RICHLAND ACADEMY OF THE ARTS

In 2006, the RAA implemented what has become one of the most meaningful collaborations between the RAA and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) to become a Sponsor of Community Schools. Community Schools are innovative free public schools designed by educators, parents, or civic leaders that are open by choice and accountable to the State of Ohio for results. Charter schools (called Community Schools in Ohio) are independently run and innovative public schools, that foster partnerships between parents, teachers, and students. The National Association of Public Charter Schools has reported that for the past 20 years, the public charter school movement has been a leader in innovation and education reform. RAA has earned an Effective sponsor rating each year since 2017 based on a comprehensive assessment conducted by the ODE. During the 2022-2023 academic year, the RAA will sponsor five community schools including Case Preparatory Academy in Akron; Cesar Chavez College Preparatory School in Columbus; Columbus Bilingual Academy North; Lorain Bilingual Preparatory Academy; and Northside Preparatory Academy in Cincinnati. The RAA is committed to providing our community schools with arts programming.The history of the RAA is important because the institution has served as an incubator for unique community education programs like ZoomZone (2003), the IMAC Conversion School (2005), Foundation Academy (2004-2009), and the Pioneer High School for Performing Arts (2009). The Richland Academy School of Excellence, now known as the Richland School for Academic Arts (RSAA, 2010-2015), was developed by RAA leadership where we maintained operational duties for all facets of the RSAA education programs. The future of the RAA is bright as we lead arts education forward in six Ohio counties and encourage everyone to "Explore the Artist Within."