NorthStar School of Innovation and Leadership (formerly known as Hope Academy Northcoast) has been recognized with a Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, honoring schools that are making strong gains in student achievement while continuing to demonstrate growth.

This award reflects measurable progress and a clear focus on student outcomes.

What This Means for Students and Families

The Momentum Award shows that students are:

• Improving academically year over year
• Building essential skills
• Moving forward with strong support

It also reflects the work of teachers and staff supporting student success.

Progress That Builds

This recognition highlights steady improvement and continued growth over time.

Part of a Strong Network

NorthStar School of Innovation and Leadership 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 and student success.

Looking Ahead

The school will continue building on this progress and supporting students as they grow.

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Learn More About NorthStar School of Innovation and Leadership

Finding the right kindergarten is a big decision. You want a school where your child feels safe, curious, supported, and excited to learn—without the burden of tuition. We’re excited to share that Kindergarten enrollment for Fall 2026 is now open at NorthStar School of Innovation & Leadership!

A Program Designed for Young Learners

Our kindergarten program is designed to meet young learners where they are—curious, energetic, and eager to explore the world around them.

Kindergarten students benefit from:

• Hands-on, experiential learning that builds curiosity and confidence
• Small, supportive classroom environments where every child is known
• Community-centered values that encourage collaboration, kindness, and belonging

High Quality Education

We believe kindergarten should be joyful, engaging, and meaningful—laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Families across Slavic Village choose our school because we combine high-quality education with a welcoming, inclusive community!

As a public charter school, we are:

• Tuition-free
• Open to all families
• Focused on academic growth and whole-child development

Our kindergarten program helps students develop early literacy and math skills while also building independence, creativity, and strong relationships.

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If your child will be entering kindergarten in Fall 2026, now is the time to apply. Spots are limited and fill quickly!

We are thrilled to officially announce a momentous new chapter in our school’s history! Effective Wednesday, October 22, we will be transitioning from Hope Academy Northcoast to our new identity: Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership.

This is more than just a name change; it represents a comprehensive commitment to a new vision, a renewed focus on academic excellence, and a stronger partnership with our community to ensure every student reaches their highest potential.

A New Vision: Community, Structure, and Leadership

The core of the Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership is our Community-Focused Leadership vision. Our leadership is dedicated to engaging the broader community, involving families, and listening to the voices of both students and parents.

This transition brings a critical Cultural Shift, emphasizing transparency, shared ownership, a strong academic focus, and a renewed sense of structure and values that will move our school forward. The eagle remains our powerful mascot, symbolizing the themes of flight, aspiration, and elevation that will guide our students.

Elevating Academics and Support

Addressing past challenges with academic focus and behavioral structure, Northstar School is implementing significant, rigorous changes to ensure student success:

• Renewed Academic Rigor: We are placing a renewed, strong emphasis on academic rigor and accountability for all students and staff.
• Targeted Support: We have launched summer intensive small groups to support students in developing core academic skills and will continue to focus on individualized growth.
• The Enrichment Block: A key initiative is the new afternoon enrichment block, which is being introduced to support life skills, future readiness, and student engagement. These exciting programs include:
  • STEM: Coding Club, Girls Mentorship, and a robust STEM Program.
  • Future Readiness: Entrepreneurship Club, Financial Literacy Programs, and Cosmetology.
  • Life Skills & Arts: Cooking Club, Debate Team, and a Theatre and Arts Club (leveraging the multipurpose room).
• The Northstar Right Framework: This new framework will clearly define the school’s values and behavioral expectations, providing the structure and clear expectations needed for a positive and productive learning environment.

Safety, Structure, and Student Leadership

Creating a safe, well-structured environment is a top priority. We are committed to improving school culture, raising behavior standards, and ensuring consistent expectations for both students and staff.

To foster a new generation of leaders, we are launching a New Student Ambassador Program. Selected students will represent the new school, lead tours, assist at school events, and model the exemplary behavior and leadership that the Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership stands for. These student leaders will proudly wear new branded blazers as a symbol of their commitment.

We look forward to partnering with all our families and the Cleveland community as we embark on this exciting journey. The future is bright, and with the Northstar guiding us, our students are set to soar!

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Join our innovative school in its exciting new chapter!

Choosing the right school for your child in Cleveland, Ohio, is a big decision. At Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership, we believe in transparency and are proud to share our latest Ohio State Report Card results. This report card provides a clear look at our academic performance and highlights our commitment to student success.

Our 2024 Report Card Results

Here is a summary of our ratings from the 2024 Ohio State Report Card:

• Overall Rating: 3 Stars
• Progress: 4 Stars
• Gap Closing: 3 Stars
• Over 20% Increase in PI (last 2 years)

Why Our Results Matter for Your Child

These ratings offer crucial insights into the quality of education your child will receive at our academy.

