When Families Lead: The Parent Leadership Academy in Eureka
Eureka High School’s Student Ambassadors close out the 4 month academy, receiving big applause for their presentation on competency-based learning.
In partnership with Eureka City Schools’ Community Schools initiative, the Parent Leadership Academy brought families together over four months to learn, connect, and strengthen their role as partners in their children’s education.
Nearly 40 parents participated in each session. By the end of the series, 33 parents completed the academy, showing up consistently and investing in their own growth and leadership.
Each evening offered multiple learning spaces, from parenting and social/emotional learning to digital literacy and navigating school systems like IEPs and teacher meetings. Families also joined breakout sessions focused on resume-building, small business development, and student leadership.
But what stood out most wasn’t just what was taught, it’s what was built.
Parents stayed after each session to talk, share resources, and build relationships. Conversations continued beyond the room, with families exchanging contact information and forming connections that didn’t end when the sessions did.
“I absolutely enjoyed every class. It was really hard to decide which ones to go to, but the ones I attended had really good information to take home and implement into our daily lives… even within the class, just the other participants having advice and giving examples of day-to-day stuff that we go through, really gave us not only the space to connect, but also to help each other out.”
Over time, something shifted.
Parents weren’t just gaining information. They were building the skills and confidence to engage more fully in their children’s education. They began asking questions, navigating systems, and sharing what they learned with others.
In the final session, leadership expanded even further.
High school students stepped forward to lead one of the workshops, sharing their experiences with competency-based learning and how it differs from traditional school models. Drawing from their own experiences in the classroom, students spoke about the opportunity to take ownership of their learning and engage more deeply in their education.
It was a powerful moment: students holding the mic and sharing their experiences directly with participants.
“The icing on the cake for me was the
presentation….
the collaboration
between
the students was phenomenal.”
Robert Davis, parent attendee
The evening concluded with a celebration honoring the 33 parents who completed the academy.
By the end of the academy, families weren’t just participating, they were stepping more fully into their role as leaders and partners in their children’s education.
This work reflects what’s possible when schools and communities partner in meaningful ways. Schools can’t do this alone, and when families have the tools, relationships, and support to lead, stronger schools follow.
