Leadership Academy at Leonard Middle
About Our School
A Note from Dr. Mouton
Dear Leadership Academy at Leonard Middle School Families,
As we begin a new school year at The Leadership Academy at Leonard Middle, I want to extend a warm and sincere welcome to each of you. Whether you are returning or new to our community, I am honored to serve as your principal and excited about the opportunities ahead for your scholar.
This year marks a new beginning in more ways than one. Leonard is now proudly part of the Leadership Academy Network, a partnership that brings additional staff support, new instructional personnel, and extended learning time through a longer school day. These changes are already contributing to positive academic growth, and we look forward to continuing this momentum.
I recognize that our campus has experienced many changes in recent years, including leadership and high staff turnover. As a seasoned principal who has successfully led several school turnarounds, I want you to know that I am committed to leading Leonard with stability, transparency, and care. I do not take lightly the responsibility of serving your children, and I am here to stay, to serve, and to see us succeed together.
This year, we are focused on three priorities:
Clear and consistent communication – We will keep you informed every step of the way through phone calls, text messages, newsletters, and social media. You’ll always know what’s happening and why it matters.
Excellence in academics, arts, and athletics – With the added support from the Leadership Academy Network, we are strengthening all aspects of the student experience—from rigorous instruction to meaningful enrichment opportunities.
A culture of belonging and growth – Our goal is to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and challenged. We are also creating a school environment where families are respected partners in the process.
In the coming days, you will receive information about school hours, uniforms, academic supports, and important events. Please make sure your contact information is updated so you don’t miss any announcements. We are also committed to communicating in the languages spoken across our community.
I ask for your participation and your patience as we work to transform the culture and outcomes of our school. Change takes time, but with your support and our shared commitment, we will build a school where every scholar is positioned to thrive.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education. I look forward to a year of progress, pride, and purpose.
Dr. Marion Mouton
School History
John Marvin and Obadiah "Obie" Paul Leonard were born in Linden, a small town in East Texas. The Leonard family was a farming family of 12 children; Marvin and Obie knew they did not want to farm for a living, so they worked in Dallas and saved $600. They used their savings to start Leonard's, a store that sold farm equipment, food, toys, etc. - a "mall" before there were malls. At one time Leonard's had the largest toy department in the United States. In 1970, the historical Leonard's store was sold to Tandy, then Tandy sold out to Dillard's. Marvin Leonard passed away at the age of 75 in 1970 and Obie Leonard passed away at the age of 89 in 1987.
In 1966, through the generosity of the Leonard brothers, land was acquired for a new school and construction began in 1967. The bond election held in 1964 originally planned for the school to be a junior high, with grades 7 through 9. The new school was named after Marvin and Obie Leonard to recognize all that the Leonard brothers had given to the Fort Worth Independent School District.
In 1966, through the generosity of the Leonard brothers, land was acquired for a new school and construction began in 1967. The bond election held in 1964 originally planned for the school to be a junior high, with grades 7 through 9. The new school was named after Marvin and Obie Leonard to recognize all that the Leonard brothers had given to the Fort Worth Independent School District.