A Measurable Solution for Law Enforcement
Private education built around the families who serve
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The National Leader in Private Education and Childcare for Law Enforcement Families
The National Law Enforcement Foundation creates private schools that provide early education and childcare specifically for law enforcement families, built around the needs and unpredictability of a law enforcement career.
We brought together leaders in philanthropy, early childhood education, and law enforcement to create a model that combines exceptional teachers in a secure, trusted environment, affordable tuition, and the flexibility that law enforcement families need.
Our model is designed around measurable outcomes: retaining experienced officers and strengthening recruitment, improving family stability and wellness, and demonstrating a
measurable return on investment.
Measurement is central to the model, allowing us to demonstrate impact, build toward long-term sustainability, and determine where and how it should scale.
Built Around the Unpredictability
of Law Enforcement
Traditional childcare was not designed around the needs and unpredictability of a law enforcement career. NLEF schools are.
Accessibility
Affordability
Excellence
It also allows NLEF to address heightened security needs and the unique privacy considerations that come with serving in law enforcement.
Why Private Matters
Law enforcement families want what we all want for our children: an exceptional education, excellent teachers, a secure environment, and a school they trust. They simply need access to
that education during the hours they are required to serve, and at a tuition they can afford.
A truly private model gives parents the freedom to choose a school where the teachers, curriculum, environment, and values reflect the education and care they want for their
children.
Who we hire matters. What we teach matters. And creating a trusted community around these families matters.
For law enforcement families without extended family or established support networks nearby, these schools provide children with a trusted community and families with the stability and support they need to remain in the profession.
Agencies benefit from the schools without operating them. Parents gain a high-quality private option designed around their families. And philanthropy has the opportunity to establish and demonstrate a model that can ultimately reach thousands of children of law enforcement while remaining privately run.
The Workforce Challenge Is Real
of agencies report recruiting is more difficult than it was five years ago
average staffing level, leaving agencies nearly 10% short of authorized strength
of agencies have changed policies or procedures to improve recruitment and retention
of agencies have reduced services or specialized units because of staffing shortages
Source: International Association of Chiefs of Police, The State of Recruitment & Retention: A Continuing Crisis for Policing (2024 survey of 1,158 U.S. agencies)