Download May 2026 Newsletter (PDF)

Principal’s News

Can you believe we are nearing the end of the school year?
This year has gone by quickly, but we aren’t quite finished yet!
We have seen our students grow in stature as well as in academics this year. Next week is a chance for all students to show off their big brains during our iReady testing for Math and Reading. Next week is also a time to celebrate and recognize our AMAZING teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week!!! We want to shower our TERRIFlC teachers this week with kindness, treats, and of course, great behavior!

Have a great and safe summer! See you on August 17th for Open House!

Principal Jarman

Students of the Month – April

• KA (Miss Holzapfel) – Lilli’onna McDowell
• KB (Miss Wood) – Asher Hinzman
• 1A (Mrs. Nicholls)- Oliver Bustos
• 1B (Miss Williams) – Ella Merrifieid
• 2nd (Miss Byler)- Nolan Hewett
• 3rd (Mrs. Morales) – Amelia Henderson
• 4th (Miss Horton) – Rhea Norton
• 5th (Miss Johnson) – Advaita Deshpande

Upcoming School Events

May 2026
Military Appreciation Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

• 1ts – School Lunch Hero Day
• 4th- 8th – Teacher Appreciation Week
• 4th – 8th – Book Fair
• 5th – iReady ELA Testing
• 6th – iReady Math Testing
• 7th – Spring Carnival Testing
• 8th – Library Summer Program Assembly
• 15th – Fun Day
• 18th – Kindergarten Celebration
• 20th – Last Day of School for Students

Book Fair!

May 4th-8th 8:30am -9:00am

iReady Spring Testing

ELA – 5/5/26 MATH – 5/5/26
Please make sure students are at school on time and well rested.
We want to show off our learning.

Spring Carnival

May 7th, 2026 from 5:00pm -6:30pm

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Past Newsletters:

• December 2025 (PDF)
• November 2025 (PDF)
• September 2025 (PDF)
• August 2025 (PDF)
• May 2025 (PDF)
• March 2025 (PDF)
• February 2025 (PDF)
• December 2024 (PDF)
• November 2024 (PDF)

Choosing the right kindergarten in Downtown Niles is one of the most important decisions families make. Parents want a school that is academically strong, safe, and supportive—where children feel cared for and prepared for long-term success.

A Tuition-Free School with Proven Academic Results

At Niles Preparatory Academy, we provide families access to a high-quality education without the cost of private tuition.

Our school is recognized by the Ohio Department of Education for strong academic performance, reflecting our commitment to:

· High academic expectations

· Research-based instruction

· Continuous student growth

· Accountability and transparency

Families are encouraged to review our official Ohio Department of Education report card results to see how our school performs academically.

A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

Academic success starts when children feel safe, supported, and valued. We intentionally create a learning environment where students feel confident and cared for—allowing them to focus on learning and growth.

Families choose our school because we provide:

· Safe, well-supervised classrooms

· Caring, dedicated educators

· Consistent routines that support young learners

· A positive school culture built on respect, responsibility, and trust

This nurturing environment helps students build strong academic skills while developing confidence and independence.

Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

Our kindergarten program focuses on developing essential skills that prepare students for long-term success in school. Students receive developmentally appropriate instruction that supports both academic and social-emotional growth.

Kindergarten students at Niles Preparatory Academy experience:

· Early literacy and math instruction aligned to state standards

· Support for social-emotional learning and relationship building

· Structured routines that encourage focus and responsibility

· Opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement

By combining strong academics with a caring environment, we help students develop a love of learning from the very beginning.

As a tuition-free public charter school, Niles Preparatory Academy is open to all families. We proudly serve families seeking a high-performing school that prioritizes safety, care, and academic excellence.

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Give your child a strong, confident start at a school recognized for academic excellence and care.

Choosing the right elementary school is one of the most important decisions you can make for your child’s future. For families in Niles, Ohio, the Ohio State Report Card provides a clear and honest look at a school’s academic performance. 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:

• Overall Rating: 4 Stars (Exceeds State Standards)
• Performance Index (PI) Score: 95.3
• Achievement: 4 Stars (Exceeds State Standards)
• Progress: 3 Stars (Meets State Standards)
• Gap Closing: 3 Stars (Meets State Standards)
• Early Literacy: 3 Stars (Meets State Standards)
• 10% Increase in PI from the previous year

Rankings:

• The #5 Ohio Charter School
• Scores in the Top 35% of all Ohio 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.

Exceeding Academic Standards: Our 4-Star Overall rating and 4-Star Achievement rating are a powerful indicator of our academic rigor. The Achievement rating shows that our students are performing exceptionally well on state tests, exceeding state standards. This means your child will be part of a school that is consistently delivering a high-quality education in core subjects.

