As Portage Leadership Academy prepares to open its doors in Ravenna this August, local coverage is helping share what this new school option means for families across the community.

In a recent article, the Record-Courier highlighted the launch of the tuition-free public charter school, which will open in the former West Park Elementary building and serve students in kindergarten through fifth grade in its first year.

The coverage reflects a moment of transition for the Ravenna community—bringing new life to a familiar school building while expanding access to public education options for families throughout Portage County.

We’re grateful to Diane Smith and the Record-Courier for covering the story and helping inform families about what’s ahead.

What Families Can Expect

Portage Leadership Academy is designed to provide a structured, supportive learning environment focused on both academic achievement and leadership development.

Students will benefit from:

• Strong, standards-aligned instruction
• A focus on character and leadership
• A school culture built intentionally from the ground up

The school will grow one grade level each year, allowing it to build a consistent, student-centered experience over time.

Read the Full Article

Families and community members can read the full Record-Courier story here.

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Enrollment is now open for the upcoming school year.

What is a Charter School? 

As a public charter school, we are open to all students and funded by the state, just like traditional public schools. However, we have the flexibility to design a unique learning environment that caters to our students’ specific needs and aspirations. According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, charter schools are independently operated public schools that have the freedom to design classrooms that meet their students’ needs. All charter schools operate under a contract with a charter school authorizer – usually a  nonprofit organization, government agency, or university – that holds them accountable to the exacting standards outlined in their “charter.”

Why Choose Charter? 
The reasons parents choose charter schools for their children are just as unique as the students themselves. Here are a few of the reasons why families choose charter education: 

Teachers 
Charter schools are known for having dedicated administrators and teachers who have a stake in their students’ success. The charter model encourages innovation, thinking “outside the box,” and going the extra mile to help each student be successful. 

School’s focus 
Instead of a one size, fits all approach, charter schools can change it up! They may choose a specific educational methodology like Montessori or Waldorf or the school could emphasize STEM learning or competitive sports training, like Hinckley Prep. Parents are often drawn to a charter school for the specific programs it offers. Open Houses and special events on campus are excellent opportunities to get to know what makes each school unique.

Time for a change 
Whether your child is struggling in his or her current school, needs extra challenge, or simply is ready for a different educational environment, charter schools offer a fresh approach to learning that many families appreciate. Every child is unique and charter schools offer many different options for meeting your family’s educational needs. 

We are proud to be accredited by Cognia™ for meeting the highest standards of education in ongoing third-party review. Learn more »

We are a proud member of ACCEL Schools—a public charter school network serving thousands of PK-12 students throughout the United States. ACCEL was founded in 2012 by the early pioneers of online learning. Our leadership believes that all children, regardless of location or socio-economic background, deserve a quality education that prepares them to succeed in school and become productive global citizens.  

ACCEL Schools Instructional Model provides: 

• Aligned Academics meet or exceed state standards ensuring your child is on track for rigorous college and career opportunities.    
  
• Certified, Licensed Teachers and a student-centered staff are united in executing our mission to make a difference in the life trajectory of each student.    
  
• More Time on Task and double the instructional minutes for ELA and Math maximizes learning in your child’s school day.   
  
• Short Cycle Assessments keep track of how students are progressing in the program, giving teachers ongoing feedback so they can tailor instruction to your student’s needs.    
  
• Individualized Instruction driven by assessment data means we are familiar with the needs of each child and set students up for success in each course of study.    
  
• State Testing Preparation reduces the anxiety often associated with high stakes tests, helping our teachers and students feel confident with the structure and methodology of state exams.    
  
• Academic Support including education technology, interventional specialists, and instructional aides assist students during the school day. After school tutoring, summer school, and Saturday school programs extend support services beyond the traditional school day and year.   
  
• Extracurricular Courses & Activities round out our educational offerings providing students social-emotional learning, athletics, arts, service learning & more.   

We offer free breakfast and lunch to students through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), a federally-assisted meal program that provides nutritionally balanced, USDA-compliant meals to students each school day.