En español

En español.

Story by Justin Glanville     Photos by Julie Van Wagenen

For refugee and immigrant students, Academy offers ‘the chance for a new life’

Jennifer Rhone walks the hallway of Thomas Jefferson International Newcomers Academy, where she’s one of two assistant principals, and gives a tall, dark-haired boy a wave.

“I’d adopt him if I could,” she confides, out of earshot. “He’s so smart and kind, but he’s struggled since he got to the U.S. He had a really difficult childhood…”

The next meeting of the Transformation Alliance Board of Directors is scheduled for June 19, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm, in the Mandel Community Room at the Centers for Families and Children, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44103

Our School Quality Guide, available online and in print, is the only resource with objective information about every district and charter school in Cleveland.

Above, Kim Wheeler from Facing History New Tech High School in Old Brooklyn talks to families about the school.

En español.

The next meeting of the Transformation Alliance Board of Directors is scheduled for May 8, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm, in the Mandel Community Room at the Centers for Families and Children, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44103

Fair offers support, guidance for high school-bound students and families

Story by Justin Glanville     Photos by Julie Van Wagenen

The summer before his first year at John Marshall High School, Antonio Perez was terrified.

The next meeting of the Transformation Alliance Board of Directors is scheduled for March 13, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm, in the Mandel Community Room at the Centers for Families and Children, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44103

En Español

Join the Transformation Alliance, Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District as we host our West Side High School Fair on March 2, 2017, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the John Marshall High School Campus, 3952 W. 140th Street, Cleveland, OH  44111.

CLEVELAND, February 23, 2017 -- Collaborative work to reinvent public education in Cleveland continues to show mixed results, according to a new report released today by the Cleveland Transformation Alliance. Cleveland's Plan for Transforming Schools, the citywide plan to ensure quality schools for all children, was launched in 2012 by civic leaders and continues to drive improvement efforts.

Para familias y estudiantes del 6to al 8avo grado que asisten a escuelas distritales, privadas o charter.

La Alianza de Transformación de Cleveland, Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation y el Distrito Escolar Metropolitano de Cleveland presenta la Feria de Escuelas Secundarios del Lado Oeste de Cleveland.

                                                A group of parents discuss a film students and parents watched at Facing History New Tech High School.

Story by Justin Glanville     Photos by Julie Van Wagenen

Developing empathy and community from half a world away

The lights go down in an auditorium at Facing History New Tech High School in Old Brooklyn, and a large movie screen flickers to life.

The Transformation Alliance is seeking a Program Coordinator to support our work as part of Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming Schools.

The ideal team member will be a self-starter with two to three years of experience in an administrative and/or project coordination role, strong organizational skills, familiarity with the education sector, and a passion for improving the quality of education in Cleveland. The Cleveland Transformation Alliance has a culture of passion for education, continuous learning, teamwork, transparency, and thoughtfulness.

The next meeting of the Transformation Alliance Board of Directors is scheduled for December 12, 2016, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm in the Mandel Community Room at the Centers for Families and Children, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44103

The Transformation Alliance Board of Directors will be holding a retreat on November 18, 2016, from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Union Club, 1211 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115.

The next meeting of the Transformation Alliance Board of Directors is scheduled for October 24, 2016, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm in the Mandel Community Room at the Centers for Families and Children, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44103

Support Cleveland's district and charter schools and keep the momentum that's building with Cleveland's Plan for Transforming Schools.

• Join us for brief speeches from students, parents, teachers and others in support of Issue 108.
• Hear the CMSD drum line and the Cavaliers' "Scream Team."
• PIck up a yard sign and other campaign materials.

Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 6 pm

East Technical High School  |  2439 East 55th Street

Cleveland school plan beginning to show results, but incremental progress is not enough, Alliance reports

CLEVELAND, September 12, 2016 – Work toward the goals of Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming Schools is beginning to have an impact, but progress remains slow, according to a new report by the Cleveland Transformation Alliance. The Cleveland Plan, launched in 2012 by civic leaders, seeks to reinvent public education in our city by creating a diverse portfolio of district and charter schools.

A special meeting of the Transformation Alliance Board of Directors is scheduled for September 12, 2016, at 5:30 pm n the Mandel Community Room at the Centers for Families and Children, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44103.

The next meeting of the Transformation Alliance Board of Directors is scheduled for August 29, 2016, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm in the Mandel Community Room at the Centers for Families and Children, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44103.

   Connections made through Broadway P-16 helped Carlotta Jackson pay back rent and stay in her Slavic Village apartment.

In Broadway-Slavic Village, supporting students means supporting their families

by Justin Glanville     Photos by Julia Van Wagenen

The next meeting of the Transformation Alliance Board of Directors is scheduled for June 20, 2016, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at the Mandel Community Room at The Centers for Families and Children, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44103.

   Devonta' James Edmonds is studying precision machining at Max Hayes High School.

At Max Hayes, students get hands-on preparation for life after high school

by Justin Glanville               photos by Julia Van Wagenen

This month’s stories feature voices of students at Max S. Hayes, a career and technical high school on Cleveland’s near west side.

