A Different Kind of Education
Mentored. Rigorous. Transformational.
For teens ready to become scholars—not just students.
LeaderEd High (formerly TJEd High) is a four-year, mentored leadership education program for teens in their Scholar Phase who are ready to think deeply, read seriously, write clearly, and take ownership of their education.
This is not a traditional "high school."
It’s not an online "school."
And it’s not a self-paced curriculum.
LeaderEd High is a classics-based, discussion-driven, mentor-guided program designed to help young people become confident thinkers, articulate communicators, and purposeful leaders—prepared for adulthood, not just graduation.
For more than a decade, families have chosen this program when they want more than credits, compliance, or checklists.
They want transformation.
Why So Many Schooling
Options Miss the Mark
Even Well-Intentioned Programs Often Solve the Wrong Problem
Most parents don’t question whether their teen is capable.
They question whether the system they’re choosing will actually prepare their child for adulthood—or simply keep them busy until graduation.
Unfortunately, many educational options—even some homeschool and online alternatives—focus on the wrong outcomes.
They emphasize:
compliance over ownership
content coverage over understanding
credentials over character
The result is often a student who can finish assignments—but struggles to think independently, articulate ideas clearly, or take responsibility for their own learning.
Traditional Schooling Trains for Performance, Not Leadership
In many traditional and online models, students learn to:
wait for instructions
follow rubrics
optimize for grades
perform for approval
These systems may produce transcripts—but they rarely produce confidence, judgment, or intellectual courage.
Teens graduate knowing how to comply—but not how to lead themselves.
Even “Good” Homeschooling Curriculum Can Drift
Homeschooling opens the door to freedom—but without structure, mentoring, and challenge, it can quietly drift.
Some teens:
lose momentum
avoid difficult work
read without wrestling with ideas
write without sharpening thought
Parents often sense something is missing—but don’t want to recreate school at home.
They want depth without burnout.
Challenge without pressure.
Freedom without drift.
Scholar Phase Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
The teen years shape more than academics.
They shape:
identity
confidence
habits of thought
relationship with effort and difficulty
This is the stage where students either learn to rise—or learn to coast.
And many systems aren’t designed to guide that transition well.
So What Is LeaderEd High?
A Mentored Leadership Education for the Scholar Phase
LeaderEd High is a four-year, mentored leadership education program designed specifically for teens who are ready for Scholar Phase.
It is built around:
reading great books
thinking deeply about ideas
writing to clarify thought
and discussing with peers under mentor guidance
This is not just about covering subjects.
It’s about forming thinkers.
Not a School or Curriculum—A Mentored Program
LeaderEd High does not replace your homeschool, private school, or other educational path.
Instead, it functions as a core leadership education track that:
strengthens thinking and writing
develops intellectual discipline
teaches teens how to wrestle with difficult ideas
and helps them take ownership of their learning
Some families use LeaderEd High alongside other studies, electives, or vocational training.
The program integrates easily because it focuses on transformation, not busywork.
Designed for Teens Ready to Be Taken Seriously
LeaderEd High is intentionally rigorous—but never performative.
Students are treated as emerging adults and invited into:
serious reading
honest discussion
real accountability
and meaningful intellectual challenge
Mentors do not lecture.
They guide, question, challenge, and encourage.
This creates an environment where teens rise—not because they are forced to, but because they are respected and invited.
The mentors, and parents, expect them to step up.
A Program That Grows With the Scholar
LeaderEd High is structured in semesters rather than grade levels.
Students enroll semester by semester, allowing families to:
begin when their teen is ready
pause if needed
and continue into LeaderEd High Advanced once foundational semesters are complete
This flexibility allows education to match readiness, not age.
This Is Where Students Become Scholars
A Scholar Is Not Defined by Grades—But by Ownership
Most teens learn how to complete assignments.
Very few learn how to:
think clearly about complex ideas
articulate what they believe and why
wrestle with difficult texts without giving up
take responsibility for their own growth
LeaderEd High is designed to change that.
Over time, students stop asking, “What do I need to do?”
and begin asking, “What do I think—and how do I support it?”
That shift marks the early stages of Scholar Phase.
Confidence That Comes From Wrestling With Ideas
Scholar confidence doesn’t come from praise or performance.
