Community Rewards and Walmart SparkGood, where supporters can link shopping cards to donate a portion of purchases to the school.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

LISA Academy is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school network operating 13 schools across 10 campuses in Arkansas, serving more than 4,300 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Its core offering is a STEM-C (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Computing) integrated college-preparatory curriculum, delivered through dedicated makerspaces, AP and concurrent credit courses, AI-powered learning tools, Project Lead the Way pathways, and a statewide online school. The school also provides 1-on-1 college counseling, ACT preparation, career pathway programs, and a 75-hour community service graduation requirement.

Product overview

LISA Academy is a tuition-free, K-12 public charter school network in Arkansas offering a comprehensive STEM-C focused educational program. The core offering is its integrated STEM-C curriculum spanning all grade levels (K-12), supplemented by specialized programs including the Arkansas STEM Festival (annual showcase), Makerspaces with 3D printing and robotics, AP & Concurrent Credit Programs for college preparation, AI Learning Programs using MagicSchool and Google Gemini, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering/biomedical pathways, and Career Pathways Programs. The network also includes Arkansas Online School as a statewide online learning option and a Gifted & Talented Program for advanced learners. Signature Opportunities round out the offering with college tours, robotics teams, Science Olympiad, and community service programs. The school operates 13 schools across 10 campuses statewide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LISA Academy K-12 STEM-C Programs Comprehensive STEM-C (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Computing) curriculum integrated across all grade levels from K-12, featuring hands-on projects, AP courses, and college preparation. Available to families across Arkansas.
• Arkansas Online School Statewide K-12 online learning option for Arkansas families seeking a high-quality public school option with STEM opportunities and personalized support.
• AP and Concurrent Credit Programs 26 Advanced Placement courses and 24 concurrent credit courses through partnerships with local colleges allowing juniors and seniors to earn college credit before graduation.
• AI Learning Programs AI-powered learning using MagicSchool and Google Gemini with student projects in robotics, coding, data analysis, and simulations to enhance STEM-C skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Arkansas STEM Festival Annual event hosted by LISA Academy celebrating and promoting STEM-C education, featuring student-led projects and over 100 interactive exhibits.
• Makerspaces Campus-based creative hubs providing 3D printing, coding, robotics resources (Micro:bit, Arduino, Tello drones), engineering challenge stations (LEGO Spike, TeacherGeek), and digital fabrication tools including laser cutters and CNC machines.
• Career Pathways Programs Career-focused pathways including Computer Science (Software Development, Data Analytics), Criminal Justice, Medical Sciences-Nursing, and PLTW Engineering and Biomedical Sciences.
• Gifted and Talented Program Comprehensive Gifted and Talented program with enrichment activities, resource room sessions, and differentiated instruction for advanced learners.
• Signature Opportunities Signature programs including college tours (including Ivy League visits), creative arts, Science Olympiad, robotics teams, and community service requirements for student development.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% college acceptance rate at both West High and North High Schools
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Elite LearningcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLISA Academy partners with Elite Learning to provide high-quality before and after-school care for scholars at both Central Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas campuses. These partner agencies provide care to students before and after school, on campus.
• Kroger Community RewardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUsers can support LISA Academy by linking their Kroger Shopping Card to their campus. A portion of their purchases benefits the school. LISA Academy North Middle-High School: use code HK004. LISA Academy West High School: use code HL862.
• Walmart SparkGoodminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBy creating a SparkGood account with Walmart, community members can choose LISA Academy as their organization and round up purchases to make a difference for students.
• Local Universities and CollegescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLISA Academy partners with local colleges to provide concurrent credit opportunities for juniors and seniors who meet eligibility requirements. Students can earn college credit while still in high school through dual enrollment courses.
• SchoolMintcoreTechnology or IntegrationLISA Academy uses SchoolMint for all admissions paperwork, including online applications, enrollment forms, and lottery management for the annual random public lottery.
• Project Lead the Way (PLTW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLISA Academy utilizes PLTW curriculum in engineering, biomedical science, and computer science. This nationally recognized program provides project-based learning emphasizing experimental learning and STEM-C career preparation.
• MagicSchoolcoreTechnology or IntegrationAI-powered platform used by students and teachers for robotics projects, coding, data analysis, and simulations to enhance STEM-C skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• The Apple Group for Dyslexia (Connections: OG in 3D)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLISA Academy utilizes Connections: OG in 3D from The Apple Group for Dyslexia services. This program follows principles of multisensory structured language education to help students with dyslexia learn to their highest potential.
• Arkansas Department of Education (ADE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLISA Academy is fully accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education. The district's accreditation status is annually reaffirmed by ADE, and the school participates in state-required assessments and reporting.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Arkansas Arts Academy: Arkansas public charter school offering K-12 education with specialty focus. Comparable as a fellow Arkansas charter operator competing for the same statewide families seeking alternatives to traditional districts.

Direct peers

• IDEA Public Schools: Large national charter network with strong college-prep outcomes and STEM/college-pathway programs. Comparable to LISA in scale ambition, college acceptance focus, and underserved-market strategy.
• BASIS Charter Schools: National STEM-focused charter school network with rigorous college-prep curriculum and consistently top-ranked outcomes. Highly comparable to LISA Academy in its STEM emphasis, AP-heavy program, and outstanding college placement record.
• Success Academy Charter Schools: High-performing urban charter network with rigorous academics and STEM emphasis. Comparable to LISA in college-prep intensity, test-based outcomes leadership, and selective parent-driven demand.
• KIPP Public Schools: One of the largest U.S. charter school networks operating multiple K-12 campuses with a college-prep mission. Comparable to LISA in scale, multi-campus charter model, and outcomes-driven culture, though with broader geographic footprint.
• eSTEM Public Charter Schools: Arkansas-based public charter school network with STEM focus and K-12 offering. Direct in-state competitor to LISA Academy, serving overlapping families in Central Arkansas.

Broad incumbents

• Aspire Public Schools: Multi-state charter network focused on college readiness for underserved communities. Comparable to LISA in charter K-12 model and college-prep mission, though with different demographic focus and geography.
• National Heritage Academies: Large charter management organization operating K-8 schools nationwide with structured college-prep curricula. Comparable to LISA in operating multi-campus charter systems, though broader and less STEM-specialized.
• Uncommon Schools: Northeast-based charter network with rigorous college-prep academics and high graduation rates. Comparable to LISA in college-prep intensity and outcomes-tracking culture, though geographically distinct.

Others

• Project Lead The Way (PLTW): Nationally recognized STEM curriculum provider whose engineering, biomedical, and computer science programs LISA Academy uses across campuses. Indirect peer/ecosystem partner shaping LISA's STEM differentiation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtscGmUCmdI7qs_tAsXLyDQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/LISAAcademy
• Instagraminstagram.com/lisaacademyschools
• Xx.com/LISAAcademy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LISA Academy