MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Tom Johnson Boys’ Academy (TJBA) is to provide a faith-based, college-preparatory, independent middle and high school education to young men who might otherwise not have the financial resources or academic background to access a middle and high school experience with a focus on character development, academic achievement, college admission and college graduation.
VISION STATEMENT
At the Tom Johnson Boys Academy, we envision a transformative educational environment where young men are empowered through rigorous academics, creative expression, and faith-driven mentorship. We strive to cultivate leaders of character, purpose, and resilience who are equipped to thrive in college, career, and community. Our vision is a school culture rooted in excellence, belonging, and bold possibilities, where every student is known, challenged, and inspired to rise.
Tom Johnson Boys’ Academy envisions a future where every young man is equipped to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. We prepare our students to enter and graduate from college, launch into the workforce with confidence and purpose, and return to their families and communities as compassionate, capable leaders.
OUR SCHOOL
The Tom Johnson Boys Academy is located at 653 St. Agnes Lane, West Mifflin, PA 15122. The school opened to it’s inaugural class of students in the Summer 2025 with 6th, 9th, & 10th grades. Grades 7 and 11 will be added in Summer 2026. Grades 8 and 12 will be added in Summer 2027 reaching its full complement of students in grades 6 through 12. Providing both middle school and high school experience enables the TJBA to offer its students the ability to seamlessly build their knowledge and proficiency as they progress from year to year. Students must complete at least grades 10, 11, 12 at the school in order to be awarded a TJBA diploma. Students cannot be admitted to TJBA in grades 11 or 12.
The TJBA was founded and headed by Rev. Thomas Johnson, who co-founded and served for 18 years as headmaster of The Neighborhood Academy, a faith-based, college preparatory, independent school in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty community serving students in grades 6-12.
The Tom Johnson Boys’ Academy represents Rev. Johnson’s vision to bring to Mon Valley boys the same opportunities for educational and life success that have been enjoyed for years by students at The Neighborhood Academy, including 100% college acceptance for the high school’s graduates and a 80% rate of graduation from college in five years or less—both well above the national average. In addition, 95% return to the Pittsburgh workforce.
The Tom Johnson Boys’ Academy will feature:
– Small class size; one teacher for every 10-12 students
– An extended school day complete with three meals and snacks, after-school programming in the arts and athletics, and evening study hall with tutors on hand
– An extended school year that begins with the Boys’ Summer Academy: a five-week program which includes academic skills refreshment, team building, life skills training, and more—followed by a break before the start of the Tom Johnson Boys’ Academy Fall Term
– Current students earn a stipend for the summer session
– Daily non-denominational chapel service
– Group counseling and health education
– Counseling support for students and families
– Academic and college advising beginning in 6th grade
– College tours
– Career exposure and workforce development programs
– Community service activities
– Graduate support—emotional, logistical, and career-planning—for TJBA graduates during their college years
AFFORDABLE TUITION
In keeping with its mission, the TJBA is not a tuition-driven school.
Tuition is on a sliding scale based on family income and begins at just $50 per month.
TJBA QUICK FACTS
Hours: Monday–Friday 7:40 am to 2:30 pm; Middle School; 7:40 am to 4 pm High School
Location: 653 St. Agnes Lane, West Mifflin, PA 15122, Allegheny County
STUDENTS
Applications for enrollment for students in grades, 6, 7, 9, 10th has begun and will continue until June 2026.
Each year of the TJBA program builds on the previous one. A student must complete at least his final three years of high school in the TJBA in order to receive an TJBA diploma.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation options will depend upon the student’s home address.
