Great Valley Academy (GVA) was founded in 2008 on sound principles of child development and neuroscience, as well as proven educational theories. The founders group was made up of visionaries who firmly believed in the necessity of offering equitable educational opportunities to all and the potential of charter schools to deliver on that promise. Using these principles, the founders created GVA based on the idea that every child has the chance to reach their potential in an environment supported by safe and loving relationships. Combining a dedication to innovative instructional strategies, a focus on developing students’ character, and a commitment to helping all children master the skills they need to make the world a better place, GVA opened a school that builds tenacious, confident, and compassionate adults who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.