Our education guide is packed with options for your family to find great schools and local students chime in on what would make a perfect place to learn and grow!
Central Catholic High School
2550 Cherry St., Toledo • 419-255-2280 • www.centralcatholic.org
Central Catholic High School, a co-educational college preparatory learning community, prepares students to excel academically, mature spiritually, grow socially and to engage in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Christ the King School
4100 Harvest Ln., Toledo • 419-475-0909 • ckschool.org
Christ the King, a Catholic K-8 elementary school in Toledo strives to incorporate our faith into every aspect of our day including exceptional academics along with our many extra-curricular activities. CK is the first school in Toledo to be a ‘Leader in Me’ school, which teaches leadership skills using The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. We also boast 90 iPads with 90% of our classrooms outfitted with Apple TVs to enhance children’s learning experiences.
Educare Academy
806 Starr Ave., Toledo • 419-693-7550, ext. 211
educareacademy.com
Their educational child development programs serve children ages 0-12 at ten convenient Toledo area locations.
FOCUS: We are dedicated to providing the highest level of education and quality care. Our centers provide an enriching atmosphere for children to learn and play, providing parents with security and peace of mind.
ABOVE AND BEYOND: Our qualified staff go above and beyond to deliver enhancement programs such as Baby Einstein Sign Language, Preschool and School Age Spanish, Read for Literacy, and Toledo Museum of Art Family Center visits.
QUALITY STANDARDS: Our star rated programs are recognized by the Ohio Step Up to Quality system for offering high quality child development and educational services including kindergarten readiness, educational preschool, implementation of Creative Curriculum/Teaching Strategies Gold Assessments, and for employing a highly qualified staff.
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Sophie Sakowski, 2nd grader, St. Catherine’s
If Sophie could change anything about school, she reflects, “I would have no teachers and only play games to learn. School would be better than it already is if teachers didn’t yell, and [if] they passed out snacks.” She also adds, “We are going to a new school and it is going to be fun because everybody is nice… and happy.”
Emmanuel Christian School
4607 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo • 419-885-3558 • ecstoledo.org
ECS serves as a K-12 private education school.
Mission: To assist the Christian family by providing students with Godly, loving training that inspires them to exemplify Christ and attain academic excellence.
COOL PERKS: Sports, arts, as well as AP and other accelerated classes.
OPEN HOUSES: February 6, February 22, March 13, April 15, and May 12.
All at 7 pm unless otherwise noted. CHARACTER COUNTS: It is our goal that students graduate from our college-prep school and live according to the truth of scripture,” says Bob Flamm, head administrator of Emmanuel Christian School. “We strive to develop the whole person, with a sense of patriotism, spirituality and high academicism.”
Gateway School
4650 W. Bancroft St., Toledo • 419-536-6503 • gatewaypre-k.com
Gateway School is a nationally-accredited preschool and kindergarten.
GOAL: “We teach to the individual,” says Dan O’Connor, owner and business manager. “We believe early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploration, and discovery.”
MAKING THE GRADE: Three star member of Step Up to Quality, Ohio’s voluntary quality rating system.
DEVELOPING MINDS: Gateway’s curriculum focuses on social and emotional development, physical development, language arts, math, science and social studies.
Tenley Brown, Preschooler, Stepping Stones.jpg)
In order to make preschool perfect, Tenley says, “I would make a real Christmas tree with lights there…and a new Christmas rug,” and she would make it “Christmas every day at my school!” Her favorite part of school is “When the teacher says it’s circle time,and everybody says, ‘Here!’”
G.O.A.L.
Green Options for Autism of Lucas County
1660 Amesbury Rd., Toledo • 419-250-0407
facebook.com/greenoptionsforautismoflucascounty
G.O.A.L. provides a day/vocational program for young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities to develop job skills, an entrepreneurial spirit and self-determined job opportunities.
Izabella Kurtz, 3rd grader, Harvard Elementary.jpg)
Izabella would like to add a few things to the curriculum: “I would like to have more multiplication and more recess because to me, I’m really good at [math].” She adds that school would be better if there were “more challenges and definitely better lunches. The lunches are disgusting! When they do burgers, I call them barf burgers; that’s how disgusting they are!”
