Citizens Academy has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2011 -- a highly coveted national award earned by only 304 schools in the entire country. As Arne Duncan, the United States Secretary of Education, says: "National Blue Ribbon Schools are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their success is an example for others to follow."

A huge congratulations to all the students, staff, and families at Citizens Academy for earning this remarkable award. 

Click here for the full story on WKYC.

2011-12 K and First Grade Supply List

1. (1) 70 count spiral notebook (one subject/wide ruled)
2. (2) pocket folders (no brads)**
3. (1) box of markers **
4. (1) box of #2 pencils)**
5. (1) glue stick**
6. (2) boxes of tissues**
7. (1) box of 4 black Expo Dry Erase Markers**
8. (1) large bottle of hand sanitizer**
9. (1) box of 24 count crayons

Kindergarten students only:

(1) blanket or (1) towel for rest time (to be taken home and washed weekly).
All items with ** will be a part of the community supply for students to use as needed. Please be prepared with these supplies, as they will be used often and will help your child succeed in the classroom.

2011-12 2nd through 5th Grade Supply List

1. (2) 70 count spiral notebook (one subject/wide ruled)
2. (2) pocket folders (no brads)**
3. (1) box of markers**
4. (2) red ink pens**
5. (1) box of #2 pencils**
6. (1) black Sharpie Marker**
7. (1) glue stick**
8. (1) box of tissue**
9. (1) box of 4 black Expo Dry Erase Markers**
10. (2) yellow highlighters**
11. (1) pencil sharpener that holds the shavings
12. (1) protractor (4th & 5th grade only)**
13. (1) large bottle of hand sanitizer**
14. (1) 1" 3-ring binder (no bigger than 1")

All items with ** will be a part of the community supply for students to use as needed. Please be prepared with these supplies, as they will be used often and will help your child succeed in the classroom.

Thank you,
CA Teachers

Citizens Leadership Academy
WDOK 102.1 - December 5, 2010
by Jim McIntyre

A new public charter school opens next August for sixth graders in Cleveland. Principal Shelly Saltzman says Citizens Leadership Academy will offer expeditionary learning. She was joined by fifth-grader Justise Porter, who will be among the first students to attend Citizens Leadership Academy.

Click here to listen to the broadcast.

Ursuline College and charter schools collaborate on program to place teachers in classrooms
The Plain Dealer - November 2, 2010
by Karen Farkas

Ursuline College and a group of Cleveland charter schools are collaborating on a program to place teachers in urban classrooms.

About 20 students in the college's one-year Master's Apprentice Program, for people seeking a second career as a teacher, will be assigned next fall to one of the Breakthrough Schools.

The publicly funded, but privately operated, schools enroll underserved, low-income youth who are often behind their suburban counterparts.

Read more...

Channel 3 News - October 6, 2010
by Kim Wheeler

Click here to watch the video

CLEVELAND -- Back in 2003, Citizen's Academy was in Academic Emergency on the state report card, but much has changed since then.

The turnaround has been dramatic. For the last two years, the school has been rated Excellent on the state report card.

"There's no question they need extra instruction time. It works," says Teacher Kim Peterlin. Peterlin also teaches Saturday school to get students ready for the state achievement tests.

 The kids choose to come and, out of her 52 third graders, 42 showed up for Saturday classes.

 "Our parents are committed, our students and staff are committed to making sure our kids do well," says Peterlin.

 Citizen's Academy has a lot to be proud of.

 On the last state report card, 100 percent of third graders passed reading, and in fourth grade reading and math, African-American students had the highest scores in the state.

Not only does the school offer Saturday school, but it also has a longer day. Students start at 8 a.m. and go until 4 p.m.

 "They have very high expectations, and I like going to school here because I want to go to Case Western Reserve," says fifth grader Justise Porter.