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John Adams Academy

Northern California's Only Tuition-Free TK-12 American Classical Leadership Education® 

John Adams Academies, Inc. operates Northern California's only tuition-free TK–12 charter schools. Whether on campus or online, scholars are guided by expert educators, a rich, literacy-based curriculum, and the principles of servant leadership. From TK through 12th grade, scholars are inspired to think critically, lead with purpose, and serve with honor.

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restoring america's heritage

Our Vision & Mission

John Adams Academy is restoring America’s heritage by developing servant-leaders who are keepers and defenders of the principles of freedom for which our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.


Our scholars study the great works of Western civilization, engage in Socratic discussions, and practice leadership through service. This approach cultivates critical thinking, eloquence, and civic virtue — the hallmarks of American Classical Leadership Education®.

Through this process, scholars learn to take ownership of their learning, govern themselves with integrity, and serve their communities with purpose. We don’t just teach facts — we inspire a lifelong pursuit of wisdom, virtue, and leadership.

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Our Curriculum

We recognized the need for a uniquely American form of education inspired by the principles that produced the great servant leaders who founded our nation. Guided by this vision, we saw the hand of Providence leading us in establishing JAA—a place where scholars learn through purpose, virtue, and leadership.

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Philosophy

By studying primary sources as the main textbooks, scholars engage directly with the great ideas of history. Using the Socratic Method and strategic questioning, they learn to reason deeply, think critically, and apply timeless truths to modern challenges—learning not simply what to think, but how to think.

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10 Core Values

Our 10 Core Values form the foundation of John Adams Academy’s culture. They strengthen character, enrich leadership, and create a shared language for virtue and excellence. These values guide our scholars as they build a life of integrity, purpose, and contribution to their communities and nation.

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Servant Leadership

We inspire scholars to lead through service—self-governing citizens devoted to causes greater than themselves. Through truth, wisdom, and virtue, they learn to protect and promote life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness while serving others with humility, gratitude, and integrity.

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California-based

3 Campuses + 1 Online program to best serve your family's needs!

  • 3 in-person campuses: El Dorado Hills, Lincoln, and Roseville.
  • 1 Online Program: JAA Online
  • JAA Extended Day Programming - FoundationsEXL

We refer to learners as “Scholars” rather than students. The term “Scholar” denotes someone who takes stewardship of their own education—an individual inspired by and passionate about learning, who sees education as both a gift and a responsibility.


5.2K

Scholars Enrolled

500+

Mentors & Educators

Dr. Dean Forman and Linda Forman founded John Adams Academy with the help of pioneering volunteers, parents and scholars

Dr. Dean Forman and Linda Forman founded John Adams Academy with the help of pioneering volunteers, parents and scholars

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about our school. 

Please Contact Us with questions.

American Classical Leadership Education® develops thinkers, leaders, inventors, citizens, entrepreneurs and statesman. It educates individuals “how to think” and teaches them why it is important.

Robert Hutchins said this type of education is "the education of free men in the knowledge and skills that are needed to remain free."

Classically educated leaders are prepared to motivate and inspire individuals, communities and nations to a greater good in an environment of freedom and prosperity that naturally produces the best society has to offer.

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Yes! Each John Adams Academy campus offers a robust athletics program that encourages teamwork, discipline, and servant leadership both on and off the field.

Sports offered (Varies by Campus):

  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Soccer
  • Track & Field
  • Cross Country
  • Tennis
  • Golf program coming soon!
  • Flag Football

No, John Adams Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school for families that live in California, serving scholars in grades TK-12.

Apply Today

Scholars seeking admission to JAA must complete an application form. Applicants are required to submit an application to each campus they wish their scholar to attend. For consideration in the campus lottery, when applicable, applications must be received during the open enrollment period. Applications are accepted after the open enrollment period; if no seats are available, the scholar will be placed on a waitlist. Admission is subject only to capacity at each grade level and is not determined by the scholar’s or their parents/guardians’ place of residence within California, except as provided in Education Code Section 47605(d)(2). The Academy complies with all laws regarding immunizations for school enrollment.

Age Eligibility

• Transitional Kindergarten (TK) - Scholars must be 4 years of age on or before September 1
• Kindergarten- Scholars must be 5 years of age on or before September 1
• First Grade - Scholars must be 6 years of age on or before September 1
• All Other Grades - For second (2) grade through twelve (12) grade enrollment, JAA will accept applications based on the grade level the scholar completed in the previous school year or is currently enrolled in for the current school year.

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A classically educated scholar seeks truth, grows in virtue, and gains wisdom by living these principles—naturally moving from preparation to purposeful leadership through service.
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