HOPE Learning Academy of Toledo
4324 Monroe St., Toledo • 419-297-6313 • hopelearningacademy.org
“The Perfect Place for Exceptional Learners” is an alternative K-8 tuition-free charter school with sensory and social skills-integration.
HOPE PROMISE: We are committed to providing a rigorous academic education for the exceptional child with specialized learning needs in a non-traditional classroom setting. Our research proven curriculum, infused with social growth, sensory integration, and art enrichment, cultivates “self-reliance, critical thinking and problem solving skills”.
TEACHING TO THE ABILITY: HOPE specializes in serving students identified with mild to moderate learning needs such as ADHD, FASD, Asperger’s Syndrome and Specific Learning Disabilities. Our students benefit from a learning environment with small class sizes that are immersed in sensory and social skills integration and a technology and art enriched curriculum centered on academic rigor and multi-sensory approach.
PARENT POST: “I know that the staff are all motivated to see the kids succeed and will work hard to help each child as an individual to work towards their full potential.” ~HOPE Parent~
Simon Sakowski, 5th grader, St Catherine’s.jpg)
“If I could change one thing [about school] I would have no mean teachers…no more yelling! If I could add one thing about school, I would have there be doughnuts on our desks every morning.”
James Meade Learning Center
4909 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo • 419-843-5097 • jamesmeadelearningcenter.com
Teachers are trained and understand early child development and meeting the individual needs of each child. JMLC maintains small teacher to child ratios in every classroom. Our teachers will encourage, support and teach your child through a variety of creative lessons designed for the interest and development of your child. We will strive together to nurture your child with consistent love, respect, honesty and integrity. We develop a relationship with each child that last beyond their years of early education.
Kids Unlimited Academy
Tuition free K-4 public charter school
2105 McCord Rd., Toledo • 419-725-5437 • kidsunlimitedacademy.org
Kids Unlimited Academy commits to offering children in under-served areas the educational opportunities they need to reach their full potential by preparing them to graduate from high school. We will do this by helping them develop the necessary academic and social tools, along with a strong sense of values and character, within an atmosphere of love and respect. Kids Unlimited Academy fully supports the whole child in his/her pursuit of excellence in the four foundational domains of development: cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. These four domains comprise the essential building blocks of life-long success as a learner, worker, family and community member. Kids Unlimited Academy is more than a school; it is a community where students, teachers, families, administrators, board members, and the greater Toledo community work and learn together- to excel individually and collectively.
Makayla Brown, Kindergartener, Maplewood Elementary
Makayla likes being in kindergarten, but she would change one thing: “My classroom would be a princess room.” She says that school would be even better than it already is if she could “play with snails and puppies.” The best part of her day is “playing with the kitchen at recess,” which she then explains is actually “a toy kitchen.”
Lial Catholic School
5700 Davis Rd., Whitehouse • 419-877-5167 • lialschool.org
This Catholic school for students beginning with readiness (4 and 5 year olds) through middle school (13 year olds) and creates a caring community while focusing on Gospel values in formation of the whole child. Students work at their own pace in multi-age groupings in open spaces for interaction among classrooms. The campus sits on 96 wooded acres. Voice and private piano lessons and Spanish are available during the day for all students. Parent volunteers make up an important part of the school’s culture, and are regular helpers in the classroom.
Jack Moorman, 1st grader, Luckey Elementary (Eastwood).jpg)
Jack doesn’t wish to change anything about school: “It’s perfect the way it is; there’s nothing wrong with it.” On second thought, he adds, “I want more recess because I play a lot in the playground."
Bridget Stiger, Freshman, Northview High School.jpg)
“If I could change something about school, I would decrease the number of tests we take, and I’d take away the fear of not having straight As. School could be improved by having teachers who enjoy what they do and are engaging with the students, rather than sitting at their desks all the time.”
Maritime Academy
803 Water St., Toledo • 419-244-9999 • maritimeacademy.us
MISSION: To provide cadets with individualized, national standards-based education that infuses nautical/maritime themes into traditional subjects.
