About Us
Foundation Academies
Executive Summary
Foundation Academies
In 2010, the foundation for what would eventually evolve into Foundation Academies began with the establishment of My Life My Power World Inc. (MLMP), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to provide innovative solutions for schools and today’s youth. MLMP’s mission addressed pressing issues such as bullying, truancy, and academic disengagement while equipping young people with tools for personal development, life skills, job readiness, and a strong sense of identity and purpose.
As MLMP expanded its reach nationally—partnering with entities such as the Department of Juvenile Justice, foster care systems, Boys and Girls Clubs, and alternative education programs—it became increasingly clear that many students were being left behind by the traditional education system. Despite the dedication of many educators, the conventional classroom model was not designed to meet the needs of all learners, especially those facing trauma, instability, or learning differences. Therefore, through years of mentoring, program delivery, and community-based interventions, MLMP’s leadership identified a need to go beyond support services and create a completely new kind of educational system—one rooted in understanding the whole child. This vision led to the formal creation of a school system that integrates Emotional, Belief, and Physiological Intelligence (EBPI) as core pillars. The goal was to reimagine the learning experience in a way that honors students’ emotional well-being, belief systems, and physical state as essential to academic success.
With this in mind, the MLMP School System was launched—built upon a foundation of social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, personalized learning paths, and strong community partnerships. Leading this charge was MLMP’s CEO, Daniel Puder, a former undefeated MMA fighter and passionate advocate for youth empowerment. Alongside him were a team of seasoned educators and community leaders: Jennifer Kramer, M.Ed., with over 27 years of experience in curriculum, accreditation, and educational policy; Guillermo Queris, an expert in educational infrastructure, recruiting, and scholarship development; and Michael Williams, who brought over two decades of experience in juvenile justice and vocational training.
In 2024, to reflect its evolving mission and anticipated national expansion, the MLMP School System was officially rebranded as Foundation Academies. This new identity was chosen to emphasize the organization’s commitment to building a strong, lasting educational foundation for every student—particularly those who have not found success in traditional environments. Foundation Academies represents more than just a school; it’s a comprehensive, student-centered system designed to cultivate self-worth, academic achievement, and life readiness. Today, Foundation Academies stands as a new model in education—one that brings together innovation, compassion, and structure to create transformative experiences for youth, families, and communities.
About Us
Who We Are & What We Do
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission Statement: Our school system is an emotional intelligence and mentorship-based educational community dedicated to the academic, physical, and social growth of all students by teaching the “whole child” and fostering an environment where significance breeds success.
Vision Statement: By providing exceptional mentorship, leadership, support, and a dynamic EI/BI curriculum, Foundation Academies will offer a stimulating and challenging learning environment that utilizes technology across all areas.
Core Values:
Vision- What we want to create
Mission- How we are going to create it
Purpose- Why we do what we do
Team- With whom we are going to do it with
Commitment- Our choices and decisions
The Mission, Vision, and Values statements are reviewed and assessed annually during board meetings to ensure they remain aligned with the institution’s goals and the evolving needs of the community. We also evaluate these with stakeholder surveys with staff, families, community members, and students each year. The principles behind these statements emphasize a dedication to developing a clear vision, purposefully carrying out the mission, promoting teamwork, and upholding a strong commitment in every effort. This continuous feedback process helps us adapt and refine our strategies to better serve our stakeholders. By incorporating diverse perspectives, we ensure that our guiding principles remain relevant, inclusive, and impactful.
Philosophy of Education
The School System’s educational philosophy is built on a commitment to nurturing the whole child. By utilizing a diverse array of tools and techniques tailored to each student’s unique learning style and strengths, the system empowers students to become self-directed learners. This approach draws from a blend of research-based methods, incorporating elements of emotional and belief intelligence, Montessori principles, mentorship, and collaborative, project-based learning. The result is a holistic framework that not only prepares students for academic success but also equips them with essential social and emotional skills for life. By focusing on the comprehensive development of each student, we aim to create an environment where they can thrive, grow, and realize their full potential. This philosophy fosters a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability, setting students up for sustained success in an ever-changing world.
Curriculum
The School System utilizes a curriculum approved by the Department of Education and Step Up For Students, currently based on the Apex Learning Virtual School (ALVS) curriculum. Apex Learning offers rigorous, standards-based digital courses that support personalized, flexible learning environments. The curriculum covers core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics, delivered in a hybrid format to accommodate different learning styles. In addition, the School System provides mentorship programming with a strong emphasis on life skills. These programs are particularly valuable, as many of our students transition directly into career paths after high school graduation, equipped with both academic knowledge and practical skills for the future.
Students in the school system have access to a variety of guidance and learning opportunities to support their college preparation and career development. Dedicated school counselors play a central role in assisting students with exploring different career paths, preparing for college, and testing, such as the SAT or ACT. In addition, career and academic advisors help students identify and pursue internships, vocational training, and specific career pathways that align with their interests and skills.
To ensure students and families are well-informed, the school system follows a written student progression plan outlining academic requirements, graduation criteria, and college and career readiness benchmarks.
This plan, which includes course requirements, state assessments, and progress milestones, is shared with families early on and regularly reviewed to ensure students are on track to meet their academic and career goals. Through these resources, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to succeed in their post-secondary endeavors.
The School System curriculum is reviewed and updated annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective. This process involves evaluating the curriculum against current educational standards, student performance data, and feedback from teachers and students. By continuously improving the curriculum, the school system ensures that its students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
Instruction
Instruction includes a diverse range of teaching methods, such as traditional lectures, collaborative learning, hands-on activities, competency-based education, and a mix of on-site and distance learning options. Technology plays a pivotal role, with the core curriculum delivered through Apex Learning, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for students. Each student receives personalized support through an individualized education plan crafted by teachers and academic staff to meet their unique learning needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that students benefit from a variety of educational experiences tailored to their individual preferences and strengths. By integrating advanced technology and innovative instructional techniques, the School System fosters an engaging and dynamic learning environment that empowers students to thrive both academically and personally. This blend of traditional and modern methods equips students with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
Conclusion
The School System stands out as an innovative educational institution with a core focus on emotional intelligence, mentorship, and individualized learning. By addressing the holistic needs of students and fostering a supportive, inclusive community, the School System is uniquely positioned to make a lasting impact not only on its students but also on their families and the broader communities it serves. Through its distinctive approach and ongoing improvement initiatives, the School System is committed to delivering a high-quality education that prepares students for success in both academics and life.
Social-emotional learning (SEL) as well as Emotional/Belief Intelligence has become a cornerstone of educational success, making the School System’s programs a critical addition to many districts’ strategies. Research from CASEL demonstrates that this type of programming significantly improves student behavior and increases academic performance by 11%-13% across multiple tests. As many school districts nationwide face financial constraints, the School System’s curriculum and support programs offer highly cost-effective solutions that meet urgent educational needs. Our goal is to balance the EQ and IQ to better prepare our types of students for success in school and life.
The School System’s approach strengthens relationships, equips students with an expanded emotional vocabulary, and fosters collaboration through problem-solving and play-based learning experiences. By enhancing the quality of life for children and families through interdisciplinary research, academics, professional development, and community service, the School System delivers far-reaching benefits. Expanding this program into high-need communities, adapting it for students with exceptional abilities, and introducing it to grades 6-12 will significantly extend its positive influence and nurture the early development of vital relationships and life skills. This expansion promises to help more students build strong foundations for success, both in and beyond the classroom.