Strong Foundational Skills: Our 3-Star Early Literacy rating proves that we are meeting state standards in teaching foundational reading skills to our youngest learners. A strong start in reading is crucial for all future learning, and this rating assures parents that we are on the right track in preparing our students for a lifetime of success.

A High-Performing School: Our ranking as the #5 Ohio Charter School and scoring in the Top 35% of all Ohio Schools is a testament to our overall performance. This recognition confirms our commitment to providing a superior education and places your child in a top-tier academic environment. The 10% increase in our PI score over the last year also demonstrates our dedication to continuous improvement.

At Niles 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.

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We invite you to learn more about how our school can benefit your child.

Niles Preparatory Academy took home two awards at this year’s ALIVE25 Summit, the annual gathering of ACCEL Schools leaders from across the country. The school earned the prestigious ACCEL Gold Award, recognizing exceptional academic achievement and a thriving school community. Rounding out the accolades: a win for Outstanding Student Attendance.

“I’m inspired by the educators at Niles 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 Niles Preparatory Academy on a banner 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)

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

• Early entrance to Kindergarten option! Four-year-olds with birthdays between 10/1-12/31 who pass an assessment are eligible to enroll

• Free summer school keeps students learning all year long

Well-Rounded Academics

• Extended instructional time in Math & Reading daily promotes mastery

• Character Education emphasizing respect, responsibility & self-control

• Social-emotional skill building to manage emotions & make responsible decisions

• Creative & Performing Arts instruction fosters imagination & self-expression

• PE program that promotes fitness, health & teamwork

• Classroom technology includes 1:1 Chromebooks to accelerate learning

Special Features

• Caring, empowering teachers & staff

• Safe, secure campus with outdoor playground, art room, library & more

• Free counseling, speech therapy & other student support services

• Free breakfast & lunch

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

Download Flyer (PDF)

Flyer Information:

Niles – Mineral Ridge – Mcdonald

• Food Program
• Toy Program

401 Vienna Ave. – Niles
330-652-6412

9:00 am – 5:00 pm
November:

• Friday 1st
• Monday 4th
• Wednesday 6th
• Thursday 7th
• Friday 8th
• Monday 11th
• Tuesday 12th
• Wednesday 13th

Applicants: Please bring the following:
Photo ID, Proof of Residency, Income Verification, Medical Cards for the Children

With the release of Ohio School Report Cards on Friday, September 13th, we are excited to celebrate the academic achievement of our students and staff during the 2023-24 school year.

Congratulations Niles Prep for receiving:

• Overall rating of 4 stars
• 3 stars on Achievement
• 3 stars on Progress
• 3 stars on Early Literacy
• 5 stars on Gap Closing

To learn more about school report cards, visit the Ohio Department of Education website.

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Ready to enroll in our high-achieving school?

Dear Families,

We are excited to welcome you back for the 2024-25 school year!

Our school year is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, August 14^th.  We will begin student drop-off at 8:15am, instruction begins at 8:30am, and student pick-up begins at 4:00pm.

As we prepare for the new school year, we have a few important details:

1.  Please drop off your children at the back glass doors of the school (enter from South Arlington Ave – see attached map). Just a reminder, parents CAN NOT enter the school building during drop-off time. Staff will ensure students get to the correct classrooms.
2. Open House is Wednesday, August 14th, 2024, from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. There will be a special meeting for kindergarten parents on August 14th, starting at 5:00 PM in the gym to give important beginning of the year information.
3. To help ensure student drop-off runs smoothly on the first day, students do not need to bring supplies during arrival time, please bring supplies during our Open House.
4. Transportation information will be coming out by the end of the week (August 9th, 2024). If you have any questions, please contact the Transportation Department at (330) 652-5764. We look forward to welcoming your children back to school and meeting you at the Open House.

As you prepare for the new year, please visit the Resources page of our website to view or download our school calendar, supply lists, dress code, handbook, and more: nilesprepacademy.org/resources  

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our school office team by calling (330) 989-7474 or emailing mjarman1@nilesprepacademy.org.

We look forward to seeing you soon and welcoming your student back to school this fall!

Sincerely,

Melanie Jarman
Principal

*See the map below for drop off/pick up traffic path.

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Here is a map to assist with student drop off and pick up traffic in the parking lot. 

Car rider families – Please follow the arrows through the staff parking lot to drop off and pick up your student(s). Please be prepared to exit/enter the car quickly to keep the flow of traffic moving. At dismissal, please remain in your car. Your student will be brought to you. All visitors must enter through the front door located on Chestnut Ave.