STUDENT SUCCESS: The academy’s Maritime Career Technical Education Program is the first and only in the State of Ohio and in the U.S. to cultivate a new generation of diverse mariners for the maritime industry.
NEW FACILITY: Our new Maritime simulators for a unique high school-to-work Maritime Career Technical Education Program (CTE).
Maumee Valley Country Day School
1715 S. Reynolds Rd. • Toledo, OH • 419-381-1313 • mvcds.org
Maumee Valley Country Day School is an independent, co-educational college prep school for preschool through grade 12. Their mission is to enable students to become enlightened, compassionate and contributing citizens of our global community, while preparing graduates for their best opportunities in higher education. Maumee Valley attracts motivated, able students who have a range of academic interests and diverse backgrounds, and whose families value education. Its challenging curriculum, student centered school life, and supportive community inspire and equip students for a lifetime of learning.
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Shiloh Reynolds, 8th grader, Springfield Middle School
“If we were able to change anything about school, I would want more hands-on experiences. I feel that many students spend a good chunk of their time at school sitting at a desk, taking notes or watching videos about the topic. Hands-on activities and experiments would allow students to be engaged in the topic, and learn much more… and make students less bored.”
Northwest Ohio Scholarship Fund
The Northwest Ohio Scholarship Fund is accepting applications for its annual scholarship lottery for the 2014-2015 school year. If you reside in Lucas, Wood or Fulton County, your child could be selected to receive a need-based scholarship of up to $1,500 for private school or $500 for homeschool expenses for K-8. For more information and to apply, visit www.nosf.org or contact the NOSF office at (419) 720-7048. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 30, 2014.
Notre Dame Academy
3535 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo •419-475-9359 ext. 3136 • nda.org
Girls get a jumpstart on high school preparation at Notre Dame Junior Academy (NDJA). The seventh and eighth grade program encourages academic excellence, builds self-confidence, and enriches girls’ faith life and service to others. NDJA includes foreign language, classes taught by master teachers, an academic assist period, expanded math options, and one-to-one iPads. NDJA develops critical study and organizational skills for a college-prep high school. Accepting applications now, call 419-475-9359 ext. 3126 or go to nda.org.
Penta Career Center
9301 Buck Rd., Perrysburg • 419-666-1120 • pentacareercenter.org
Penta offers career-technical programs for high school students in grades 10-12. Programs prepare students for immediate employment and further education. Students can choose to study a career in any of the following areas: agriculture & environmental systems; arts & communication; business; construction; education; health science; human services; hospitality; information technology; law & public safety; manufacturing; marketing; and transportation. Students benefit from opportunities such as: scholarships, college credits, early job placement, internships, certifications, and student organizations.
Professional Skills Institute
1505 Holland Rd., Maumee • 419-720-6670 • proskills.com
MISSION: Career education for a lifetime of success.
DIVERSE: Professional Skills Institute proudly educates students from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The result has been the placement of many graduates in rewarding professions such as Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Physical Therapist Assisting and Practical Nursing.
NEW FACILITY: Patricia Finch founded PSI in 1984 with just two students. Today, the student body has grown significantly and now resides in its newest location: a 60,000 square foot facility situated on 11 acres that includes larger labs for hands on experience.
STUDENT SUCCESS: Upon successful completion of their program, students may earn a Diploma or an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Students are also eligible to take examinations for specific licensures. Currently, the Practical Nursing program boasts a 100% passage rate for students who have taken the NCLEX-PN for the first time!
Jacob Reynolds, Junior, Springfield High School.jpg)
“If I could change anything about school, I would get rid of grades. Learning should be about seeking knowledge and understanding. The current system is not even close to this. Tests do not show what a person knows.” Jacob would also start the school day later: “I think that a day more like a standard work day would be much appreciated by students. Teenagers like to stay up late and get up late.”
