Big ideas start in kindergarten. At New Richmond Preparatory Academy, young learners are encouraged to explore, build, and discover through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and creativity from day one.

Why Families Choose Us

Families choose us because we offer:

· Tuition-free kindergarten education

· Safe, supportive classrooms

· A positive learning culture built on curiosity, collaboration, and innovation

· Hands-on, project-based learning experiences

· Strong partnerships between students, families, and educators

Our Learning Culture

At New Richmond Preparatory Academy, kindergarten classrooms are places where questions are encouraged and ideas are explored. Our learning culture empowers students to think critically, experiment, and learn from both success and challenge.

Our STEAM learning culture emphasizes:

· Curiosity and inquiry, encouraging students to ask “why” and “how”

· Creativity and innovation, blending arts with science and technology

· Collaboration, helping students learn through teamwork and shared problem-solving

· Confidence and growth, so every child feels supported to try new things

In this environment, students develop early skills that prepare them for future learning—while still enjoying the wonder and joy of kindergarten.

The STEAM Approach

Our kindergarten program balances academic foundations with time to explore, build, and play. Students engage in developmentally appropriate learning that supports both intellectual and social-emotional growth.

Our Kindergarten students experience:

· Early literacy and math instruction

· Hands-on STEAM activities and projects

· Opportunities to build, design, and experiment

· Social-emotional learning and collaboration

· Plenty of time to play, move, and explore

This approach helps children build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

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Kindergarten seats are limited, and early applications are encouraged.

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. For families in New Richmond Village, Ohio, the Ohio State Report Card provides a clear and honest look at a school’s academic performance. At New Richmond Preparatory Academy, we are proud to share our latest results, which not only demonstrate our commitment to academic excellence but also solidify our position as a leading charter school in Ohio.

Our 2024 Report Card Highlights

Our students and staff have worked tirelessly to earn these impressive ratings and awards. Here’s a look at our achievements:

• Performance Index (PI) Score: 81.3
• Achievement: 3 Stars (Meets State Standards)
• Rankings: Scores in the Top 10% of all Ohio Charter Schools

What These Results Mean for Your Child

These ratings are more than just numbers; they offer clear benefits for your child’s education and future.

High Academic Performance: Our Performance Index (PI) Score of 81.3 and our 3-Star Achievement rating reflect the academic achievement of our students on state tests. The PI score accounts for the level of achievement of every student, not just whether they are “”proficient.”” This means that we are effectively educating all of our students, helping them grow and learn. This strong performance places our school in the Top 10% of all Ohio Charter Schools, which is a testament to our rigorous curriculum and the hard work of our students and staff.

A Top-Ranked School: Our ranking as one of the best charter schools in Ohio demonstrates that we are delivering a high-quality education that prepares students for a bright future. This recognition confirms our commitment to providing a superior education and places your child in a top-tier academic environment.

At New Richmond Preparatory Academy, our mission is to provide an educational experience that goes beyond the standard curriculum. These results demonstrate our commitment to creating a nurturing and academically challenging environment where every child can reach their full potential. As a STEM-focused school, we integrate science, technology, engineering, and math into a learning program that encourages inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking. This hands-on, project-based approach prepares students to be problem-solvers and innovators, setting them up for success in an increasingly tech-driven world.

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Learn more and discover if New Richmond Prep is the right choice for you.

New Richmond Preparatory Academy was named ACCEL Rookie School of the Year at this year’s ALIVE25 Summit, the annual gathering of ACCEL Schools leaders from across the country. This top honor recognizes the highest-achieving new school in the network. New Richmond’s excellence in academics, student engagement, and teacher commitment also earned the school three additional awards: ACCEL Silver School, Outstanding Student Attendance, and Outstanding Teacher Retention.

“I’m inspired by the educators at New Richmond Preparatory Academy for their dedication to our students,” said Ron Packard, CEO of ACCEL Schools. “They make a real difference in children’s lives, and we’re proud to recognize their success.”

