Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership

Our school

Learn about Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership, our mission, and the programs and values that shape our school community.

About our school

North Star School of Innovation and Leadership is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade in the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. The school received a Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education in 2026, recognizing significant gains in student achievement.

The school's model centers on leadership development and character alongside rigorous academics. Leadership isn't a single class or an afterschool club. It's woven into daily instruction, so students practice decision-making, self-advocacy, and collaboration as part of how they learn every subject. The school calls this approach "Safe to Soar," building a culture where students feel secure enough to take risks, ask questions, and grow without fear of failure.

Social-emotional learning runs through the school day. Students develop the habits that support both academic success and personal maturity: emotional regulation, relationship skills, responsible decision-making. Project-based instruction connects classroom learning to real problems, so students don't just absorb information; they use it.

STEM learning is hands-on, with summer STEM camps extending the experience beyond the school year. Students also have access to basketball, soccer, track, and other seasonal athletics. Community events and family engagement opportunities keep parents connected to what's happening inside the building.

Support services include on-site counseling for social, emotional, and academic needs, before and after care for families who need extended-day support, free bus transportation for eligible students, and free breakfast and lunch for every child. Tutoring and targeted academic intervention are available for students who need additional help.

There is no tuition, no application fee, and no cost to families.

North Star School of Innovation and Leadership is located at 4310 E 71st St, Cleveland, OH 44105. You can reach the school by phone at (216) 429-0232. Visit the school online at northstarclev.org.

Community School

Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership is a public, community school. We are our own school district sponsored by the Charter School Specialists, which provides oversight and enforces academic, fiscal, and legal accountability. We are managed by ACCEL Schools, a high-performing network of over 50 charter schools located throughout the United States. Community Schools (Charter Schools) offer families an alternative to the local public school. Community schools are tuition-free, open to all students in the county, and focused on meeting student needs for success. Community schools are among the top-performing schools in the nation. Read more about charter schools.

Mission Statement

At NorthStar School of Innovation & Leadership, our mission is to cultivate a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment where every student can discover their potential, develop leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to their community. Grounded in collaboration with families and neighbors, we guide students to reach higher, think creatively, and soar to new heights—together.

Managed by ACCEL Schools

Founded in 2014, ACCEL Schools is a K-12 public charter school management organization (CMO) serving students across the United States in brick-and-mortar, virtual, and hybrid school settings. We focus on improving academic outcomes of students regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic factors. The leadership team at ACCEL Schools has a combined 1000+ years of experience as global school management operators with expertise in curriculum research and design, assessment, student support services, and education consulting. Our entire team fundamentally believes that all children deserve a great education and students should be supported as they pursue a wide variety of post-secondary options. Our robust technology increases engagement, access to resources, efficiencies, and academic results helping our students become productive global citizens.

Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership!

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Now Enrolling Grades K-8 in Cleveland, Ohio

K-8 Community School Managed by ACCEL Schools

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ACCEL Schools is a high-performing network of over 50 charter schools located throughout the United States

Tuition-Free, Public Charter School

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Choose Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership for your child.

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