Radiant Scholars Academy was founded by LaToya Twyman; an author, entrepreneur, certified holistic practitioner, former foster mother, and dedicated homeschool parent whose work centers on education, healing, and generational empowerment. The academy was created to address the growing need for culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and whole-child educational environments that support both academic excellence and emotional well-being.

LaToya brings more than a decade of experience serving vulnerable and underserved populations. As a Workforce Development Specialist, she supported formerly incarcerated individuals in achieving employment readiness and economic stability. As a Case Manager, she worked with individuals navigating mental illness, substance dependency, and housing instability, including homeless mothers and their children. Her professional experience also includes roles as an Intake Specialist, Mental Health Counselor, Executive Assistant, Program Assistant, and End-of-Life Doula; each contributing to her comprehensive understanding of human behavior, life transitions, and family systems.

In addition, LaToya is certified as a Hypnotherapist, Herbalist, and Health & Wellness Specialist, with formal training in Trauma-Informed Care. These credentials inform the academy’s emphasis on nervous system regulation, emotional literacy, resilience-building, and psychological safety within the learning environment.

Her lived experience as a foster mother further strengthens the academy’s foundation, equipping her with firsthand insight into the educational and emotional needs of children affected by instability, trauma, and transition.

LaToya also possesses strong business strategy expertise and has successfully structured and developed two trucking businesses, acquisition services, and boutique enterprises. Her entrepreneurial background informs Radiant Scholars Academy’s commitment to early financial literacy, ownership education, leadership development, and innovation-based learning.

Radiant Scholars Academy operates under a trauma-informed, culturally responsive framework that recognizes behavior as communication and prioritizes safety, identity affirmation, restorative practices, and structured academic rigor. The academy integrates Montessori-inspired exploration, African and Black ancestral grounding, emotional intelligence development, financial literacy, and spiritual awareness to cultivate confident, self-directed learners.

The mission of Radiant Scholars Academy is to develop scholars who are academically prepared, emotionally regulated, culturally rooted, and equipped with the leadership and entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in higher education, the workforce, and community leadership roles.

Through a holistic and research-informed approach, Radiant Scholars Academy seeks to redefine educational success by merging academic achievement with emotional wellness, cultural identity, and generational economic empowerment.

Measurable Outcomes & Pilot Impact Goals

Radiant Scholars Academy will initially operate as a small, high-impact pilot program, serving a foundational cohort of three scholars. This intentionally designed learning environment allows for individualized instruction, deep behavioral insight, and the implementation of a highly personalized, trauma-informed educational model.

The academy will use this pilot phase to refine its framework, document outcomes, and establish a scalable model for future expansion.

Within the first 12–24 months, Radiant Scholars Academy aims to achieve the following outcomes:

📚 Academic Growth (Individualized Learning Model)

• 2 out of 3 of scholars will demonstrate proficiency or above in reading and mathematics based on standardized or portfolio-based assessments.
• 2 out of 3 of scholars will improve at least one grade level in core academic subjects within one academic year
• 2 out of 3 of scholars scholars will complete individualized learning plans with measurable progress benchmarks

🧠 Social-Emotional & Behavioral Development

• Each scholar will participate in 3 weekly emotional intelligence and regulation practices.
• Observable improvements in emotional regulation, communication, and self-awareness will be documented through qualitative tracking and progress notes.
• Reduction in stress-based or reactive behaviors through consistent trauma-informed support and structured routines

💼 Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship Exposure

• Each scholar will receive age-appropriate instruction in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and ownership.
• Each scholar will complete at least one hands-on project, such as creating a small business concept, product, or creative offering.
• Introduction to real-world economic concepts through interactive and experiential learning.

🌍 Cultural Identity & Confidence Building

• Each scholars will engage in culturally grounded curriculum that affirms identity and heritage.
• Demonstrated growth in self-confidence, self-expression, and participation through observation and portfolio-based assessments.
• Development of a strong sense of identity, voice, and personal value

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Centered Learning Environment

• Maintain a 100% family engagement rate through direct involvement in the learning process.
• Ongoing communication, progress tracking, and adaptive learning strategies tailored to each child’s needs.
• Creation of a nurturing, stable, and emotionally supportive educational environment

🌱 Wellness & Whole-Child Development

• All scholars will participate in consistent wellness-based practices, including mindfulness, emotional regulation, and holistic health awareness.
• Improved focus, engagement, and overall well-being observed through daily interaction and structured activities.
• Integration of practices that support nervous system regulation and reduce stress

Radiant Scholars Academy will document outcomes through a combination of academic assessments, behavioral observations, student portfolios, and reflective evaluations. This pilot program will serve as a proof-of-concept model, demonstrating the effectiveness of a trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and holistic approach to education.