The Institute for Student Achievement got its start in 1990 when Lilo and Gerard Leeds retired and passed the management of their highly successful publishing company, CMP Media, Inc., to sons Michael and Dan, and decided to devote themselves to the education of underserved children who were struggling to learn in under-financed public schools.

After 10 years of working with schools to improve the quality of education for at-risk students, ISA resolved to extend its reach to more students. Dr. Gerry House, a nationally recognized educator was named ISA’s President and CEO. A school superintendent for 15 years in Memphis, Tennessee and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and the 1999 National Superintendent of the Year, Dr. House had extensive experience working with populations of both middle class and underserved children.

A scalable model was developed that could be implemented nationally to provide thousands of students with an excellent education.   As a result, ISA's role evolved from direct service provider to intermediary, partnering with schools to foster effective small learning communities. This new model has already dramatically increased the number of high school students who graduate in good standing and go on to success on campus and in life.

About 8,000 public school students participate in 32 ISA partner schools in 11 school districts in Georgia, New York and Virginia.

ISA’s successful work with schools began in 1990 with one class of students in the Roosevelt, Long Island, school district.

The results were impressive. On graduation day, in 1994 the first class of 29 students all received their diplomas. Most went on to college, and some to graduate school. In recognition of this success, ISA was awarded a New York State Education Department Certificate of Validation for establishing an "exemplary" program.

More programs were quickly started and by the 1996-1997 school year, nearly 1,000 students were enrolled in ISA’s legacy programs.

The track record of ISA’s legacy programs was impressive – 91% of students graduated; 85% were accepted to college.

Today
Today, ISA’s proven Principles and methodology are being implemented in 32 high schools throughout Georgia, New York and Virginia. ISA was recently awarded a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop 10 new, small public high schools in New York City. ISA is opening a new small learning community in Ossining, NY. ISA is also partnering with Atlanta Public Schools to develop and establish four new small learning communities at the Carver Educational Complex, and with the Union City, New Jersey Board of Education to develop and implement eight new small learning communities, opening in September 2006.