Our Story
Education has the power to change lives.
This is why we built the Lab.
The Origin
Throughout our careers we have worked with students from diverse backgrounds and witnessed a common pattern. Most students do not struggle because they lack intelligence. They struggle because they have not been taught the systems, habits, and strategies needed to succeed. We created The Mark of Excellence Lab to bridge that gap.
Why We Exist
We help students become capable, independent learners.
Mission
To empower children, students, and young adults by developing the academic, executive function, leadership, and career readiness skills necessary to thrive in school, life, and work.
Vision
To become a trusted leader in student development by providing an innovative learning pathway that prepares every learner for lifelong success.
Brand Promise
Every student who joins The Mark of Excellence will leave with greater confidence, stronger skills, and a clear path toward future success.
Core Values
Excellence
We pursue quality in everything we do.
Integrity
Character matters as much as achievement.
Growth
Every student can improve through effort and practice.
Leadership
We help students lead themselves before leading others.
Innovation
We embrace creative thinking and continuous improvement.
Service
We use education to strengthen individuals, schools, families, and communities.
Meet the Founders
LaToya Nelson-Piccott
Co-Founder & Chief Academic Officer
Curriculum, learning design, and student development
LaToya Nelson-Piccott is an accomplished educational leader with nearly 20 years of experience dedicated to helping students discover their potential and achieve lasting success. As Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer of The Mark of Excellence Lab, she leads the development of innovative curriculum, executive-function coaching, and student success programs designed to prepare learners for success in school, career, and life. LaToya is passionate about developing programs that extend beyond traditional academics by integrating executive-function skills, leadership development, financial literacy, and real-world learning into every student experience. Her work is driven by a commitment to helping learners become confident, organized, independent, and future-ready. She holds multiple graduate degrees in education and leadership and is certified in specialized instructional practices, including Orton-Gillingham and TouchMath. Her vision for The Mark of Excellence Lab is to create a transformational learning system that equips students, supports educators, and partners with families to build the skills, habits, confidence, and character needed to leave their own Mark of Excellence.
“I believe every student has the potential to achieve excellence. Our job as educators is to help them discover it.”
Mark Thompson
Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer
Strategy, innovation, partnerships, and operations
Mark Thompson is a Fortune 500 human resources and operations leader with more than twenty years of experience across leading technology enterprises. He is also the founder of Career Transformation Academy, an AI-enabled career coaching platform that now operates as the Lab's third division. Mark believes learning becomes powerful when it connects to what comes next in life, and his focus at the Lab is bridging classroom to career through practical, scalable systems that districts, agencies, colleges, and community partners can adopt with confidence. Mark leads the Lab's strategy, partnerships, and operational infrastructure, and he brings a deep commitment to workforce readiness, executive function development, and the belief that every student can build the life they want when they are given the right tools at the right time.
The Team Behind the Lab
Coaches, educators, and partners who deliver the pathway. Profiles coming soon.
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