SCHEDULE
MONDAY–FRIDAY
7:40 to 8:00 am
Arrival and breakfast
8:00 to 8:20 am
Morning worship
8:20 am to 8:40 am
Advising
8:40 am to 11:15 am
Academics
11:15 am to 12:00 pm
Lunch
12:00 to 1:15 pm
Athletics/Arts
1:15 pm to 2:15 pm
Athletics/Arts
2:15 pm to 4 pm
Academics – High School
4 pm – 5:30 pm
Evening study / Dinner – upon transportation availability
DRESS CODE
- White or blue dress shirt with collar
- Navy blue jacket and a tie
- Navy blue, olive, or khaki chinos
- Black or brown shoes or clean sneakers
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY REGARDING STUDENTS
The Tom Johnson Boys’ Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to its students. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
OUR FOUNDER
![REV. THOMAS JOHNSON, JR. [1956-2024]](https://mytjba.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/REVTOMJOHNSON.jpg)
REV. THOMAS JOHNSON, JR. [1956-2024]
FOUNDER AND HEADMASTER EMERITUS, TOM JOHNSON BOYS' ACADEMY
The late Rev. Thomas Johnson was a well-known Pittsburgh educational and religious leader. He co-founded and served as headmaster of The Neighborhood Academy [TNA] for 18 years and directed its 5-week summer remedial academic and cultural exposure pilot program. Prior to his time at TNA, Rev. Johnson served as minister of youth and young adults at East Liberty Presbyterian Church and pastor at the Allegheny United Church of Christ. He served as an educator and head coach at Shadyside Academy for 13 years. Rev. Johnson has been recognized with several awards, including the Andrew W. Matheson FAME [Fund for the Advancement of Minorities through Education] Leadership Award, the General Synod United Church of Christ Excellence in Teaching Award, and the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Man of Excellence Award.
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
LAVELLE MUHAMMAD
HEAD OF SCHOOL, TOM JOHNSON BOYS' ACADEMY
Immaculata University
M.Ed, Educational Leadership and Administration, General
Elizabethtown College
Bachelor’s degree, Criminal Justice and Corrections
SHEILA RAWLINGS
PRESIDENT, TOM JOHNSON BOYS' ACADEMY
M.B.A., Carlow University
B.A., Carlow University
Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership,
Duke University
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James Nealon, Chair
Eliza Smith Brown, Secretary
Angela Barnes, Treasurer
James W. Carroll
Rich Greb
Scott Hagy
Elizabeth McDonald
Cherie H. Moshier
Ashley Steele
Jamie Stilley
Rick Swegan
Rev. Paul Waite
Daniel Wholey
EX OFFICIO
Michelle Garraux
Lavelle Muhammad
Sheila L. Rawlings
ADVISORY BOARD
Lindsay Aroesty
Josephine B. Moore
A FAITH-BASED SCHOOL
As a faith-based school, The Tom Johnson Boys’ Academy affirms that there is a loving and creative God who calls us to lead lives that are anchored in service to others, to take responsibility for the lifelong development of our gifts and talents, and to find meaningful and productive work that becomes our vocation in the world.
We do not promote any specific religion, nor do we proselytize or evangelize on behalf of any faith or affiliation.
We believe a young man’s character shapes his destiny. We define the hallmarks of character as telling the truth to God, self, and others; accepting responsibility for feelings, choices, and actions; and working hard to nurture relationships and sustain commitments.
We believe that daily community prayer and worship are essential to our life as a school. We believe that community worship teaches critical social skills and respect for the place and activity of worship.
We believe in service to others, especially the less fortunate, the elderly, the young, and the vulnerable.
We affirm the shared wisdom of the world’s major religions and study their traditions, beginning with the universal “Golden Rule.”
SCHOOL CULTURE
We believe that a school culture rooted in safety, accountability, manners and civility—and coupled with counseling support for students and families—provides the very best learning environment for boys as they grow to become men. Accordingly, the TJBA school culture:
- Provides for physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual safety
- Emphasizes character development and achievement with honor
- Requires students to be truthful, to take responsibility for their emotions and their decisions, and to be accountable for their behavior
- Includes zero tolerance for violence, bullying, weapons, alcohol and drugs
- Provides for clarity and transparency; all school policies are signed off on by parents
- Insists on compliance with school policies and rules
- Places the school community before the individual
- Stresses that we are all responsible for each other
ATHLETICS
We believe that participation in sports offers middle and high school students important physical, psychological, and social benefits that will help them to succeed in college and throughout their lives. From a physical standpoint, sports help students build a strong foundation for lifelong fitness habits and good nutrition. They enjoy the benefits of regular exercise, which lowers blood pressure and stress as well as the risk for several chronic illnesses, and they develop their eye-hand coordination and muscle strength.
From a psychological standpoint, students develop leadership skills, self-discipline, and accountability. They learn the relationship between practice and performance—which carries over from the gym or field to the classroom. They learn goal-setting, problem-solving and time management. They build self-confidence and self-esteem.
And from a social standpoint, students enjoy making friends with those who enjoy activities with them as together they experience the benefits of teamwork and the importance of mutual trust.
The TJBA athletics program provides for its students to enjoy these benefits through participation in both team and individual sports: basketball, track, weightlifting and conditioning, and wrestling. Athletics participation is required, and eligibility rules apply.
