CITIZENS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Citizens Leadership Academy is a Title I public charter middle school with about 261 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 10 teachers, Citizens Leadership Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 26:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Citizens Leadership Academy (CLA), located in the University Circle area of Cleveland, is a public charter school that serves students in grades 6 through 8. Operating under the Breakthrough Public Schools network, the academy is founded on the core belief that middle school is a critical developmental bridge. Its mission focuses on cultivating "citizens" by emphasizing high academic expectations, strong character development, and active civic engagement.

The school’s academic philosophy is built on a "college-prep" model, utilizing a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for success in competitive high schools and beyond. Beyond the classroom, CLA distinguishes itself through its school culture, which places a heavy emphasis on community responsibility, leadership, and personal integrity. By integrating service-learning projects and leadership-focused programming into the daily experience, Citizens Leadership Academy aims to empower its students to become informed, active participants in their local community and the broader society.

For more information, contact Citizens Leadership Academy at (216) 229-8185 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.