Many Cleveland schools, both district and charter, are enrolling students now for next year. Some schools hold open houses or give tours for prospective families. 

Upcoming

May 16 -- End of Stonebrook Montessori's open enrollment period.

May 18, 5 pm -- Global Ambassadors Language Academy open house.

                         Santiago Chabrier is a Max Hayes graduate studying chemical engineering at Case.

At Max Hayes, students get hands-on preparation for life after high school

by Justin Glanville               photos by Julia Van Wagenen

This month’s stories feature voices of students at Max S. Hayes, a career and technical high school on Cleveland’s near west side.

Assistant Principal Christa Jemison and her son Max at Mary McLeod Bethune

Assistant principal watches after ‘her own’ – and 300 others – at Bethune PreK-8

Story by Justin Glanville     Photos by Julie Van Wagenen

Christa Jemison’s husband was staring at her, stunned.

She’d just told him where she wanted to enroll their son for preschool: at the district school in Cleveland where she worked as assistant principal.

“I don’t know about that, Christa,” he said.

The Transformation Alliance is seeking a Communications and Marketing Manager who can help build our capacity in the areas of communications, marketing and community outreach. More information is available on our Careers page at ClevelandTA.org/careers.

The Cleveland Transformation Alliance is a Cleveland International Film Festival community partner for the film THE BAD KIDS.

First-ever School Quality Fair is a one-stop shop for schools

by Justin Glanville                          photos by Julia Van Wagenen

The scene in Public Hall, Cleveland’s historic convention auditorium, doesn’t seem unusual at first glance: Men and women sitting at booths, vying for the attention of attendees. Pizza and drinks being served in one corner. A DJ spinning high-energy tunes in another.

Then the conversations come into focus.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Transformation Alliance Board of Directors will hold a public meeting on Monday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m. at The Centers, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. 

For questions, please contact Piet van Lier at piet.van.lier@clevelandta.org, 216.592.2420.

At its meeting on Monday, March 7, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Transformation Alliance appointed Piet van Lier as its new executive director.

Since February 1, 2016, van Lier had been serving the Alliance as Acting Executive Director. He joined the staff in June 2014 as Director of School Quality, Policy and Communications.

"I am excited to move into the director position at the Alliance," said van Lier. "It's an honor to have the opportunity to help lead our collaborative work to ensure all Cleveland children can attend quality schools."

Cross-pollination helps bring quality education to all

by Karin Connelly Rice, Fresh Water Cleveland

En Español

Join the Transformation Alliance and PRE4CLE on March 5, 2016, as we host our first-ever School Quality Fair, designed to serve Cleveland families looking for preschools and public K-8 schools, both district and charter, that best fit their children’s needs.

In two stories this month, we talk to principals who’ve moved between district and charter schools in Cleveland. Their journeys show how ideas from the two different types of schools can foster “cross-pollination” of practices.

Perry principal traded fast lane for a life of connection

by Justin Glanville      Photos by Julia Van Wagenen

Not long ago, Anne Priemer’s life was fancy.

She traveled the world working for a global health-consulting firm and lived in a nice  apartment in Manhattan.

In two stories this month, we talk to principals who’ve moved between district and charter schools in Cleveland. Their journeys show how ideas from the two different types of schools can foster “cross-pollination” of practices.

Stepstone principal makes sure everyone knows she’s watching -- in a good way

by Justin Glanville      Photos by Julia Van Wagenen

Principal Toni Miller is in her office at Stepstone Academy in Cleveland, completing a quarterly ritual.

Venga al Cleveland Public Auditorium el 5 de Marzo, 2016, para la primera Feria de Escuelas de Calidad, organizada por la Cleveland Transformation Alliance y PRE4CLE. La Feria es para familias de Cleveland buscando una educación de calidad en centros pre-escolares y escuelas K-8 públicas, tanto del distrito como charter.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Transformation Alliance Board of Directors will hold a public meeting on Monday, February 1, at 5:30 p.m. at The Greater Cleveland Partnership, 1240 Huron Road East, Cleveland, OH 44115. 

The Compact is a pledge by the school district and local charter schools to improve collaboration and work toward shared goals.

In Slavic Village, a purple chair, roller skates and parental outreach help turn around a troubled school

By Justin Glanville         Photos by Julie Van Wagenen

Kids actually like hanging out with Sharra Wimberly.

To eat lunch with her is considered a privilege, even though she’s at least their parents’ age, has the very adult-sounding title of wraparound site coordinator at Fullerton School of Academics in Slavic Village, and sits in an office right across from the principal’s.

School dinners give parents a chance to connect with their kids – and each other

By Justin Glanville     Photos by Julia Van Wagenen

It’s family dinner night at Fullerton School of Academics in Slavic Village, and Alonzo Clark stands guard as eager young hands reach for oatmeal cream pies and strawberry danishes.

“Only one, guys,” he tells two little girls. Their disappointment lessens when he hands each a glass of orange Kool-Aid.

They streak off to join their families, sitting at tables in the school’s gymnasium.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Transformation Alliance Board of Directors will hold a public meeting on Monday, December 14, at 5:30 p.m. at The Centers, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. 

