In this section, we’ve provided the mission statement from each featured school and asked them what sets them apart from other local institutions of learning.
We hope this information will help you make an educated decision when choosing a school for your child. For your next step, we suggest you call the school or visit its website to get your remaining questions answered by school admission directors.
Akron Public Schools, Akron
Mission statement:
The mission of Akron Public Schools is to ensure that each student in our diverse population achieves his or her fullest potential in a safe and affirming learning center characterized by an extensive, student-focused collaboration of all segments of the community, with an emphasis on preparing students to live and excel in a global environment.
What do your schools do to encourage leadership skills in your students?
Akron Public Schools offer students the opportunity to develop leadership skills through a variety of experiences. Programs such as Junior Leadership Akron, Healthcare in Progress, Superintendent’s Student Seminar, Project GRAD Akron, Global Scholars and the LeBron James Family Foundation’s 330 Ambassador Program allow students to participate in structured leadership programming. In addition, many of our academic and extra-curricular programs provide internship and experiential learning opportunities in a variety of career fields that develop students’ leadership abilities.
How do your teachers incorporate technology into their lessons?
As APS moves to more technology integration, students are learning how to develop and maintain digital portfolios, to collaborate with their teachers through online portals to turn in assignments and to see their graded work. Students are also learning how to collaborate online by working in student teams where they must complete group projects through online portals where they share ideas and work on projects. Students also are learning the tools of digital literacy so they’re better able to search for material through the use of online libraries and learning communities to get the information they need to support their learning. At the start of the 2013-2014 school year, we partnered with SEBCO Books and the LeBron James Family Foundation and offered online books that could be accessed via computer so elementary students could have access to additional reading materials in an effort to meet our early learning goals.
St. Hilary School, Fairlawn
Mission statement:
Our mission is to keep Christ at the center of all that we do. In partnership with our parents and parish community, we will inspire our students, through innovative and challenging academic experiences, to be leaders capable of making a positive change in the world.
How do your 1:1 iPad program and hands-on science lab benefit your students?
In line with its mission to develop tomorrow’s leaders today, St. Hilary School proudly offers state-of-the-art technology, including a 1:1 iPad program for all sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students. Students use their school-provided iPads for classroom lessons, research, note-taking, projects and homework assignments. Additionally, the school features iPad carts for all kindergarten to fifth-grade students, and a newly renovated technology lab which all students visit at least once weekly. A fully-equipped hands-on science lab is also available for all grade levels to use in connection with science lessons. The assistance of a lab manager maximizes instructional time for teachers and students. These and many other amenities and opportunities allow St. Hilary School to foster cutting-edge learning and develop leadership skills in its students.
Western Reserve Academy, Hudson
Mission statement:
A Western Reserve Academy education offers a transformational experience where students strive for excellence, live with integrity and act with compassion.
How can incoming students prepare themselves for the boarding school experience?
At Western Reserve Academy, you need a willingness to learn, a passion for personal growth, and the ability to thrive in a small community dedicated to your success. Boarding school is challenging and rewarding. Your days are full; there is a lot of homework, as well as extracurricular activities in sports, music, arts and theater. The subject matter is fascinating, and our teachers are as passionate about their subjects as you can imagine. You’ll learn things you never dreamed of learning, and you’ll do it with the support of a second family. You need to be comfortable working on your own, with no one standing over you. That breeds independence, self-reliance and prepares you for college – and life – in a way no other education can.
Our Lady of The Elms Middle and High School, Akron
Mission statement:
Our Lady of the Elms, an independent, Catholic school rooted in the Dominican tradition, educates girls and young women to listen openly, evaluate wisely, speak bravely, lead justly and serve compassionately.
In which ways do girls benefit from a single-sex education?
Why an all-girl school? All student leader positions are held by girls. All the lead roles in the school play are held by girls. All the hands in the air to answer the teacher’s question belong to girls. The students planning the prayer service, winning the science fair, excelling as an athlete, giving the presentation – all girls. Our Lady of the Elms has been providing an education to girls since 1923 and is the only all-girls school in Summit County.
“My daughter has flourished in the all-girl environment. She has confidence, poise and a willingness to participate and lead that my friends have noticed,” says the father of an Elms student. “I always tell them it’s because she attends an all-girl school.”
Spring Garden Waldorf School, Copley
Mission statement:
We are committed to educating each child so that he or she will contribute to the future of the world with clear and creative thinking, compassion, moral strength and courage. Spring Garden Waldorf School is part of the long-standing Waldorf tradition, a worldwide movement putting Rudolf Steiner’s educational philosophy into practice. This method works because it addresses the whole child – cognitive, social and creative – and meets the needs of each individual through a challenging and multi-sensory environment.