St. Joseph’s School
5411 Main St., Sylvania • 419-882-6670 • stjosephschoolsylvania.org
St. Joseph School Sylvania is an elementary school dedicated to Catholic faith formation and academic excellence. SJS is the only Catholic elementary school with two campuses – the west campus for preschool- grade 5 and the east campus for middle school students, grades 6- 8. Dedicated to educating the whole child, over half of our teaching staff has advanced degrees in education. Always open to the opportunities that new technology presents to classroom instruction, a 1:1 initiative will be introduced at the middle school in the fall of 2014. At SJS, there is a high level of parental support and involvement. Steadfast in the mission to grow students strong in mind and spirit, SJS is a ministry of St. Joseph’s Parish, also open to enrolling students who are non-parishioners and of alternative denomination
St. Patrick of Heatherdowns
4201 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo • 419-381-1775
school.stpatrickofheatherdowns.org
St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, a Roman Catholic school community, is committed to assisting families in educating their children spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially in a Christian environment.
Emma Brown, 7th grader, Perrysburg Junior High.jpg)
“One thing I would change about school is the start time. It is especially hard when I have lots of homework and it keeps me up late.” Emma continues, “My favorite part of school is the hands-on stuff because we get to experience what the teachers are teaching, not just watch and listen to them tell us about it.”
St. Ursula Academy
4025 Indian Rd., Toledo • 419-531-1693 •
toledosua.org
SUA is an all-girls, Catholic, college preparatory school
serving grades 6-12.
MISSION: Since 1854, St. Ursula has been educating young women to develop their spiritual, intellectual, physical, and
emotional well-being in light of the values found in the Gospel and reflected in the life of St. Angela Merici.
IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS: 100% college acceptance; 14 AP and 16 honors courses; leadership opportunities in over 40 clubs.
RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY: National and state championship-winning athletic teams, nationally recognized fine arts program, nationally recognized Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Team, and winner of the 2013 Jefferson Award for exceptional service.
Toledo Public Schools
420 E. Manhattan Blvd., Toledo • 419-671-8263 • tps.org
Toledo Public Schools’ mission is to produce competitive college and career ready graduates through a rigorous curriculum across all grade levels by implementing Ohio’s New Learning Standards with fidelity. TPS strives to be an ‘A-rated’ school district whose graduates are college and career ready.
Toledo Volleyball Club
2901 Key St., Maumee • 419-794-4656 • toledovolleyballclub.com
SERVING IT UP: Toledo Volleyball Club is dedicated to teaching everything volleyball to ages 8 to 18. Skill levels include beginning to advanced levels. Private lessons and Strength & Jump Training are available in addition to local and travel teams. Individual Skill Camps & TeamClinic in summer and fall.
PRESTIGIOUS ALUMNI: Lauren Paolini- All American and current member of the USA National team, Sarah Florian-Iceman- former Captain of the Junior National Team, Ashley Schatzle- All American, Ellen Herman- 2008 MAC Player of the year, All American Honorable Mention Rachelle Hagerty- 2005 Gatorade Player of the Year, Ashley Frazier- 2012 NCAA Senior Class Award Finalist.
TJ Borucki, Senior, Springfield High School.jpg)
In order to improve school, TJ says, “I would change the ‘food’ they serve for lunch. Also, I think students should have more control over which core classes they take. Being in school would be a better experience if more people enjoyed their education.” He goes on to state, “My favorite thing about school is having a community of people whose job is to help students to learn and to make sure their lives are going well.”
West Side Montessori
montessoritoledo.org
Toledo Campus
13 months – eighth grade
7115 W. Bancroft St., Toledo • 419-866-1931
Perrysburg Campus
13 months-Kindergarten
13587 Roachton Rd., Perrysburg • 419-874-9385
WHAT’S DIFFERENT? “Montessori schools are distinguished by self-motivated, independent children who increasingly take responsibility for their own learning. Children are focused on ‘their work’ in a peaceful democratic community,” says Lynn Fisher, Head of School. Fisher continues, “Dr. Montessori believed that all children are born with an insatiable desire to learn. From birth they reach out to discover their world. If they are encouraged to explore and engage, their curiosity also grows.”
