Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy is North Carolina's only school district-affiliated all-girls school. Our magnet theme is Leadership! The Leadership Magnet theme is an innovative and forward-thinking educational philosophy rooted in the belief that every student possesses unique leadership potential, we are dedicated to nurturing and empowering young minds to become visionary leaders of tomorrow. By integrating leadership themes into our daily routines and underscoring these concepts in the curriculum, our school strives to instill essential qualities of leadership in its students, enabling them to excel academically, socially, and personally.

Our leadership theme is guided by The Shelton Leadership Principles. The Shelton Leadership program is dedicated to nurturing and developing the next generation of impactful leaders. By integrating the renowned principles of leadership outlined by General H. Hugh Shelton, students not only excel academically but also cultivate essential qualities of leadership, integrity, and service.

Character and Social/Emotional Education: Leadership themes place importance on instilling strong values and compassion in students. Students are encouraged to make decisions that are honest, fair, and considerate. This aspect ensures that students not only excel academically but also understand the significance of integrity and moral character in effective leadership.

Leadership-Intergration Into Curriculum: The Magnet Leadership Theme integrates leadership discussion into a district-established curriculum to encompass leadership in already established curricula that align with WCPSS, DPI, and the Shelton Principles. Streamlined integration allows students to understand leadership in real-world contexts and apply its principles to diverse situations. The goal is to empower students with the knowledge and skills required to lead with conviction and confidence.

Mentorship and Role Models: Recognizing the value of mentorship in leadership development, our school provides multiple opportunities for students to interact with established leaders who embody the Shelton Leadership Principles. Through internship programs, student connections, and guest speaker series, students gain insights from experienced professionals and connected community members who exemplify the attributes of effective leadership.

Service Learning and Community Engagement: The Shelton Leadership Principles underscore the significance of social responsibility and community engagement. As such, we encourage students to participate in service-learning projects and community outreach initiatives. Through these experiences, students not only understand the impact of leadership in serving others but also develop a sense of empathy and compassion.

Cultivating Leadership Mindset: The Magnet Leadership Theme School seeks to develop a leadership mindset among its students, wherein they see themselves as capable agents of change. By nurturing self-confidence, effective communication skills, and the ability to adapt and innovate, the school ensures that each student feels empowered to lead in their unique way.

Continuous Improvement: Aligned with the Shelton Leadership Principles, the school fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Students are encouraged to strive for personal growth, set high standards for themselves, and embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and development. We strive to free students of perfectionist mindsets and embrace growth, continuous learning mindsets.

We use the following principles from Shelton Leadership

• Model the Way

• • You are a capacity builder. 

  • You set an example for others 

• Inspire a Shared Vision

  • Your attitude will influence others

  • Share our collective vision and encourage others

• Challenge the Process

  • Challenge your colleagues to reflect

  • Ask tough questions when you observe behaviors that are not consistent with our values

  • Encourage each other to think outside of the box

  • Challenge Thinking – thoughts influence feelings

  • Challenge old habits and encourage new habits

• Enable Others to Act

  • Provide the support that others need to manage change

  • Encourage and support leadership opportunities for others

  • Highlight strengths, skills, and talents in others

• Encourage the Heart

  • Start each day by checking in with your team members. 

  • Nurture a culture of kindness

  • Find simple ways to increase your experience and expression of gratitude