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About The Steel Academy

A tuition-free public charter school in Akron, driven by the belief that every student holds the key to an extraordinary future.

Students at The Steel Academy
2015 Founded in Akron
Our Story

Where Champions
Are Made.

The Steel Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school serving grades 9-12 in Akron, Ohio. Governed by Steel Academy, Inc. and operated by The Educational Empowerment Group, we're fully accredited and sponsored by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

We go beyond traditional education — inspiring students through unique teaching methods that spark curiosity, and a powerful integration of arts and career-based learning that directly prepares them for the vibrant futures that await, all in a four-day school week.

That commitment has earned us School Culture of the Year, an Overall Exceeds Standards Rating, and Exceeds Standards ratings in both progress and graduation rate.

2015Founded in Akron
6CTE Career Pathways
250Total Capacity
25-28Avg. Class Size
4-DaySchool Week
What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Every decision and classroom interaction at The Steel Academy is guided by these principles.

🧩

Every Student's Unique Needs

A nontraditional educational approach for students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, or any learning differences.

🎭

Arts & Career-Based Learning

Music, drama, theatre, and art fully aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards, integrated with real CTE pathways.

🛡️

Safety First

Daily metal detector screening and a clear-bag policy keep every student safe.

🤝

We Serve Everyone

Steel Academy is an inclusive school for every student — not just a special education school, as some assume.

How We Teach

A Curriculum Built for
Every Learner

Our teaching philosophy centers on individualized academics, relevant career training, and immersive technology — including state-of-the-art VR headsets that bring lessons to life across every subject.

Individualized Support

One-on-One & Student Success Plans

One-on-one support from teachers and community resources, student success plans, credit recovery, and CBI skills for every learner.

Career Technical Education

Real Industry Credentials

Construction, Culinary Arts, Health (CNA), Career Based Intervention, Business & Leadership, and Cosmetology prepare students for careers right after graduation.

Immersive Technology

VR-Enhanced Learning

State-of-the-art virtual reality headsets bring interactive lessons to life across literacy, science, history, and CTE.

Arts Integration

Music, Drama & Theatre

Visual and performing arts, including our Magical Theatre partnership, fully aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards.

Learning at The Steel Academy
Our People

The Team Behind Every Student's Success

Our educators are passionate, experienced, and deeply committed to the Akron community they serve.

Administration and school leadership team

Administration & School Leadership

Principal & School Leadership

Led by Principal Renee Holt, our leadership team has driven School Culture of the Year and multiple staff recognition awards.

Classroom and CTE instructors

Classroom & CTE Instructors

Teaching & CTE Faculty

Dedicated educators delivering individualized instruction across Construction, Culinary Arts, Health, Business, and Cosmetology pathways.

Enrollment and family support team

Enrollment & Family Support Team

Enrollment & Family Support

Led by Colin Howard, our team guides every family from first contact through enrollment, answering questions every step of the way.

Take the Next Step

Ready to Build Your Student's Future?

Connect with a friendly enrollment counselor today. No commitment required.