It comes from:
reading challenging works and finishing them
writing until thoughts become clear
engaging in respectful disagreement
discovering they can handle difficulty
Students in LeaderEd High learn that struggle is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of growth.
And that realization changes how they approach learning for the rest of their lives.
Identity, Not Just Information
Parents often notice changes that go far beyond academics.
Scholars begin to:
speak more thoughtfully
ask better questions
listen more carefully
respect their parents
take themselves more seriously
They begin to see education not as something being done to them—but as something they are responsible for.
This is the foundation of a superb education and future leadership.
Preparation for Adulthood, Not Just "Graduation"
LeaderEd High is not designed to rush teens into adulthood.
It is designed to prepare them for it.
By the time scholars complete the program, many parents notice that their teens:
handle responsibility with more maturity
engage adults with confidence
approach new challenges with courage
and think more independently about their roles
These are outcomes that transcripts alone can’t measure—but life eventually will.
How LeaderEd High Works
LeaderEd High is intentionally simple in structure—and deep in impact.
Rather than juggling multiple classes, platforms, and deadlines,
scholars focus on a single, unified leadership education track each semester,
guided by mentors and shaped by great ideas.
Here’s what participation looks like.
Read the Weekly Classic
Each semester centers on a carefully curated list of classic and influential works.
Scholars:
read deeply, not quickly
learn how to annotate and engage with texts
are placed on tracks that meet them where they are—without lowering expectations
The goal isn’t to rush through books.
It’s to learn how to wrestle with ideas.
Watch Weekly Mentoring Videos
Each week, scholars receive mentoring videos from experienced LeaderEd High mentors.
These videos:
frame the readings
model high-level thinking
ask guiding questions
and connect ideas across history, philosophy, and modern life
Mentors don’t lecture or summarize books.
They teach scholars how to think through great books and discussions.
Write to Clarify Thinking
Writing is central to the program—not for grades, but for growth.
Scholars write regularly to:
explore ideas
test arguments
articulate beliefs
and refine their thinking
Over time, students gain confidence in expressing complex thoughts clearly and respectfully.
This skill alone sets them apart for life.
Participate in Written Discussions
Instead of live classes, scholars participate in written discussions with peers from around the world.
These discussions:
slow thinking down
encourage thoughtful responses
teach respectful disagreement
and allow scholars to engage at their best
Mentors guide the discussions, challenge ideas, and model intellectual leadership without dominating the conversation.
A Rhythm That Builds Ownership
Each semester follows a steady, repeatable rhythm.
Scholars know what’s expected—but are responsible for managing their own time, effort, and progress.
This balance of structure and autonomy is what helps students move from compliance to ownership.
Easiest Track
3 or more comments (Sharing an Aha!, a Question, or quote on someone else's post)
Watch all the class mentoring videos
Read Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens by Oliver DeMille and Shanon Brooks
Follow your Discussion Family
Share how you did with these commitments at the end of the week in the section called: “Goal Check-In”
Easy Track
3 Comments & 1 New Post (Sharing an Aha!, a Question, or Quote)
Watch all the class mentoring videos
Read Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens by Oliver DeMille and Shanon Brooks
Follow your discussion family
Share how you did with these commitments at the end of the week in the section called: “Goal Check-In”
Hard Track
8 Comments & 2 New Posts (Sharing an Aha!, a Question, or Quote)
1 Guided Discussion (pose or adopt 1 hard and/or deep question and guide the entire discussion over the new several days)
Watch all the class mentoring videos
Read Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens by Oliver DeMille and Shanon Brooks
Follow your discussion family
Share how you did with these commitments at the end of the week in the section called: “Goal Check-In”
Hardest Track
10 Comments & 4 New Posts (Sharing an Aha!, a Question, or Quote)
1 Guided Discussion (pose or adopt 1 hard and/or deep question and guide the entire discussion over the next several days)
Read A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille
Watch all the class mentoring videos
Read Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens by Oliver DeMille and Shanon Brooks
Follow your discussion family
Share how you did with these commitments at the end of the week in the section called: “Goal Check-In”
Why Mentoring and Written Discussion Change Everything
Information Is Everywhere. Mentorship Is Not.
Most educational programs focus on delivering content.
LeaderEd High focuses on transformation through mentorship.