For questions, please contact Piet van Lier at piet.van.lier@clevelandta.org, 216.592.2420.

Three CMSD high schools take unique approaches to learning

Passionate principal oversees the 'low hum' of student creativity

Jacqui Miller is leading a tour of Stonebrook Montessori School, the new public charter school where she’s principal, when she stops in the middle of a hallway.

“Ooh, there’s a beautiful thing happening on the floor right there,” she says. “Come on.”

John Marshall attracts students to classes in business, computers -- and robots

When Tim Primus was helping create the curriculum for the new John Marshall School of Engineering earlier this year, his colleagues thought he was crazy.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Transformation Alliance Board of Directors will hold a public meeting on Monday, October 26, at 5:30 p.m. at The Centers, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. 

For questions, please contact Piet van Lier at piet.van.lier@clevelandta.org, 216.592.2420.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Transformation Alliance Board of Directors will hold a public meeting on Monday, September 28, at 5:30 p.m. at The Centers, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. 

For questions, please contact Piet van Lier at piet.van.lier@clevelandta.org, 216.592.2420.

Usted puede ver en forma digital la edición impresa de La Guía de Calidad de las Escuelas. Este formato ofrece otra manera de aprender sobre la calidad de las escuelas públicas de Cleveland, además de nuestro sitio web interactivo.

The print edition of the Transformation Alliance's 2015 School Quality Guide is available online as a linked and searchable digital flipbook. This format allows the viewer to learn about Cleveland's public schools by paging through an online magazine as a supplement to our interactive website.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Transformation Alliance Board of Directors will hold a public meeting on Monday, August 31, at 5:30 p.m. at The Centers, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. 

For questions, please contact Piet van Lier at piet.van.lier@clevelandta.org, 216.592.2420.

The Cleveland Transformation Alliance is proud to serve as a host site for such a wonderful group of interns for the summer!

The July 9 article on school reform, ''Focus of city school plan shifts,'' may lead readers to misunderstand the Cleveland Transformation Alliance's report on Cleveland's Plan for Transforming Schools.

The Cleveland Plan is focused on moving children into good schools and out of failing schools — a trajectory that has begun.

Did you happen to miss the wonderful discussion on 90.3 WCPN ideastream®'s The Sound of Ideas on the plan to remake public education in Cleveland this past week? If so, both an audio and video recording of the broadcast has been placed online by WCPN for your enjoyment. Check it out here. Guests featured on this program included:

CLEVELAND, June 22, 2015 – Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming Schools, launched three years ago by civic leaders, is beginning to have a positive impact on education in the city’s district and charter schools, according to a new report by the Cleveland Transformation Alliance.

Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming Schools is beginning to have a positive impact on education in the city’s district and charter schools, but much work remains to be done to truly transform education in Cleveland, according to this report by the Transformation Alliance. 

Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming Schools is beginning to have a positive impact on education in the city’s district and charter schools, but much work remains to be done to truly transform education in Cleveland, according to this report by the Transformation Alliance. 

The Cleveland Transformation Alliance today released its 2015 School Quality Guide, created to help Cleveland families better understand their public school options and find the best school – district or charter – for their children. The interactive web companion to the Guide, ClevelandTA.org, has also been updated. 

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Transformation Alliance Board of Directors will hold a public meeting on Monday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. at The Centers, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. 

For questions, please contact Piet van Lier at piet.van.lier@clevelandta.org, 216.592.2420.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Municipal School District Transformation Alliance, Board of Directors, will hold a public meeting on Monday, January 26th at 5:30 p.m. at The Centers, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. 

For questions, please contact Matt Orehek at matt.orehek@clevelandta.org or 216.592.2415.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Municipal School District Transformation Alliance, School Quality Committee, will hold a public meeting on Monday, January 26th at 1:00pm p.m. at The Centers, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. 

For questions, please contact Matt Orehek at matt.orehek@clevelandta.org or 216.592.2415.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Municipal School District Transformation Alliance, School Quality Committee, will hold a public meeting on Monday, January 26th at 1:00pm p.m. at The Centers, 4500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. 

For questions, please contact Matt Orehek at matt.orehek@clevelandta.org or 216.592.2415.

Recently, Transformation Alliance Executive Director Megan O'Bryan's column was featured by Northeast Ohio Media Group on cleveland.com and in print in the Plain Dealer. 

"The word is out – Cleveland is a national leader in the effort to reinvent public education.

The Laura and John Arnold Foundation is providing nearly $3 million to support key education reform strategies outlined for the Cleveland Transformation Alliance and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming Schools, the Alliance and CMSD announced today.

On May 6, 2014, the governing authority that oversees both Believe to Achieve Academy – Cleveland and Believe to Achieve Academy – Canton voted to close the schools effective June 30, 2014, due to student enrollment that was consistently less than initial targets and therefore “adversely impacted the fiscal sustainability” of the schools. 

The Cleveland Transformation Alliance (CTA) today announced that local education advocate and policy expert, Piet van Lier, has been hired as its Director of School Quality, Policy and Communications. In this new leadership position, Mr. van Lier will work to ensure every child in Cleveland attends an excellent school and that every neighborhood has a multitude of great schools from which families can choose.