How do you encourage students to incorporate a worldview and think beyond themselves?
In one word: Relationships. The strength of the student/teacher relationship makes the children feel safe to share their thoughts, ideas and dreams. It empowers the students to step outside of themselves and develop thoughtful responses as they meet the Waldorf curriculum which is rich with world history and culture. The Waldorf approach to teaching shows and encourages the children to think about how they relate to the information they are learning and then how this relates to the world. Our mission is that these children will step out into the world and approach their relationships with creative thinking, compassion, moral strength and courage.
Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Cuyahoga Falls
Mission statement:
Educating and Cultivating Servants for Christ: through Christ-Centered Education; valuing the whole student; being a Community that trains and mentors; and developing Authentic faith in our students
How do Advanced Placement courses prepare your students for higher education?
Students have the opportunity to experience college class work within a biblical worldview. Our AP faculty members have, at minimum, a master’s degree, and they’re all current in their subjects and teaching methodology unique to the rigors of a college class. The students find success through AP test scores and college credit, of course, but just as importantly, they realize they’re capable of grappling with the “big questions” others might not face until college. Those students with AP potential are strongly encouraged to take one or two AP classes, starting with United States History in 10th grade.
Walsh Jesuit High School, Cuyahoga Falls
Mission statement:
Walsh Jesuit, a Catholic, college preparatory high school in the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola, reaches beyond academic excellence to develop competence, conscience and compassion within its graduates. As a Christ-centered community, we strive to be men and women for others.
What do you do to help students become well-rounded: educationally, artistically, athletically and spiritually?
A Walsh student is open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving and committed to doing justice. These five doctrines epitomize a Walsh Jesuit graduate. It means that our students reflect on their behavior and seek new opportunities for intellectual and social development. They strive for a constant deepening of their relationship with God in all that they do and say. As a result, they are called to love one another as God loves us. Finally, they are committed both to promoting the human dignity of all people, and to take an active stance against all forces that oppose it. “Men and Women for Others” is more than our motto; it’s a way of life.
The Lippman School, Akron
Mission statement:
To create an inclusive, nurturing and vibrant learning environment, anchored in Jewish traditions and values, that provides all students with personalized educational experiences which prepare them to achieve their utmost potential throughout their lives as members of a 21st century global society.
What do your teachers do to help students become critical thinkers?
We challenge our students with critical thinking in the context of a diverse, values-based curriculum that builds cultural competency. Through cross-cultural partnerships, like the one developed with the Northern Cheyenne Nation, our students experience culture, history and identity building when they travel to Montana to live and learn with native peers. While on the reservation students re-examine United States history through a learning lens that textbooks and online learning can’t provide. As our students enter private, parochial and public high schools, they have a deep appreciation of the complexity of our global society through such experiences. This educational philosophy is expressed throughout our kindergarten through eighth-grade curricula. These authentic learning experiences extend beyond the school to home through innovative, family educational opportunities.
Canton Country Day School, Canton
Mission statement:
Canton Country Day School offers children preschool through eighth grade a solid educational foundation by cultivating an environment in which scholarship, responsibility, and respect for others flourish along with creativity, enthusiasm and self respect.
Within this stimulating environment, the school encourages children, with the support of their families, to:
- Be active seekers for knowledge;
- Examine their convictions honestly and embrace them humbly, both in word and deed;
- Recognize themselves as participants in a common humanity and citizens of a common universe;
- Discover their own creative powers and labor patiently to surpass ready achievement; and
- Wonder at that which transcends their understanding and challenges their imagination.
Dedicated to developing character and the abilities to think and communicate clearly, Canton Country Day seeks to fully prepare its graduates to meet the challenges of rigorous secondary programs and to assume positions of responsibility in their communities.
What does your school do to maximize your students’ potential?
Canton Country Day School’s gifted faculty and staff create a motivating environment that empowers CCDS students with the skills and desire necessary to maximize their academic, arts and athletic achievements. CCDS is a technology-rich school. Students in grades 4 through 8 perform their homework and research with individually assigned Apple laptops. Preschoolers through grade 3 use iPads to enhance their learning. CCDS students enjoy national and statewide recognition with high achievements in Virtual Science Fair, History Day competitions, National Spelling Bee, National French Concours, Power of the Pen, Chess and MathCounts. Year after year, CCDS alumni are named Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Top 10 and Gold Medal awardees in their high school graduation classes. The Canton Repository recognized four CCDS graduates as “Teens of the Month” during the 2012-2013 school year.
Walsh University, North Canton
Mission statement:
Walsh University is an independent, coeducational Catholic, liberal arts and sciences institution. Founded by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, Walsh University is dedicated to educating its students to become leaders in service to others through a values-based education with an international perspective in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
What role does diversity play in the education of your students?
