About - Portage Leadership Academy

Portage Leadership Academy

Now Enrolling Grades K-5 in Portage County, Ohio

Smiling student standing outside with backpack

K-5 Community School Managed by ACCEL Schools

ACCEL Schools is a high-performing network of over 50 charter schools located throughout the United States

Tuition-Free, Public Charter School

Dear Portage County Families,

We are so excited to introduce ourselves and share what’s ahead for our community. In Fall 2026, Portage Leadership Academy will open as a tuition-free K–5 public community school, welcoming families from Ravenna and across all of Portage County.

Portage Leadership Academy was created with a simple but powerful belief: leadership starts early. We want children to grow not only as strong students, but as strong people. Through academic excellence, leadership development, personal wellness, and service, our mission is to help every child become confident, responsible, and grounded in character.

To us, leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about doing the right thing, helping others, working hard, and taking pride in your community. From the earliest grades, our students will learn how to set goals, care for others, build healthy relationships, and take ownership of their learning. Through mentorship, hands-on projects, and meaningful service experiences, we will help children see that their voices matter and their actions make a difference.

Our vision is to grow homegrown leaders — students who act with integrity, serve with purpose, and make Portage County proud. We are committed to creating a warm, supportive school where every child feels known, respected, and inspired to reach their full potential.

We cannot wait to partner with families throughout our county as we build something truly special together.

With excitement and gratitude,

The Portage Leadership Academy Team

Darryl Lindsay, Regional Vice President

Darryl Lindsay serves as the Regional Vice President of Portage Leadership Academy and is proud to lead and support a school community in the county he calls home. As a Portage County resident, Darryl is committed to building a school where students feel known, supported, and challenged to grow.

Darryl holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration and has spent his career strengthening schools through consistent systems, strong relationships, and a focus on student success. He previously served as a principal for nine years and later as a superintendent for two years. Those experiences shaped his priorities around academic achievement, student well-being, and a positive, welcoming school culture. In his current role, Darryl works closely with school leaders and staff to maintain high expectations and ensure every classroom is a place where students can thrive.

Outside of school leadership, Darryl is a husband, father, and children’s book author who cares deeply about literacy and believes that helping students become confident readers opens doors in every part of their learning and life.

Staff Directory

School Staff

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Community School

Portage Leadership Academy is a public, community school. We are our own school district sponsored by the Charter School Specialists, which provides oversight and enforces academic, fiscal, and legal accountability. We are managed by ACCEL Schools, a high-performing network of over 50 charter schools located throughout the United States.

Community Schools (Charter Schools) offer families an alternative to the local public school. Community schools are tuition-free, open to all students in the county, and focused on meeting student needs for success. Community schools are among the top-performing schools in the nation. Read more about charter schools.

Founded in 2014, ACCEL Schools is a K-12 public charter school management organization (CMO) serving students across the United States in brick-and-mortar, virtual, and hybrid school settings. We focus on improving academic outcomes of students regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic factors. The leadership team at ACCEL Schools has a combined 1000+ years of experience as global school management operators with expertise in curriculum research and design, assessment, student support services, and education consulting. Our entire team fundamentally believes that all children deserve a great education and students should be supported as they pursue a wide variety of post-secondary options. Our robust technology increases engagement, access to resources, efficiencies, and academic results helping our students become productive global citizens.