April 9, 2026

Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy Recognized for Academic Growth

Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy has been recognized by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce with a Momentum Award, honoring schools that are improving student achievement while continuing to demonstrate strong academic growth.

This award reflects measurable progress and a continued focus on helping students move forward academically.

What This Means for Students and Families

The Momentum Award highlights progress that is happening in real time. It shows that students are:

  • Improving academically year over year
  • Building confidence and skills in the classroom
  • Moving forward with consistent support

It also reflects the work happening every day inside the school. Teachers and staff are focused on helping students grow through structured instruction and clear expectations.

Progress That Continues

This recognition reflects both improvement and consistency. It means the school is making gains while continuing to support ongoing student growth.

For families, this signals a school that is focused on steady progress and long-term success.

Part of a Strong Network

Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy is part of ACCEL Schools, a network focused on improving outcomes for students across Ohio.

Of the schools recognized statewide, only 50 were community schools, and 19 are managed by ACCEL Schools.

This reflects a shared commitment to strong instruction, consistent expectations, and support for students and educators.

Looking Ahead

Momentum matters because it reflects both progress and direction. Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy will continue focusing on student growth and building on this progress.


Learn More About Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy

January 8, 2026

Kindergarten Enrollment for Fall 2026 is Open at CASSA!

Choosing the right kindergarten in Buckeye-Shaker is one of the most important decisions families make. Parents want a school that is academically strong, safe, and supportive—where children feel cared for and prepared for long-term success.

A Tuition-Free School with Proven Academic Results

At Cleveland Arts & Social Sciences Academy, we provide families access to a high-quality education without the cost of private tuition.

Our school is recognized by the Ohio Department of Education for strong academic performance, reflecting our commitment to:

· High academic expectations

· Research-based instruction

· Continuous student growth

· Accountability and transparency

Families are encouraged to review our official Ohio Department of Education report card results to see how our school performs academically.

A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

Academic success starts when children feel safe, supported, and valued. We intentionally create a learning environment where students feel confident and cared for—allowing them to focus on learning and growth.

Families choose our school because we provide:

· Safe, well-supervised classrooms

· Caring, dedicated educators

· Consistent routines that support young learners

· A positive school culture built on respect, responsibility, and trust

This nurturing environment helps students build strong academic skills while developing confidence and independence.

Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

Our kindergarten program focuses on developing essential skills that prepare students for long-term success in school. Students receive developmentally appropriate instruction that supports both academic and social-emotional growth.

Kindergarten students at Cleveland Arts & Social Sciences Academy experience:

· Early literacy and math instruction aligned to state standards

· Support for social-emotional learning and relationship building

· Structured routines that encourage focus and responsibility

· Opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement

By combining strong academics with a caring environment, we help students develop a love of learning from the very beginning.

As a tuition-free public charter school, Cleveland Arts & Social Sciences Academy is open to all families. We proudly serve families seeking a high-performing school that prioritizes safety, care, and academic excellence.


Give your child a strong, confident start at a school recognized for academic excellence and care.

December 8, 2025
September 16, 2025

Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy: A Top-Tier Education in Cleveland

For parents in Cleveland, Ohio, seeking a high-performing school, the Ohio School Report Card offers a clear picture of academic excellence. We’re proud to announce that the Cleveland Arts & Social Sciences Academy (CASSA) has achieved outstanding results on our latest report card. These results not only highlight our dedication to academic achievement but also demonstrate our position as a leader in education for Cuyahoga County.

Our 2024 Report Card Highlights

Our students and staff have worked incredibly hard to earn these impressive ratings and awards. Here’s a look at our achievements:

  • Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars
  • Performance Index (PI) Score: 92.8
  • Achievement: 4 Stars
  • Progress: 5 Stars
  • Gap Closing: 5 Stars
  • 20% increase in PI over the last two years

Rankings:

  • The #7 Ohio Charter School
  • Scores in the Top 30% of all Ohio Schools
  • The #2 Charter School in Cuyahoga County

How These Results Benefit Your Child

These impressive ratings are more than just numbers—they are a promise of a high-quality education for your child.

Exceptional Student Growth: Our 5-Star Progress rating is a powerful indicator of our effectiveness. This rating shows that students at CASSA are making significant academic gains, consistently exceeding state expectations.  This means that regardless of their starting point, every child is challenged and supported to grow continuously, building confidence and a love for learning.

An Inclusive and Equitable Learning Environment: Our 5-Star Gap Closing rating proves that we are committed to helping every student succeed. This component measures how well a school is closing achievement gaps between different student groups, ensuring all learners, including those with unique needs, are given the resources and support they need to thrive.

A Proven Path to Success: Our 4.5-Star Overall Rating and top-tier rankings, including being the #2 Charter School in Cuyahoga County, validate that CASSA provides a rigorous and effective academic program. This track record of success means your child will be part of a community that is consistently delivering a top-notch education, preparing them for a bright future in high school and beyond. The 20% increase in our PI score over the last two years also shows a strong trend of continuous improvement.

At CASSA, we believe that education is about more than just a report card; it’s about building a foundation for a successful and fulfilling life. We are incredibly proud of these results, which represent the dedication of our students, teachers, and families.


We invite you to experience our award-winning school for yourself. Learn more about our curriculum and schedule a tour.