Exceptional Student Progress: Our 4-Star Progress rating is a key indicator of our effectiveness. This rating shows that students at Hope Academy Northcoast are making more than a year’s worth of academic growth on average. It’s a testament to our dedicated teachers and our focused approach to instruction, which ensures every child is challenged to grow and learn, regardless of their starting point. A 4-star rating in this category means your child will be on an accelerated path of learning, which can build confidence and a strong academic foundation.

Meeting State Standards for All Students: Our 3-Star Gap Closing rating demonstrates our commitment to an inclusive and equitable learning environment. This rating shows that we are meeting state standards in helping to reduce achievement gaps between different student groups. It indicates that all students are receiving the support they need to succeed, proving that we are a school where every child can thrive.

Consistent Academic Improvement: The over 20% increase in our Performance Index (PI) score over the last two years shows a strong upward trend in our academic performance. The PI score is a comprehensive measure of student achievement on state tests, and this significant increase proves that our instructional strategies are effective and continuously improving.

At Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality education that goes beyond a single rating. Our results in Progress, Gap Closing, and our remarkable PI score increase highlight our core mission: to foster significant academic growth for every student in a supportive and nurturing environment.

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We invite you to learn more about how our school can benefit your child.

PARENT PORTAL

You will need the student code from your school office to sign up.

• Check your child’s grades
• Communicate with teachers
• Update personal information

Sign up using an internet browser! Access the Parent Portal

Download Flyer (PDF)

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.

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

Our students begin their learning journey with nurturing teachers, a secure environment, and individualized learning experiences. Set your child up for success in school and life. Explore everything our school can 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 school care beginning at 6:30am

Well-Rounded Academics

• Hands-on approach that develops practical life skills

• Creative Arts instruction in music and art fosters imagination & self-expression

• Foreign language instruction builds communication skills & cultural awareness

• Character Education emphasizing the values of respect, responsibility & kindness

• Life Skills that build independence & readiness

• Classroom technology includes 1:1 Chromebooks to accelerate learning

• PE program promotes fitness, health & teamwork

Special Features

• Encouraging, growth-oriented teachers & staff

• Safe, secure campus with separate buildings for elementary & middle school

• K graduation & achievement ceremonies

• Free breakfast & lunch

• Free counseling, tutoring & other support services

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The path to success begins at Northcoast Academy! Start your application today:

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 Northcoast Academy for receiving 3 stars on Progress!

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

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Ready to enroll in our high-achieving school?

What is PBIS?

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a framework designed to improve school-wide behavior. It’s a proactive approach that focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors, rather than just punishing negative ones. PBIS is based on the idea that all students deserve to learn in a safe and supportive environment.

How Does PBIS Work?

PBIS involves three tiers of support:

1. Tier 1: This is the universal level, where all students are taught the same expected behaviors. These are typically outlined in a school-wide behavior matrix.
2. Tier 2: This is the targeted level, where students who need additional support receive small-group interventions. These interventions might include social-emotional learning lessons or behavior management strategies.
3. Tier 3: This is the intensive level, where a small number of students receive individualized support. This might involve one-on-one counseling or specialized behavioral programs.

Benefits of PBIS

PBIS has numerous benefits for students, teachers, and the school community. Some of these benefits include:

• Improved academic achievement: When students feel safe and supported, they are more likely to be engaged in learning.
• Reduced disciplinary incidents: PBIS can help to create a more positive school climate by teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors.
• Increased student engagement: PBIS can help students to feel more connected to their school community.
• Improved teacher job satisfaction: When teachers have the tools and support, they need to manage student behavior, they are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs.

PBIS is a valuable tool for promoting positive behavior and creating a supportive learning environment at Northcoast! By teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors our school will thrive this school year!

Enroll with us today to be part of the positive change!

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We are excited to add Willie Banks III to our leadership team at Hope Academy Northcoast as Executive Principal. With over 20 years of leadership experience in private and charter schools, he has a proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments that drive student success. As current Executive Principal of STEAM Academy of Warrensville Heights, Banks will continue to lead while focusing on high expectations, clear goals, and strong partnerships with parents and educators at both schools.

Banks holds a BA in English and a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum Design, Instruction, and Leadership. Prior to his role at Northcoast Academy, he served as ACCEL Schools’ Director of Family and Community Engagement and as principal for Wright Preparatory Academy and Wright Academy. A strong advocate for school choice, he was the founding principal of Greater Heights Academy, one of the first charter schools in Cleveland.

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Ready to join us here at Hope Academy Northcoast?