A.B. Combs, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is led by Principal Muriel Summers. Its leadership model program has received national recognition for its emphasis on developing leadership skills in young children. It is grounded in the belief that, in order to build a successful community of learners, schools must build cooperative relationships and nurture responsibility, kindess, and good judgement. It is the first elementary school of its kind to foster a climate of principle-centered and personal leadership based on Dr Stephen R. Covey's best-selling books 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and First Things First.

With a vision to help children to realize their worth and potential by inspiring greatness, Combs Elementary aims to develop the WHOLE child - socially, emotionally, academically, and ethically. Students identify and set personal academic goals and are able to track their progress and growth throughout the school year using Baldrige criteria. They also learn social etiquette and develop communication and presentation skills through student-led programming including a daily news broadcast, school-wide assemblies, community service projects, and an innovative Leader of the Week program featuring local, state, and national leaders.

Combs Elementary recognizes that good leadership requires more than natural ability, so their program also emphasizes 21st century leadership and character development, teaching their students effective communication, collaboration, ethical decision-making, and motivation skills.