TEACHER TALK: “A true Montessori school is distinguished by Montessori certified teachers who implement the Montessori philosophy, methodology and curriculum with Montessori learning materials. Montessori classrooms often have 2 specially trained teachers with a pupil/teacher ratio of 1/10 – 1/15. Additional co-curricular teachers for world languages, music, art, technology and physical education are common,” says Fisher.
GRADUATES: “Montessori graduates are creative, eager to try new things, have highly developed organization skills, are collaborative, confident speaking in front of groups, seek leadership roles and have a strong sense of self. They are value-centered. West Side Montessori graduates exhibit strong academic skills and challenge themselves to excel. Most enroll in honors and advanced placement courses in public, parochial, and private high schools. Many report that their college experience is the closest thing that mirrors their Montessori education,” Fisher says.
Whitmer Career & Technology Center
5719 Clegg Dr., Toledo • 419-473-8339
washloc.k12.oh.us/ctc
With career opportunities for students in grades 9-12, Whitmer CTC offers College Tech Prep programs to help students explore the best career options and earn college credit. Gaining job experience is difficult in today’s economy, especially when most jobs require “prior experience.” In addition to their academic classes, students in the career tech programs participate in a “School to Work” program. They never have to hesitate to complete the dreaded “Previous Experience” section on their job application. Stop by Whitmer CTC for an oil change, a gourmet lunch or a haircut! All of these services are offered by students, under the supervision of a certified instructor, for you to benefit and for the students to gain experience in their career field.
Student Talk: What Kids REALLY Think About School
By Erin Marsh
Message Beans By DuneCraft: Imagine getting a potted bean plant with a magical "I Love You" message that appears right on the actual bean when it sprouts and on its first set of leaves! These magical bean plants can also say things like, “Be Mine” or “Forever Yours” or there’s even a “Kissing Bean” plant that sprouts the words "Kiss Me”! Here you will also find luscious lips engraved on the beans and first set of leaves too. What could be more special or unique than magical plants that grow messages on them? These plants are sure to be items your loved ones won’t soon forget. DuneCraft Message Beans make the ultimate gift for significant others, parents, kids, grandparents, teachers, etc and retail for only $4.
Lisa Leonard Designs: Those who have our deepest affections hold the strings that are forever bound to our hearts. Lisa Leonard Designs “heartstrings” necklace is a simple, organic expression of deep feeling. This beautiful pewter disc is customized with either two, three or four heartstrings and strung on a sterling silver-filled link chain. Around the edge can be hand-stamp names, words, or a date of your choice. This gift is so unique and absolutely filled with meaning. It retails for $45.
done DNA testing this year to find out more about their heritage. So why not give that someone you love a gift that will unlock mysteries from their past by allowing them to trace their ancestral roots? With a simple test that arrives in the mail people can learn incredible new details about unique ethnic origins and so much more. We guarantee this will be a one-of-a-kind gift your loved one won’t ever forget. Ancestry tracing kits start at only $99.
BirdAve Poster: Looking for something to give to the hard-to-shop-for guy in your life? BirdAve has custom prints designed with your favorite saying, cityscape…even stadiums! These modern prints are great, affordable pieces of art that will remind your loved one of you every day! Prints start at $20.
Ronco EZ-Store Rotisserie: Killing two birds with one stone gift. Forgo the long wait times at restaurants this V-Day. There is nothing more romantic than a quiet, private dinner at home with that special someone. Spend less time waiting for a table and more time with the object of your affection this year by preparing a delicious meal using the Ronco EZ-Store Rotisserie. This rotisserie makes even the clumsiest person in the kitchen, a gourmet chef because it literally does all the work for you. Then you can also give it as a gift to that someone special in your life! Retails for $120.
Monkeez: And let’s not forget your little Valentine this year. Give them adorable, cuddly sock monkey style animals (lions, gators, cows, etc.) These make a great stuffed animal friend and also teach your Valentine about LOVE, charity and giving back. With each plush pet, comes a special code for kids to redeem online. The code lets them select a charity and Monkeez and Friends will donate a portion of what you paid for the pet to the charity of your child’s choosing!
Sophie Sakowski, 2nd grader, St. Catherine’s