July 9, 2025

CASSA Named School of the Year at ACCEL Leadership Summit

Cleveland Arts & Social Sciences Academy achieved the highest honor at this year’s ALIVE25 Summit, the annual gathering of ACCEL Schools leaders from across the country. Named ACCEL School of the Year, the school was recognized for setting the standard of excellence through exceptional academic performance and student growth. CASSA earned top distinctions among schools serving urban communities, including Highest Academic Score, Highest Score in ELA, Highest Score in Math, Highest Score in Science, and Outstanding Student Progress, showcasing academic growth.

“I’m inspired by the educators at Cleveland Arts & Social Sciences Academy for their dedication to our students,” said Ron Packard, CEO of ACCEL Schools. “They make a real difference in children’s lives, and we’re proud to recognize their success.”

Held annually, the Accelys celebrate the standout achievements of educators across ACCEL Schools’ network of 85+ public charter schools, which serve students from PreK through 12th grade. Awards recognize excellence in areas like student attendance, teacher commitment, enrollment growth, financial stewardship, and academic progress.

Congratulations to Cleveland Arts & Social Sciences Academy on a banner year!


Ready to join our award-winning school?

May 12, 2025
January 14, 2025

Celebrating Our Board: Pillars of Our Charter School Community

January is School Board Appreciation Month

As we celebrate School Board Appreciation Month, we want to take a moment to recognize the invaluable contributions of our dedicated Board of Directors. Their unwavering commitment to our charter school community has been instrumental in shaping our school into a thriving hub of learning and growth.

Why Charter Schools Matter

Our charter school offers a unique educational experience that is:

  • Tuition-Free: Accessible to all families in our community, regardless of their financial situation.
  • Safe and Secure: Providing a nurturing and supportive environment where students can learn and thrive.
  • Community-Focused: Partnering with parents, teachers, and the broader community to create a strong educational foundation for our students.

The Role of Our Board

Our Board of Directors plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of our school. They:

  • Set the Vision: Establish a clear and inspiring vision for our school’s future.
  • Make Informed Decisions: Carefully consider all options and make sound decisions that benefit our students.
  • Provide Oversight: Monitor the school’s operations and financial health.
  • Advocate for Our Students: Represent our school’s interests at the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Recruit and Support Quality Staff: Help attract and retain talented educators who are passionate about our mission.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Board members for their tireless efforts. Their dedication and expertise have made a significant impact on the lives of our students.

Let’s take a moment to thank our Board members for their invaluable contributions. Their commitment to our school’s mission is truly inspiring.


Experience the Pillars of Educational Success! Begin your application today:

December 3, 2024

Kindergarten Registration Now Open for Fall 2025

Kindergarten provides the building blocks for success in school and life. Our students start strong with caring teachers, a safe learning environment, and individualized instruction. Discover all that our school has to offer!

Early Learning Programs

• Free, full-day Kindergarten

• Early entrance to Kindergarten option! Four-year-olds with birthdays between 10/1-12/31 who pass an assessment are eligible to enroll

• Free before & after school care from 6:45am-5:00pm

Well-Rounded Academics

• Hands-on, project-based approach to college prep education

• Comprehensive Arts program including band, choir, dance, theatre, drawing & painting

• Lessons, activities & annual events that celebrate Black heritage & culture

• Life skills that build independence & readiness

• Classroom technology includes 1:1 Chromebooks to accelerate learning

Special Features

• Award-winning academics & leadership

• Safe, secure campus with separate floors for elementary & middle schools

• Outdoor playground & new dance studio

• Annual school events including dances, award ceremonies & parent nights

• Free breakfast & lunch


A foundation for success begins at Cleveland Arts & Social Sciences Academy! Begin your application today:

September 13, 2024

2023-24 Ohio Academic Results Announced!

With the release of Ohio School Report Cards on Friday, September 13th, we are excited to celebrate the academic achievement of our students and staff during the 2023-24 school year.

Congratulations Cleveland Arts & Social Sciences Academy for receiving:

  • Overall rating of 4 stars
  • 3 stars on Achievement
  • 5 stars on Progress
  • 5 stars on Gap Closing
  • 100% Third Grade Reading Guarantee

To learn more about school report cards, visit the Ohio Department of Education website.


Ready to enroll in our high-achieving school?

July 11, 2024

CASSA Takes Home Gold School Award, Wins 6 Total Accelys

Congratulations to Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy on winning the coveted Gold School award at ACCELence2024, the annual leadership summit hosted by ACCEL Schools. The Gold School Award recognizes the highest-achieving schools in the ACCEL network that demonstrate strong academic outcomes and positive enrollment growth. The school took home an impressive total of 6 Accelys, including Principal of the Year.

“It is an honor to recognize the staff and leadership who share our mission and strive to make quality education available to all children,” said ACCEL Schools CEO Ron Packard who presented the awards on July 10th. “With an overall Performance Index of 79.8 and strong enrollment growth, CASSA had an impressive year. Congratulations to Principal Jesse Williams and his team on their well-deserved Accely awards this year.”

Recognizing the hard work and success of schools, teachers, and principals is an important tradition at ACCEL Schools, a network of 98 public charter schools serving PK-12 students. The Accelys are awarded to schools with outstanding operational and academic results including student attendance, teacher retention, enrollment growth & retention, fiscal responsibility, benchmark assessments, and state testing. Additional awards recognize outstanding teachers and administrative leaders within the ACCEL Schools network.

CASSA received the following 2023 Accely awards:

  • Gold School
  • Principal of the Year, Jesse Williams
  • Highest Score, English Language Arts
  • Highest Score, Math
  • Highest Score, Science
  • Overall Highest Score

Ready to take the next step and join us?