Who is C.A.S.T.L.E.?
The Cleveland Academy of Scholarship, Technology, and Leadership Enterprise or C.A.S.T.L.E. is a public high school located in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. C.A.S.T.L.E. High School (CHS) operates under a charter granted by the Board of Education of the state of Ohio, and is governed by a Board of Directors.
C.A.S.T.L.E. is a small high school with less than 400 students enrolled in grades 9 through 12. It is the aim of CHS to offer residents of Cleveland and surrounding areas a viable choice in where their children are educated and their spirits, minds, and bodies are cultivated. We fully prepare students through an educational process that is relevant, rigorous, and rewarding.
At C.A.S.T.L.E., our Core Values include:
• Community Involvement
• Academic Success
• Self-Sufficiency
• Life-long Learning
• Respect
• Discipline
• Integrity
C.A.S.T.L.E. High School is made up of 2 academies:
• Traditional Learning Academy
• Credit Recovery Academy for adult learners (ages 18-21)
C.A.S.T.L.E. offers:
• Central downtown Cleveland location
• Caring, highly-qualified staff
• Employment, community service and internship opportunities
• On-site job certification programs
• Ohio Charter School Athletic Association (OCSAA) sports
• Student activities and groups
• On-site childcare option
Click on the links to find out more about C.A.S.T.L.E. Schools
The 3 R's: Relevant, Rigorous and Rewarding
CHS carefully selects curriculum, programs, and other activities that are tied to its vision and mission. To this end, all programs for CHS students must meet one of the following three criteria:
The Three “R’s”
• Relevant – programs that directly teach ideas and principles that will be useful during life after high school.
• Rigorous – programs focused on cognitive and academic development.
• Rewarding – programs that provide intermittent rewards as students reach staff selected benchmarks.
It is the belief of CHS that the right combination of relevant, rigorous and rewarding programs creates a school synergy that promotes students’ meeting the highest of expectations. Simply put, the relevance and rewards provide students with the drive to accept the challenges of the rigor.
Relevant Learning
Rigorous Learning
Rewarding Learning
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C.A.S.T.L.E. High School (CHS) was founded in 2004 in Cleveland, Ohio. It was founded upon the idea that all parents deserve viable educational choices for their children and that the market competition that school choice represents would encourage all school systems to improve their service as well.
In 2004, CHS began with approximately 75 students and 7 staff. The primary means of curriculum administration was a computer-based program that allowed students to accelerate their progress towards graduation. This format remained in place until 2006. Between 2004 and 2006 twenty-one Cleveland-area students earned their high school diplomas from CHS. CHS also earned the state report card distinction of Continuous Improvement from the Ohio Department of Education.
In its third, year CHS expanded its curriculum offerings, adding a more traditional format to its program. This decision brought with it the need for increased staff. This addition to the curriculum allowed teachers to assist students in their preparation for the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT). Enrollment during this time increased to about 360 students.
The fourth year, 2007-2008 was a year of transition for CHS. As student and school needs were examined during the transition process, programs were added to enhance the educational experience of CHS students. Operational functions were successfully transferred to Cleveland, from Dayton and new offices were created.
With the consent of the CHS Board of Directors, the changes initiated in the previous school year continued, and are continuing. The school’s increased emphasis on academic and fiscal accountability will have positive short and long-term effects on the CHS students and the school as a whole.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the school located?
C.A.S.T.L.E. High School is conveniently located at 1729 Superior Avenue, on the corner of 18th and Superior in Downtown Cleveland.
Why and how was the school started?
C.A.S.T.L.E. High School (CHS) was founded in 2004 in Cleveland, Ohio. It was founded upon the idea that all parents deserve viable educational choices for their children and that the market competition that school choice represents would encourage all school systems improve to improve their service as well. To learn more about why and how the school was started, read Our History .
Who can attend C.A.S.T.L.E.?
All students, grades 9-12. For the Credit Recovery Academy, through age 21.
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What is a charter school?
A charter school is a public school that is free from most traditional bureaucratic regulations, allowing these schools to innovate in areas such as educational programs (curriculum, learning standards, standardized assessments, instructional methods), longer school days and years, financial management, special education services, fundraising, marketing strategies, and school governance. This freedom comes with a higher level of academic accountability -- the school must ensure that students learn. Like existing public schools, charter schools are required to administer state assessments and report the results publicly, hold board meetings publicly, and respond to other public information requests.
What is C.A.S.T.L.E.’s educational philosophy?
At C.A.S.T.L.E., our educational philosophy encompasses our Vision, our Mission, and The Three “R’s” (Relevant, Rigorous, and Rewarding Learning) to make for the holistic education of our students. C.A.S.T.L.E. also incorporates a patented H.E.L.P.S. plan into our educational philosophy. The H.E.L.P.S. plan was created by co-founder and CEO Rolando L. Peterson, Sr. M.Ed.
What are pre-assessments?
Mandatory pre-assessment is the most important of the three yearly assessments. This first assessment is important because it provides us with baseline data or - a starting point - for each student's academic ability at the beginning of the year. Once the pre-assessment has been taken, C.A.S.T.L.E. instructional staff have a very solid idea of what their students strengths and weaknesses are. From this point - at the beginning of the year - they can modify and individualize instruction to maximize student learning. When pre-assessments are combined with mid-year and post-assessments, we are also provided with vital data on how much students are learning and have learned in a given year. This same data is used to evaluate and improve teacher effectiveness. It's a win for our students and staff!
Is C.A.S.T.L.E. being run by a management company? Who operates the school?
The school is governed by the Board of Directors and CEO, and under the support of a sponsor.
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How do I enroll in C.A.S.T.L.E.?
Parents interested in sending their children to C.A.S.T.L.E. should call the school at: (216) 443-5400. If you are considering C.A.S.T.L.E. as an option for your child, please call, send an email to info@castleschools.org or visit the school at, 1729 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114.
How many students will be attending C.A.S.T.L.E.?
C.A.S.T.L.E. offers a small-school environment, educating less than 400 students.
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Do I have to wear a uniform?
Yes. Students at C.A.S.T.L.E. are expected to wear uniforms on a daily basis. The uniform includes a polo-style shirt, with school logo embroidered on left chest. The basic colors are black, white, and gold. Uniforms shirts are also available in varied colors (to be worn on select days only) and must be purchased at the school. Check out our Student Page for more information on the uniform dress code.
How do I get to school?
Most students at C.A.S.T.L.E. will be taking the RTA bus to and from school each day. Bus passes will be provided to eligible students based on availability. Students are welcome to walk (if possible) or have a parent or guardian drive them to school as well.
Will there be any sports available?
Yes. Students at C.A.S.T.L.E. will have different athletic programs, intramural and competitive, to participate in. Additional sports will be added each year.
How long is the school year?
First year students at C.A.S.T.L.E. will report to school the third week in August for orientation. All students commence full time coursework at the end of August and finish the year in June.
How long is the school day?
Class hours are from 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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Our Vision:
C.A.S.T.L.E. students will have an opportunity to experience academic success, combined with cognitive, emotional and social development. We strive to achieve this in a highly structured, disciplined, safe and caring environment. We aim to cultivate leaders who are well-rounded and productive citizens. We will accomplish this by setting high standards, incorporating innovative programs and encouraging parental involvement. We are built on a holistic philosophy that emphasizes a positive sense of self, and a concept of moral and purposeful living.