Camden, NJ

LEAP Academy is located in the heart of Camden, New Jersey’s vibrant University District and serves students from within the city and its surrounding boroughs.  With two buildings along historic Cooper Street, LEAP shares ground with the Rutgers University–Camden campus and is located near the Camden Waterfront, Camden City Hall and Business District, Rowan University, and Camden County College. 

LEAP’s proximity to these academic, political, business, and entertainment centers affords our students limitless possibilities for community involvement and enrichment; and were Camden’s own opportunities not enough, the city of Philadelphia and its cultural and historic icons are only a quick drive (or train ride) over the Ben Franklin Bridge away.

Even with so many opportunities, Camden is still faced with several serious obstacles, however.  Living in the second poorest city in the United States, Camden children and families (and schools, for that matter) must constantly manage financial limitations that can easily create social and health inequalities.  With a population of over 80,000, more than 45% of Camden children live in poverty and less than 40% of students graduate high school. 

LEAP believes that the solution to the city’s ills can only come through Leadership, Education, and Partnership and it is these principles that create an empowered community of students and parents that have the ability to advocate for their own rights and for those of their city. 

Despite the many obstacles facing it, Camden is truly a city on the rise.  Development and construction projects financed by Rutgers, the state, the city, and the Delaware River Port Authority—including both LEAP Academy buildings—are collaborating to revitalize the city and attract corporate business partners to the area.