Since the first Charter School opened in Minnesota in 1991, interest has spread across the country. Today, all but eight states have a charter school law in place. More than 690,000 students are enrolled in 2,695 schools across the United States. In 1997 the law enabling Charter Schools to open in Ohio passed. The language was written by then State Representative Sally Perz, working closely with then Governor, George Voinovich and Senior Advisors. The law began as a “pilot” in Lucas County allowing a maximum of 20 charter schools. The Aurora Academy opened in 1998 as the first Charter School in Ohio. Today, over 150 schools exist in Ohio with a total enrollment approaching 40,000 students.
The Academy for Kids began in 1988 as an in-home program. It was quickly evident there was a great need for quality care and education in the area in 1989. The center was established as a licensed facility by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and opened with 8 children, three of whom belonged to the founder, Bev Yoakum. Under her direction, the center has carried five licensed centers, including Paint Valley Latchkey and Tiny Tigers Childcare. Condensing them all into one campus at 1246 Western Ave. expanded the program to include a school age summer program for siblings of others who attended the Academy for Kids. In 2007, the Academy became Academy for Early Learning Chartered School, obtaining it's own accreditation from the Ohio Department of Education by way of the charter of the former Southern Hills Academy. The school currently offers many programming options for educating children six weeks to 6th grade.
Next: Faculty & Staff |
Our History