Scholars are not left alone with books, nor are they lectured through them. Instead, they are guided by experienced mentors who help them learn how to think, question, and grow.
Mentors:
model intellectual courage
ask probing questions
challenge shallow thinking
and encourage scholars to rise to higher standards
This kind of mentorship cannot be automated—and it cannot be replaced by videos alone.
Why Written Discussion Matters More Than Live Classes
LeaderEd High uses written discussion rather than live, on-the-spot conversations—and this is intentional.
Written discussion:
slows thinking down
rewards clarity over quickness
encourages careful reading and thoughtful response
allows every scholar to participate at their best
Instead of competing for airtime, scholars learn to:
read others’ ideas carefully
involve their parents & mentors
respond with substance
disagree respectfully
and refine their own thinking
These are habits of leadership.
A One-Room Schoolhouse—Without Geography
Scholars engage in discussion with peers from around the world who are reading the same works and wrestling with the same ideas.
This creates:
intellectual diversity
exposure to different perspectives
and a sense of belonging among serious learners
Mentors guide the conversation—not by dominating it, but by raising the level of discourse.
Over time, scholars begin to lead discussions themselves.
The Result: Scholars Who Can Think and Communicate
Parents often notice that their teens:
write more clearly
speak with more confidence
defend ideas thoughtfully
listen more carefully
and engage disagreement without defensiveness
These are not only test-prep skills.
They are leadership skills—and they compound over a lifetime.
Serious Study—Designed for Real Teens
LeaderEd High is academically rigorous—but intentionally layered.
Meeting each teen where they are at and inviting them to do a little more.
Rather than overwhelming scholars with a long list of subjects and assignments,
the program focuses on deep engagement with ideas that matter,
taught in a way that builds thinking skill rather than academic anxiety.
The emphasis is not on “covering everything.”
It’s on learning how to learn everything well.
Great Literature and Enduring Ideas
Scholars read classic and influential works from across cultures and time periods—books that have shaped how people understand:
human nature
leadership
justice
freedom
responsibility
history
mathematics
science
and more
These works are chosen not because they are fashionable, but because they continue to challenge, stretch, and refine the mind.
Students are placed on appropriate tracks so the reading is demanding—but achievable.
History, Statesmanship, and Civilization
Rather than memorizing dates and facts, scholars explore:
the rise and fall of civilizations
the decisions leaders faced
the principles behind major historical movements
and the consequences of ideas lived out over time
This helps teens begin to see patterns—so history becomes a source of wisdom, not trivia.
Economics, Systems, and the Real World
LeaderEd High introduces scholars to:
how economic systems work
how incentives shape behavior
how societies organize resources and power
These ideas are explored through discussion and reading, helping students connect abstract concepts to real-world outcomes—without turning the program into a technical economics course.
Philosophy, Human Nature, and Moral Reasoning
Throughout the program, scholars are invited to wrestle with big questions:
What is a good life?
What is justice?
What does it mean to lead well?
How should power be used?
This kind of thinking develops discernment, humility, and intellectual courage—qualities that serve scholars long after high school.
Multiple Tracks. One High Standard.
Scholars are placed on reading and discussion tracks that meet them where they are—while still inviting growth.
This allows:
confident readers to be stretched
developing readers to grow steadily
every scholar to engage meaningfully
The standard is not speed or volume.
The standard is thoughtful engagement.
Education That Prepares Them for Any Career
But What About Their Career?
This is one of the most common—and most important—questions parents ask.
And it’s the one most educational systems answer too early and too narrowly.
LeaderEd High is built on a simple but countercultural truth:
Careers are not chosen first. Competence, character, and clarity come first.
Most teenagers do not lack career options.
They lack:
self-knowledge
confidence in their ability to learn hard things
experience sticking with difficulty
and exposure to real ideas, people, and paths
Trying to “lock in” a career before those foundations are formed often leads to:
premature specialization
unnecessary anxiety
wasted time and money
and adults who are trained—but not grounded
LeaderEd High takes a different approach.
Education Before Specialization
LeaderEd High focuses on building the capacities that every meaningful career requires:
clear thinking
problem solving
persuasive writing
respectful discussion
responsibility for one’s own growth
These are the skills that:
doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, tradesmen, managers, leaders, artists, and educators all share
cannot be outsourced
and compound over time
Instead of narrowing into job training or prep too soon, LeaderEd High focuses on the foundational aspects of knowledge and soft skills that support any career path.