Held annually, the Accelys celebrate the standout achievements of educators across ACCEL Schools’ network of 85+ public charter schools, which serve students from PreK through 12th grade. Awards honor excellence in areas like student attendance, teacher commitment, enrollment growth, financial stewardship, and academic progress.

Congratulations to New Richmond Preparatory Academy on an incredible year!

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Ready to join our award-winning school?

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)

We are proud to introduce a new STEM program for all grade levels for the 2024-25 school year!

WHAT IS STEM?

STEM education is the intentional integration of science, technology, engineering, and math into a learning program that encourages inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Students take an active role in their learning–asking questions, collaborating with classmates, and investigating solutions through experimentation and project-based learning.

EXAMPLE PROGRAMS

• Pumpkin Launch
• Cardboard Boat Contest
• Slot Car Drag Race

Download the STEM Program Flyer (PDF) »

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Join us for STEM programming and more at New Richmond Prep!

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 for students turning five before Oct 1

Well-Rounded Academics

• Community-centered school focused on serving the Village’s educational needs

• Hands-on STEM program encourages curiosity, problem-solving & creativity through active, project-based learning

Special Features

• Safe, supportive school environment where children feel valued & motivated to succeed

• Experienced, dedicated educators provide personalized attention

• Open communication & parent involvement create a positive school culture

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The path to success begins at New Richmond Preparatory Academy! Start your application today:

Congratulations to New Richmond on winning an Executive Principal of the Year award at ACCELence2024, the annual leadership summit hosted by ACCEL Schools. The award recognizes Executive Principal Horn for his visionary direction and commitment to the success of our schools and their teachers and students.

 “It is an honor to recognize the staff and leadership who share our mission and strive to make quality education available to all children,” said ACCEL Schools CEO Ron Packard who presented the awards on July 10.

Recognizing the hard work and success of schools, teachers, and principals is an important tradition at ACCEL Schools, a network of 98 public charter schools serving PK-12 students. The Accelys are awarded to schools with outstanding operational and academic results including student attendance, teacher retention, enrollment growth & retention, fiscal responsibility, benchmark assessments, and state testing. Additional awards recognize outstanding teachers and administrative leaders within the ACCEL Schools network.

As a public charter school, we are open to all students and funded by the state, just like traditional public schools. However, we have the flexibility to design a unique learning environment that caters to our students’ specific needs and aspirations. According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, charter schools are independently operated public schools that have the freedom to design classrooms that meet their students’ needs. All charter schools operate under a contract with a charter school authorizer – usually a  nonprofit organization, government agency, or university – that holds them accountable to the exacting standards outlined in their “charter.”

Why Choose Charter? 
The reasons parents choose charter schools for their children are just as unique as the students themselves. Here are a few of the reasons why families choose charter education: 

Teachers 
Charter schools are known for having dedicated administrators and teachers who have a stake in their students’ success. The charter model encourages innovation, thinking “outside the box,” and going the extra mile to help each student be successful. 

School’s focus 
Charter schools come in many different varieties from STEM-focused schools to bilingual schools to schools that espouse a specific educational methodology, such as Montessori or Waldorf. Parents are often drawn to a charter school for the specific programs it offers. Open Houses and special events on campus are excellent opportunities to get to know what makes each school unique. 

Time for a change 
Whether your child is struggling in his or her current school, needs extra challenge, or simply is ready for a different educational environment, charter schools offer a fresh approach to learning that many families appreciate. Every child is unique and charter schools offer many different options for meeting your family’s educational needs. 

To find out more about charter schools, visit the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools or contact us to find out if New Richmond Preparatory Academy is a good fit for your family. 

At New Richmond Preparatory Academy, we implement the ACCEL Instructional Model (AIM) which starts with an Ohio Standards-based curriculum taught by properly certified and licensed teachers. We frequently assess students (on a bi-weekly schedule) to know if a student is working ahead, falling behind, or right on track when it comes to mastering the learning standards for their grade level.  

Learn more about our academic program »