Diversity is threaded through all facets of the Walsh University experience. Our student population represents a variety of socio-economic and religious backgrounds as well as geographic diversity, including students from 15 states and 31 countries. Students also experience diversity by participating in community service learning projects working for the betterment of surrounding communities. One-hundred percent of Walsh University students participate in service learning. It’s part of our core curriculum. Walsh’s Global Learning Program allows students to experience cultural diversity in a variety of locations. The Office of Multicultural Affairs assists diversity efforts by providing an inclusive environment for all students and offers cultural programming and support services.
How do students benefit from your study abroad program?
The Walsh University Global Learning Program is a transformational student experience providing first-hand immersion in the culture, history and day-to-day living in another country. Students may elect a cross cultural study at Walsh University’s satellite campus just outside of Rome, Italy or in a variety of other countries around the globe. Nursing students provide healthcare for residents of Moshi, Tanzania, and business students can experience the business culture of Seoul, South Korea. In addition, the Brother Francis Blouin Scholars Program provides students an opportunity to use scholarship to address a global issue of their choice that can be studied more in depth in a specific culture. Twenty-five percent of Walsh University students participate in global learning programs.
OHDELA
Mission statement:
The mission is to offer families a valuable educational alternative while practicing and promoting academic integrity through quality technology-based curriculum and highly qualified teacher support, which fosters academic excellence in our students.
What kind of educational advantage do your schools provide to your students?
OHDELA is one of Ohio’s first online learning academies serving families from all over the state. We are one of the few online schools to provide live, engaged learning experiences using web cam technology. This and other new technologies make us the better choice for preparing students for their future whether they enter college or the workforce. With OHDELA’s online learning, flexibility is key: Time, location and pace are no longer factors for learning success. This advantage allows students more time to think about questions posed which promotes higher quality responses. Students receive personalized learning which gives them greater ownership and control of their education. This ownership helps students take pride in their work while developing important self-management skills. This is what makes OHDELA a leader in learning.
How do your schools measure educational outcomes to ensure they’re successfully serving their students?
At OHDELA, learning is data-driven, with teachers receiving regular updates on student progress. This empowers teachers by equipping them with the information to immediately intervene when students are struggling or adjust instruction based on student learning. Our teachers work in teams to analyze data and make adjustments to their instruction based upon students’ assessment information. The use of data also extends to our students who chart their progress and set their own goals for achievement. Our teachers provide feedback to students about their progress and hold daily help sessions for students who are not meeting their learning targets. At OHDELA, we’re committed to providing an engaging and successful learning experience for every child.
The Academies
Mission statement:
The Academies are tuition-free community schools in Ohio providing a safe, disciplined and nurturing learning environment for students in grades K to 8. Currently, there are 14 academies throughout Ohio - in Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Youngstown. The Academies are a haven for parents caught between frustration with traditional public schools and the expense of private schools. We strive to raise the level of achievement for every student we teach.
What kind of educational advantage do your schools provide to your students?
Our schools provide a caring and respectful learning environment for each student. At The Academies, students are engaged in real world problem solving and active inquiry that assist students in achieving 21st century skills. In addition, individualized plans are designed for students depending upon their unique educational needs. Parents and families are welcomed as partners in the learning process and have opportunities to become actively engaged in school and learning activities. The schools’ curriculum is aligned to common core standards, and the teachers in the schools are dedicated, knowledgeable professionals who are passionate about ensuring that the best learning opportunities for each student are in place.
How do your schools measure educational outcomes to ensure they’re successfully serving their students?
The Academies use ongoing assessments to measure educational outcomes in order to ensure that we are successfully serving all students. Specific outcome measures include quarterly benchmarks, the Ohio Achievement Assessment and nationally normed assessments. These types of assessments are used to guide instruction in the schools. In addition, the Academies conduct an annual survey of parents and students to assist in decision making to meet needs expressed by both students and parents.
Life Skills High School
Mission statement:
Life Skills High School is Education that fits your life! Life Skills High School is a community school that gives you one-on-one attention and flexible scheduling to help you earn your free high school diploma and achieve future success.
What kind of educational advantage do your schools provide to your students?
Life Skills High Schools are located in Ohio, Arizona and Colorado and offer an alternative high school education to students between the ages of 16 and 21. Class hours and curriculum are designed to be flexible enough to fit each student’s needs through the use of 24/7 anywhere access. In addition, our blended learning model utilizes computer-based instruction supported by highly qualified teachers available for one-on-one attention. Life Skills High School combines academic instruction, life skills preparation and work place training. Students graduate as soon as they complete their high school requirements. Students literally graduate any day of the year.
How do your schools measure educational outcomes to ensure they’re successfully serving their students?