Careers Emerge During the Depth Phase—Not Before
In the Leadership Education model, career direction naturally emerges later, during the Depth Phase—after a young person has:
wrestled with ideas
discovered personal strengths and weaknesses
learned how to work through difficulty
and built confidence in their ability to learn independently
This is when:
mentors help scholars test interests in the real world
apprenticeships, trade training, college, or entrepreneurship make sense
and decisions are made with maturity instead of pressure
LeaderEd High prepares students for that moment—instead of forcing it too early.
A Strong Foundation Is the Best Career Preparation
Parents often report something surprising.
After a few semesters in LeaderEd High, their teens:
worry less about “figuring everything out”
take responsibility for their learning
become more confident exploring interests
and engage adults with maturity and clarity
That confidence is what attracts opportunity.
LeaderEd High does not train teens for a single career.
It prepares them for a life of learning, leadership, and meaningful work—no matter where that path leads.
This is why LeaderEd High is not a traditional "schooling" program.
Rather, it is often described by families as the foundation that makes every next step stronger.
Is LeaderEd High the Right Fit?
This Program Is a Great Fit If Your Teen…
is curious, thoughtful, or asking bigger questions about the world
is ready to be challenged intellectually—even when it’s uncomfortable
enjoys discussion, ideas, and meaningful conversation
wants to be taken seriously as a thinker
is willing to read, write, and engage consistently
may not thrive in traditional classrooms or rigid systems
is ready to move beyond “doing school” toward owning their education
Many scholars begin the program unsure of themselves—but willing to try.
Willingness matters more than polish.
This Program May Not Be the Best Fit If Your Teen…
strongly resists reading or writing of any kind
needs constant external pressure to engage
is looking for an easy or minimal-effort option
prefers passive learning over discussion
wants clear right answers rather than challenging questions
LeaderEd High is supportive—but it is not passive.
Scholars are expected to participate, think, and grow.
Readiness Matters More Than Age
LeaderEd High is designed for teens who are entering—or already in— Scholar Phase.
That readiness often shows up as:
curiosity about ideas
frustration with shallow learning
a desire to be respected
or a sense that “there has to be more than this”
Some students are ready at 13.
Others closer to 15 or 16.
Families are encouraged to enroll when readiness is present—not when a calendar says it’s time.
Growth Is Expected—Perfection Is Not
No scholar enters LeaderEd High fully formed.
Struggle is normal.
Learning to manage time is part of the process.
Developing confidence takes practice.
What matters is not where a teen starts—but whether they are willing to engage.
Mentors guide that growth intentionally.
What Families Experience in LeaderEd High
“I went from a girl who never took her nose out of fluffy fantasy novels and drew sleeping faces in the margins of nonfiction books to a woman who loves grappling with new ideas and expanding my horizons.
It wasn’t easy—I didn’t reach every goal I set or finish every book I started. But I learned how to push through difficult assignments, and now I often enjoy the challenge.
I gained self-knowledge, developed habits, built friendships, and accumulated a broad mass of knowledge. Few things have impacted me as deeply as LeaderEd High.”
— Scholar
“TJEd High turned my whole educational experience around. I struggled in school and felt really dumb. I also felt like an outsider and that I would never fit in.
This program made a place where ‘weird’ was normal—and where that ‘weird’ was shaped and put to work.
It helped me pull back layers of frustration and became the mentoring I desperately needed throughout my teen years.”
— Scholar
“TJEd gave me a community that wasn’t there where I lived. I found my best friends here—and we’ve talked every single day since.
I wouldn’t be the person I am today without this mentoring.
Thank you for believing in me, correcting me, forgiving me, and showing me how to find and develop my gifts.”
— Scholar
“As an educator and long-time homeschool parent, I can confidently say this program is the curriculum of great education and leadership training.
My child is inspired weekly to challenge himself, take ownership of his education, and think deeply about his mission and future.
The discussions we have at home because of this program are incredibly rich.”
— Parent & Educator
“When I explored options for my son, nothing compared to the mentoring videos.
The flexibility allows him to pursue trade school while still receiving a deep, classical education.
