About Us

The George B. Thomas Learning Academy, and its signature program Saturday School, have been supporting youth education and academic achievement in Montgomery County since 1986. It has been a collaborative effort for over 30 years, in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools and the dedicated community members who help make our work possible.

Over 30 Years of Service to the Community

Originally known as the Olney Saturday School, the first learning center was established in 1986 by members of the MU NU Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Recognizing a growing need in the community to improve academic achievement, these individuals focused on helping young students with extra 
academic support.

The group began with 21 children and 19 volunteers who met on Saturday mornings
at the Housing Opportunities Commission center in Olney, Maryland.

In 1994, a second location was established in at Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring, and, by 2005, twelve Saturday School centers were serving communities across Montgomery County.

Today, the George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy serves over 3,000 students, annually, and works in tandem with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). With Saturday School as our primary program, our focus is to support MCPS cluster schools – elementary, middle, and high schools – in key areas where our work will have the greatest impact.