Will You Help Turn "I'm Bullied" into "I Belong?"

Children in our community are suffering. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for kids 10–14, and bullying is driving too many into fear and despair. Drake Academy of Excellence is ready to open—a school where children are seen, valued, and taught to thrive. But we must raise $300,000 in 14 days to open our doors and offer free education for those who need it most.

Give today. Share today. Together, we can stop fear from stealing another childhood.

The Story No Parent Should Ever Hear

One mother shared with us that her 3rd grade son—just 8 years old—looked at her and said: “I would rather be dead than go back to my school.”

At an age when he should be building Lego castles, laughing with friends, and dreaming about the future, he was already questioning whether life was worth living. His classroom was filled with fear, anxiety, and relentless bullying—and he simply couldn’t see a way forward.

No child should ever reach that point.
No parent should ever hear those words from their baby.

Imagine a school where children don’t just learn how to pass a test—

Instead they learn how to navigate life. Where optimism, resilience, courage, and compassion are taught alongside reading and math. Where every child is seen, valued, and equipped to thrive academically and emotionally. That’s the heart of Drake Academy of Excellence.Our model—Positive Education—combines rigorous academics with the science of well-being. We explicitly teach emotional intelligence, gratitude, resilience, and leadership which is proven by the research  to:

• Reduce mental health conditions (Reduced depressive/anxiety symptoms; over 50% of programs saw lower stress/depression 
• Increase well-being and life satisfaction (Sustained increases in gratitude, happiness, perseverance, hope 
• Improve academic outcomes (Higher motivation, engagement, and improved learning outcomes 
• Strengthen social skills and relationships (Gains in empathy, cooperation, belonging; reductions in bullying 
• Enhance physical health and self-regulation (Better physiological markers; improved overall health 
• Build lifelong skills for flourishing (stronger resilience, mindset, meaning—benefiting long-term life outcomes 

The Need: $500,000 in 14 Days

• $250,000 to finish construction, furnish classrooms, and purchase essentials: technology, curriculum, staff training, PE equipment, student supplies, and a playground.

• $250,000 to make our first year completely free for children who need it most.
  This is our dream: that every child, regardless of income, has access to an education that heals, uplifts, and empowers.

Public schools are opening right now. Our enrolled students are excited for a fresh start—but unless we raise these funds, we may have to tell them they must return to schools filled with bullying, fear, and despair.

We are humbly asking you to: open your heart, open your wallet, and help these children

Create Your Legacy: The Impact of Your Gift

$100 – A Backpack of Bravery: Supplies for one child.

$250 – A Week of Wellness: Tools for resilience + belonging, PE equipment.

$500 – A Library of Dreams: 10 new books for our shelves.

$1000 Playground Sponsor: Become one of our 100 hearts and help fund our playground.

$5000 – Innovation Corner:  Helps fund technology and STEM resources — robotics kits, coding tools,  3D printing supplies, and other creation supplies — giving children hands-on experiences that inspire creativity and problem-solving. 

$12,500 – A Year of Belonging: Full scholarship for one child.

$50,000 – Builds a library and technology center — a place where curiosity takes flight and children discover new worlds and new possibilities. 

$100,000 A Playground of Possibility: Funds the safe, joy-filled playground where friendships blossom, confidence grows, and childhood is celebrated every day. 

$250,000- Fully funds construction and essentials to open the school — making sure children never have to return to fear and bullying. 

$500,000 – Fully Funded, Fully Flourishing: Sponsors Year One for every student — including scholarships, technology, curriculum, staff training, PE equipment, supplies, and a playground. Your generosity ensures every child begins not just a school year, but a new future.