This program meets him perfectly—and I couldn’t be more pleased with our decision.”
— Parent
“Before LeaderEd High, I worried constantly about whether we were ‘doing enough’ for high school and my child’s future. What surprised me most was how quickly that anxiety faded.
My teen didn’t just read good books—he learned how to think, how to write clearly, and how to engage ideas without fear. I’ve watched him grow in confidence, maturity, and responsibility in ways I never saw in traditional programs.
LeaderEd High didn’t give us a checklist or a transcript solution—it gave my child a foundation. And that has made every next step feel stronger and more possible.”
— Parent
More Than an Education—A Turning Point
These stories are not exceptions.
They reflect what happens when teens are:
mentored instead of managed
challenged instead of entertained
respected instead of underestimated
LeaderEd High doesn’t just change how students learn.
It changes how they see themselves.
Clear, Flexible Enrollment—By Semester
Enroll One Semester at a Time
LeaderEd High is structured in semesters, not grade levels.
Families enroll one semester at a time, which allows you to:
begin when your teen is ready
assess fit without a long-term commitment
continue as long as the program serves your scholar
Most families complete four semesters as the core experience.
There is no requirement to commit to all four at once.
LeaderEd High and LeaderEd High Advanced
After completing at least four semesters, scholars qualify to enroll in LeaderEd High Advanced.
Advanced scholars:
continue in the same mentoring and discussion structure
engage with more challenging readings and expectations
take on greater ownership and leadership within discussions
The enrollment process is the same for both programs.
Families simply indicate on the enrollment form whether their scholar is enrolling in:
LeaderEd High
or LeaderEd High Advanced
No additional application is required.
Designed to Work Alongside Other Paths
LeaderEd High is intentionally flexible and works well alongside:
homeschooling programs
private tutoring or coursework
vocational or trade school studies
entrepreneurship or apprenticeships
Some scholars use LeaderEd High as their intellectual and leadership core, while pursuing other interests and training simultaneously.
This flexibility allows education to serve the scholar’s life—not the other way around.
A Note on Pace and Expectations
Each semester follows a steady rhythm—but scholars are encouraged to:
grow into time management, not pages or books competed
learn from missteps
and develop consistency over time
If the scholar has only read two of their four hours for the day, but they finish the assigned reading, then they should do other studies to complete the four hour goal for the day.
It's about time, not content.
Struggle is part of the process.
Mentors expect growth—not perfection.
Families are not expected to “have it all figured out” before enrolling.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Enrollment Is Simple—and Flexible
LeaderEd High is designed to support families who want to move forward thoughtfully.
You enroll by semester either by covering the full tuition or with the monthly payment plan. This allows your family to:
begin when your teen is ready
evaluate fit without a long-term commitment
continue as long as the program is serving your scholar
There is no requirement to commit to all four semesters upfront.
What Happens After You Enroll
Once the order is complete:
you'll be redirected to the enrollment forms
you and your scholar will receive immediate access to the semester course
your scholar will be added to the community and forum
you will be added to the Leadership Education community
you’ll be emailed orientation materials to help you get started confidently
You don’t need to prepare in advance.
The program is designed to guide both scholars and parents step by step.
For Scholars Entering LeaderEd High Advanced
If your scholar has completed four semesters and is enrolling in LeaderEd High Advanced, the process is the same.
Simply indicate “Advanced” on the enrollment form.
No additional application is required.
Still Have Questions?
Many families choose to speak with a mentor before enrolling.
If you’d like help discerning readiness, fit, or timing, you’re welcome to schedule a consultation.
There’s no pressure—just guidance.
Education Is Not About "Schooling"
It’s About Who Your Teen Becomes
The teen years is more than a phase to get through.
It is a formative season—a time when young people are shaping:
how they think
what they believe
how they respond to challenge
and whether they see themselves as capable of leadership
Most systems focus on efficiency.
LeaderEd High focuses on transformation.
It creates an environment where teens are invited and inspired to rise:
to read ideas that stretch them
to write until their thinking becomes clear
to engage respectfully with opposing views
and to take responsibility for their own growth
This kind of education does not produce passive students.
It produces young adults who are prepared to think, choose, and lead in a complex world.
If that is the kind of education you want for your teen,
LeaderEd High exists to serve your family.