Forging Leaders for a Changing World

For over three decades, we've helped families reclaim the joy of learning and raise a new generation of leaders

through classics, mentoring, and timeless principles.

Our Story

Since their marriage in 1989, Oliver and Rachel DeMille’s educational experiences and philosophies have combined and developed into a dynamic, holistic worldview, evolving into what is now popularly called “Thomas Jefferson Education” (TJEd) or “Leadership Education” (LeaderEd).

They are the parents of five daughters and three sons–one of whom has multiple disabilities, and several with varying degrees of dyslexia and giftedness–making their experience as home educators broad, varied, challenging and rewarding.

The DeMilles’ insights are informed not only by dealing with the unique needs, learning styles and gifts in their own home, but through their experience in mentoring and consulting with schools and families on virtually every level, and around the world.

Leadership Education has inspired thousands of families to step away from one-size-fits-all education and create learning cultures rooted in family, classics, and leadership.

Our Mission

We believe every child has a unique mission. Our role is not to push them through a conveyor belt of tests and checklists,

but to mentor them as they discover their gifts, passions, and purpose.

Help families create a thriving culture of learning.

Equip parents to mentor,

not manage.

Inspire youth to rise as leaders in their homes, communities, and nations.

The People

A team of passionate educators, mentors, and visionaries united by one

mission — to forge leaders for a changing world.

The Founders

Oliver DeMille

Oliver DeMille’s love for learning didn’t come easily. As a child, he struggled with learning disabilities and didn’t read fluently until nearly age 11. But those early challenges became the foundation of his life’s mission.

Through perseverance and the guidance of great mentors, Oliver became an avid learner and award-winning student — excelling in academics, athletics, fine arts, and writing. His personal journey through both the struggles and triumphs of education led him to a lifelong question: What kind of learning truly builds leaders?

That question inspired the discovery and articulation of what would become known as Leadership Education — or “A Thomas Jefferson Education (TJEd).”

Oliver is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling co-author of LeaderShift and the author of the classic A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the 21st Century. He has taught graduate courses on the writings of Jefferson, Aristotle, and other great thinkers, and is a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant on education and leadership.

He is the co-founder of The Center for Social Leadership and devotes much of his time to writing, mentoring, and teaching the principles of freedom and classical learning.

Oliver and his wife, Rachel, live in Southern Utah and are the parents of eight children.

Visit Oliver’s personal website and blog at oliverdemille.com.

Rachel DeMille

Rachel Pinegar DeMille’s educational journey was the opposite of Oliver’s — but it led to the same discovery.

Gifted and curious from a young age, Rachel was reading fluently by age four and playing piano by three. She excelled in math, science, and language, but found that her most meaningful learning experiences happened outside of the classroom — through personal study and the guidance of caring mentors.

As she watched her sister homeschool her nieces and nephews through the classics, Rachel recognized the same pattern that had shaped her own best learning moments: Classics and Mentoring.

Rachel is the co-author of Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning, the creator of This Week in History, and co-host of the audio series Core and Love of Learning: A Recipe for Success. She is an accomplished musician, writer, literary editor, speaker, and “momschool” organizer who has inspired thousands of parents around the world.

She and Oliver are the co-founders of Leadership Education (aka TJEd), and together they continue to mentor families and leaders around the world.

The Next Gen Mentors

Ian Cox

Ian Cox is a mentor, teacher, and speaker known for his engaging approach to learning and leadership. He teaches Leadership, Classics, and Innovative Thinking to adults and teens. He serves as a featured mentor for Leadership Education (aka TJEd).

Through his one-on-one mentoring and online discussions, Ian has guided students, professionals, and parents across the world in discovering their personal missions and developing leadership through the classics.

His mentoring blends deep discussions, debate, writing, economics, and history — always centered on one question: What is your mission, and how will you lead?

Ian is a popular keynote speaker at educational and business events, and he is passionate about reading, basketball, and exploring the great ideas of history and political science.

He and his wife, Emma, live in Southern Utah with their three sons and two daughters.

Emma Cox

Emma Cox grew up immersed in the world of Leadership Education as the daughter of Oliver and Rachel DeMille — and today, she continues that legacy as a writer, editor, mentor, wife, and mother.

An accomplished ghostwriter and literary editor, Emma has contributed to several bestselling titles and brings the same love of words and ideas to her mentoring. Together with her husband, Ian, she serves as a featured mentor for Leadership Education (aka TJEd), where they guide youth, teens and families through the classics, discussion, and the art of mentoring.

Emma is the mother of three spirited boys and two beautiful girls. She is passionate about helping families make learning joyful, connected, and purposeful.

The Support

Sara DeMille

Raised in a home filled with classics, mentoring, and meaningful conversations, Sara DeMille grew up immersed in the principles of Leadership Education (aka TJEd). Today, she carries that legacy forward by supporting families behind the scenes—managing customer care, shipping, and the essential day-to-day operations that keep Leadership Education running smoothly.

With her characteristic warmth, attention to detail, and genuine love for families on the journey, Sara ensures that every parent and student who reaches out feels welcomed, supported, and part of the movement.

The Impact

25,000+

Families served worldwide

30+

Years of mentoring programs

12+

Nations represented

100's

Of hours of mentoring available

Leadership Education is more than an organization — it's a community of families who believe in freedom, mission, and lifelong learning.

Think of the mentors and books that shaped you.

That spark of inspiration is what Leadership Education is all about — multiplied across generations.

Your family's leadership journey starts here.

Join thousands of others who are reclaiming learning, joy, and freedom at home.