Welcome to KKEA!

Tanisha Dacosta

Founder of Kingdom Kids Empowerment Academy

Tanisha DaCosta is a dedicated leader in education and entrepreneurship, with nearly two decades of experience empowering youth and communities. She is the Founderand Head of School at Kingdom Kids Empowerment Academy, a K-12 private micro school that focuses on the holistic development of children through a curriculum that nurtures mind, body, and spirit. Her passion for early childhood education began in 2003 when she launched Made in His Image Child Care, a group family daycare she operated from her 1,000 sq. ft. apartment. This hands-on experience deepened her understanding of child psychology and education, shaping her future endeavors in the field.

In 2022, Tanisha founded Kingdom Kids STEM Child Development Center, bringing her vision of holistic and STEM-focused education to life. As the Academy prepares for expansion in Fall 2025, Tanisha and her team continue to innovate in meeting children's developmental needs. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Tanisha now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband of 22 years and their five children. She is proud to be raising her children in a home that values education, entrepreneurship, and service to others.

Tanisha holds an MBA and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Community Ministry. Since moving to Charlotte in 2016, she spent four years as an educator before transitioning to full-time self-employment, focusing on Kingdom Kids. Guided by her faith and inspired by the words, “I can do ALL THINGS through Christ,” “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery,” by Bob Marley, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Tanisha is a servant leader committed to making a lasting impact.

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The Kingdom Kids Empowerment Academy’s (KKEA), a microschool in North Carolina, is dedicated to nurturing and empowering the whole child by addressing their holisticneeds. Through project-based learning and a Montessori-inspired education that fosters self-paced learning, we emphasize social-emotional learning. Guided by our H.E.A.L. core values—Holistic Health, Economic Empowerment, Academic Achievement, and Leadership Development for kids—we create an equitable space where every child thrives, achieves their fullest potential, and becomes a thoughtful thinker and compassionate leader.

At KKEA, our small class size fosters personalized education and ensures a child-centered learning experience. Our educators are mentors first, prioritizing social-emotional learning to support every student’s needs. KKEA’s curriculum includes project-based learning opportunities that enhance standard coursework and develop critical thinking skills. Our alternative education model at KKEA focuses on developing both academic and socio-emotional skills.

Holistic Health
We assist in developing your child's mind, body and spirit.

Economic Empowerment
We provide courses in Business 101 and Basic Finance (includes budgeting).

Academic Achievement
We offer standard tutoring, SAT/ACT Prep, and Progression (preventative digression tutoring).

Leadership Development

We nurture Socio-Emotional learning using check-ins to ensure we are developing the whole child.