Introducing Heights Academy

Last year, I sat in a class taught by a member of Ohio’s State School Board. A northeast Ohio school that for years has not had a single student pass a state math test came up in conversation. “People forget that change takes time,” the professor said. “We just need to be patient.”

Her words gave me a flashback to when I taught kindergarten in Cleveland. At the time, in 2014, 3% of 3rd and 4th graders at the school were proficient in math, and 6% in reading. Last year, the numbers were 8% for math and 5% for reading. 

Another generation of students can’t rely on “patience” as a strategy. That’s why we’re building Heights Academy.

Launching in August 2025, Heights Academy will begin serving K-2 (building to K-5 families) with a mastery-based model designed to equip learners with foundational knowledge, skills, and values to shape their future in an environment where every student will feel safe, loved, and empowered to achieve great things. 

Over the past 4 months, I have been honored to participate in the Drexel Fund Founders Fellowship to work towards this end, receiving coaching and support from some of the best schools and educators in the country.

In the weeks ahead, we’ll be sharing much more. Until then, as we head into the holidays I invite you to consider the following:

1. Champion Heights Academy with others. Share School Choice Ohio’s feature about our journey. 

2. Invite:

   • Families: Our first parent information night is on 12/5 and we have a few more spaces available. Invite them to join.

   • Educators: We’re building a team with a relentless focus on growth and excellence looking to redefine the K-5 experience. Invite them to learn more.

   • Board members: We anticipate onboarding 2 more board members after the holidays. Invite someone who could be a fit (especially if there’s legal/financial expertise) to connect.

3. Invest: Heights Academy is designed so that any family can access a great education regardless of zip code and costs less than half alternative options. To do this, we have opportunities to support startup needs and provide an environment, culture, and experience worthy of the students we’re serving.

Thank you for believing in the power of education to transform lives. Together, we can redefine education and build a brighter future for Northeast Ohio families. 

Ben Colas

Founder, Heights Academy
Schedule time to connect