Life Skills High School uses ongoing assessments to measure educational outcomes in order to ensure that we are successfully serving all students. An individualized education plan is developed for each student. Students work with highly qualified teachers to design their personalized daily course load and daily schedule. 24/7 anywhere access to coursework enables our students to design their school schedule around their other important life events such as work and family obligations. In addition, Life Skills High Schools conduct an annual survey of parents and students to assist in decision making to meet needs expressed by both students and parents.
St. Sebastian Catholic School, Akron
Mission statement:
St. Sebastian School is dedicated to Christ, and committed to excellence in education. We honor the Catholic traditions of the past, work to develop our talents today and prepare for Christian service in the future.
How does your school address the individual needs of its students?
All students at St. Sebastian Parish School are enriched every day because our curriculum exceeds the set standards for an elementary school. For students who may struggle in the classroom, the school has full time aides for kindergarten through third grade, a guidance counselor, speech counselor and several tutors that work with students in all grades. There are also several extracurricular activities that students can become involved in such as Power of the Pen, Science Olympiad, Athletics, Student Council, School Band and Drama Club. Most importantly, the teaching staff at St. Sebastian Parish School encourages every student to work to his or her full potential and succeed.
How do you incorporate religion classes into the academic curriculum?
A wonderful feature of St. Sebastian Parish School is the religious formation of our students. Our primary mission is to develop the Catholic faith of our students, which will lead them to encounter God within all of the different areas of our curriculum as well as throughout their daily lives. Our faith formation is maintained through a complete graded course of study in religion, which is taught in kindergarten through eighth grade and covers the basic beliefs, traditions and practices of our Catholic faith. We also offer Sacramental preparation in second and eighth grades.
Archbishop Hoban High School, Akron
Mission statement:
We are a Catholic high school in the Holy Cross tradition. We celebrate our diversity, value each person, and welcome one another with the hospitality of Christ.As a family of learners rooted in gospel values, we empower each other to grow spiritually, mature intellectually, and reach out in service to others.
Within an orderly learning environment, we are committed to challenging each student in both heart and mind to become a compassionate individual, a lifelong learner, and a responsible steward of God’s creation.
What role does faith-based education play in the lives of your students?
Hoban’s mission statement reminds us that we are a Catholic high school in the Holy Cross tradition. The Holy Cross tradition is a balanced, integrated, holistic approach to education where knowledge and faith converge. Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, writes in Christian Education (1856), “Knowledge itself does not bring about positive values, but positive values do influence knowledge and put it to a good use.” We teach in order to nurture people who comprehend reality from the perspective of faith. Education is about wholeness and relationships: the relationship between mind and heart, between scholarship and service, between students and teachers, between schools and society. A Hoban education fosters the values, attitudes and behaviors necessary for individuals to make a real difference in the world.
The University of Akron, Akron
Mission statement:
Our mission is to ensure student success and leverage our region’s unique assets in the creation of knowledge and application of research that benefits humankind.
Our vision is to set a new standard for public research universities in adding economic value and enriching lives.
How does your university prepare students to be successful in the workplace?
The University of Akron prepares students through real-life relevant learning opportunities. Students engage in co-ops, internships, practicums, research, clinicals, and student teaching within all academic programs. A primary example is the UA College of Engineering’s 100-year old Co-op Program, which gets results. Ninety-two percent of qualified students participate in the engineering co-op program. In addition, more than 55 percent of UA engineering students who work in a co-op accept full-time positions from their co-op employers - some with great signing bonuses and near-six-figure salaries - as they approach graduation. As of December 2013, more than 25 of these engineering students who will graduate in May 2014 already have full-time jobs upon graduation.
Relevant learning is without a doubt the most important part of a student’s education and training. The enhancement of student learning through practical hands-on experience affords our students career clarity, development of personal maturity, employment capabilities, and, in many cases, a wage. We want our students to leave our university with a great foundation: a degree and career readiness.
How should high school students prepare themselves to enter a university environment?
It’s important for students to start aspiring early to be a college student, visualizing for yourself that runway to success. Take challenging coursework, and don’t limit yourself to what the high school requires, especially as it relates to science and math. The better the student you are, the better the scholarships you can apply for and receive. Apply for scholarships early. Take advantage of Ohio’s free Postsecondary Education Option (PSEO) Program which can give you a head start on college, but can save you money as well. Make college placement tests a part of your high school priority timeline, and take them early. Those tests include the ACT, SAT, the Plan, PSAT and Explore tests. You should visit as many college campuses as possible so you can decide early what type of school is the best fit for you.
Finally, get involved in diverse activities in your high school and community to insure you become familiar with the global higher education environment you’ll be a part of the moment you step on campus. College is an environment where people are going to be very different from you.
