Citizens Academy East

Overview

Citizens Academy East (CAE) is a nonprofit charter school located in Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 2012. It operates under the auspices of Breakthrough Schools, a renowned nonprofit charter management organization in Ohio recognized for providing quality education. CAE was established to address a high demand within the community for accessible educational opportunities and aims to foster academic excellence and responsible citizenship among its students.

Mission and Educational Approach

The mission of Citizens Academy East is to produce learners who exemplify academic achievement and responsible citizenship. The school emphasizes a curriculum designed to engage students actively, cultivating a learning environment where they can thrive both academically and socially. As part of its innovative approach, CAE has implemented programs such as Growth Mindset to enhance student and staff culture, which has contributed positively to the overall school environment.

Programs and Curriculum

Citizens Academy East serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade, currently enrolling over 400 students. The curriculum is crafted to ensure that all subjects are taught by certified teachers, providing a solid foundation in core academic areas. Additionally, students are offered various extracurricular activities, including robotics and music, which enrich their educational experience. One notable achievement includes a viral video of a classroom performance that received over 2.3 million views, showcasing the creative talents of its students.

Community Engagement and Development

The school community is characterized by a diverse student population, reflecting the surrounding areas. CAE actively engages with families and utilizes technology to enhance communication between the school and home, thereby promoting an inclusive atmosphere. This includes initiatives like QR codes at bulletin boards that allow families to access information about classroom projects and events.

Leadership

The governance of Citizens Academy East is supported by a volunteer board comprised of community leaders and professionals in various fields. This governing body ensures that the school adheres to its mission while also managing resources effectively to provide high-quality education.

Achievements and Recognition

Citizens Academy East has consistently performed well in academic assessments, ranking among the top charter schools in Cleveland for student achievements. The school's commitment to excellence was highlighted in its annual reports, which detail its financial health and educational outcomes. The school’s performance index score of 79.0 significantly surpasses the state average and is indicative of its successful educational strategies.

Conclusion

As a member of the Breakthrough Schools network, Citizens Academy East continues to play a vital role in transforming education within the Cleveland community. Through its dedication to academic excellence and a supportive learning environment, CAE seeks to empower its students and prepare them for future success.

[1] https://breakthroughschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Annual-Report-CAE-FInal-With-Bleeds-Revised.pdf [2] https://www.stonecrestga.gov/222/Citizens-Academy [3] https://mycleschool.org/schools/breakthrough-schools-citizens-leadership-academy-east/ [4] https://breakthroughschools.org [5] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/452392722