The Brays Oaks community is pleased to introduce Horizon Leadership Academy, a new private school offering innovative education for students from Pre-K through 10th grade. With its focus on small class sizes, character-building, and a diverse range of programs, Horizon Leadership Academy provides a place where students can thrive academically and personally.

A Visionary Leader at the Helm

Leading the way is Muhammed Kaya, the Head of School whose extensive experience brings a fresh perspective to private education. With over three years as a principal in public schools, Kaya is dedicated to creating an environment that fosters learning and growth. “We wanted to offer an opportunity for our community,” Kaya shares. His involvement as both an administrator and a parent—his two children are enrolled in kindergarten and fourth grade—adds a personal commitment to the school’s mission.

A Rapidly Growing Institution

Established just last year, Horizon Leadership Academy has already made significant strides. After starting in a cultural center, the school moved to its current location in November 2023 at 9301 W Bellfort Blvd, F Block, Houston, TX 77031. Enrollment has grown from 107 to 151 students, with capacity for up to 320 students.

A key feature is the commitment to small class sizes. Elementary classes are limited to 15 students, while middle and high school classes have a maximum of 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and stronger relationships between teachers and students. “Smaller classes enable us to provide a more focused and effective educational experience,” Kaya explains.

An Innovative Educational Approach

Horizon Leadership Academy emphasizes a balanced education. While academic excellence is a priority, the school avoids overwhelming students with excessive testing. “We don’t burden students with endless tests,” Kaya notes. Instead, the focus is on hands-on learning and real-world applications.

Students have opportunities to participate in international competitions such as the Genius Olympiad, Nebras Olympiad, and various math and science fairs. “Even in our first year, our students were competing on international stages—that’s something we’re incredibly proud of,” says Kaya.

Advanced Academic Opportunities

For high school students seeking academic challenges, Horizon offers several Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including:

  • AP Human Geography
  • AP Computer Science Principles
  • AP World History
  • AP Art
  • AP Biology

The school plans to expand its AP and dual-credit offerings in the coming years, providing excellent preparation for college-level work.

Rich Extracurricular Activities

Understanding that education extends beyond academics, Horizon Leadership Academy offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities. The school day includes 10 periods, with the last dedicated to clubs and activities. Students can choose from:

  • Academic Clubs: Robotics teams (First Lego League), Science Teams, Book Clubs
  • Creative Clubs: Arts and Crafts, Drama, Music, 3D Printing
  • Cultural Clubs: Folk Dancing, Debate Club
  • Athletic Clubs: Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Table Tennis

“We offer big opportunities despite being a small school,” Kaya emphasizes. The school’s athletic teams compete in the Texas Christian League (TCL), guided by professional coaches who prepare students to represent the Blue Jays with pride.

Focus on Wellness and Free Play

Horizon Leadership Academy values students’ physical health and social development. The school provides extended recess periods, offering 30 minutes of free play daily. “Free play time is essential for students’ overall development,” Kaya states. This time allows students to engage creatively and build social skills.

The school also offers healthy meal options. Students can bring lunch from home or enjoy nutritious meals provided on campus. “We prioritize food quality to ensure our students are well-nourished,” says Kaya. 

Embracing Multilingual Education

Recognizing the importance of cultural diversity, Horizon offers classes in multiple languages, including Spanish and Arabic. This multilingual approach enriches students’ educational experiences and prepares them for a globalized world.

Community Engagement and Core Values

Horizon Leadership Academy is committed to fostering a family-like atmosphere. Built on core values of Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation, Service, and Empathy, the school encourages active parental involvement. Parents organize events like community service projects at local food banks and participate in woodcraft sessions with their children every Friday.

“We believe that students, teachers, and families should collaborate to build a strong community culture,” Kaya explains. The school plans to introduce more service-learning projects to connect classroom learning with real-world impact.

Accreditation and Future Goals

In its inaugural year, Horizon achieved Cognia accreditation, showcasing its dedication to high educational standards. Looking ahead, the school aims to:

  • Add 11th Grade in the next academic year
  • Expand AP and dual-credit course offerings
  • Enhance its engineering and 3D printing programs
  • Grow its athletic and extracurricular programs

“Our goal is to prepare our students for the future in every possible way,” Kaya affirms.

Discover Horizon Leadership Academy

For families in the Brays Oaks area seeking a school that combines academic excellence with a nurturing environment, Horizon Leadership Academy presents an exciting new option. With its personalized approach to education, variety of extracurricular activities, and strong community involvement, the school offers a place where students can excel.

Enrollment is open, and the school invites interested families to schedule a tour. “We welcome the community to come and see what makes Horizon special,” says Kaya. “We’re proud of what we’ve created and eager to share it.”

Contact Information:

To schedule a school tour, please call (832) 543-8008 or email [email protected].

Additional Resources:

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Experience the opportunities at Horizon Leadership Academy—a new educational option in Brays Oaks where students are empowered to reach their full potential.