A message from our head of school
Welcome to Level Us Scholars Academy
At Level Up Academy, we believe learning should be liberating. That means creating an educational experience where children are challenged, supported, and known, where joy is as important as rigor, and families are true partners in the journey.
As Head of School, I’m proud to be part of a community that reimagines what school can look like when we prioritize flexibility, curiosity, and connection. Our Intragrated™ model combines the structure of high-quality instruction with the freedom of personalized learning, anchored by live teachers who are available whenever students encounter challenges in their learning modules, providing real-time support to help them move forward with confidence. They’re backed by a supportive network of team members, dedicated to each scholar’s success.
We know that today’s world requires young people to think critically, adapt quickly, and lead with empathy. That’s why our program is designed to be responsive, pivoting with purpose as our scholars’ needs evolve. Here, we believe in doing what’s best for kids, even if it means doing things differently.
Whether you’re a returning family or exploring Level Up for the first time, welcome. We’re so glad you’re here.
With gratitude,
Tennelle Simpson, MS, MA
Head of School
Meet Our Collaborative Leadership Team
Dean of Student & Family Engagement
Dean of Student & Family Engagement
Dean of Student & Family Engagement
Dr. Zanette Joseph McClain is an accomplished educator, researcher, and social entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Educators With Passports Inc., a nonprofit organization that empowers underserved youth (ages 10–18) in New York City by providing fully supported international travel experiences during school breaks to destinations
Dr. Zanette Joseph McClain is an accomplished educator, researcher, and social entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Educators With Passports Inc., a nonprofit organization that empowers underserved youth (ages 10–18) in New York City by providing fully supported international travel experiences during school breaks to destinations like Dubai, Thailand, and the Caribbean.
In her role as Dean of Student & Family Engagement, Zanette leads efforts to strengthen relationships with families, mentors student well-being, and designs immersive learning opportunities that deepen students’ global and personal perspectives. Her leadership is recognized for promoting family partnership, and student empowerment.
Mental Health & Wellness Advisor
Dean of Student & Family Engagement
Dean of Student & Family Engagement
Patrycja Szymczak, LPC, LMHC, NCC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of a private counseling practice in New York City, where she specializes in adolescent and family mental health. With expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive counseling, she brings valuable insight int
Patrycja Szymczak, LPC, LMHC, NCC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of a private counseling practice in New York City, where she specializes in adolescent and family mental health. With expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive counseling, she brings valuable insight into the emotional and psychological needs of students.
As Mental Health and Wellness Advisor to Level Up Scholars Academy, Patrycja offers strategic guidance on school-wide wellness initiatives, student support systems, and mental health best practices. Her work informs the school’s approach to fostering emotional well-being in a diverse learning environment.
Chief Strategy Officer
Dean of Student & Family Engagement
Chief Strategy Officer
Brian Rashad Fuller is an experienced education strategist and organizational leader with a background in school design, leadership development, and systems-level planning. He holds a Master of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and has led major initiatives for public and private institutions, including the NYC Depar
Brian Rashad Fuller is an experienced education strategist and organizational leader with a background in school design, leadership development, and systems-level planning. He holds a Master of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and has led major initiatives for public and private institutions, including the NYC Department of Education and The New School.
As Chief Strategy Officer at Level Up Scholars Academy, Brian guides strategic planning, operations, and partnerships, helping to align vision with sustainable growth. He is also the author of Being Black in America’s Schools (2024), a nationally recognized book on equity and reform in K–12 education.
Strategic Advisors
Senior Advisor
Walk & Associates Consulting is a nationally respected strategic management and executive search firm with over 30 years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations. They specialize in talent recruitment, organizational design, and strategic planning with a focus on long-term sustainability and clarity of vision.
As Strategic Adv
Walk & Associates Consulting is a nationally respected strategic management and executive search firm with over 30 years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations. They specialize in talent recruitment, organizational design, and strategic planning with a focus on long-term sustainability and clarity of vision.
As Strategic Advisor to Level Up Scholars Academy, Walk & Associates provides targeted support in leadership development, team recruitment, and growth strategy. Their approach is action-driven and results-oriented, helping organizations align people, plans, and processes to achieve measurable impact and lasting success.