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Dear Community,

Welcome to University of Cleveland Preparatory School (UCP), a learning community which values high expectations for both academics and behavior.  UCP staff embraces students, families, and communities to build and develop well rounded individuals who are independent critical thinkers and intrinsically motivated to be life-long learners. We believe that all children can learn as we seek to make a difference in the lives of our students.

The teachers and staff at UCP are committed to providing a quality education for all students in a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment. We are committed to ensuring that each child reaches his/her full potential.

Currently, UCP has a student population of approximately 400 students in grades K-8.  In addition to core academic subjects, students have the benefit of weekly art, and physical education, classes. Special services available to students include:  special education, literacy support, and counseling. School hours are 8:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

We encourage all parents/guardians to maintain regular communications with their child’s teachers and be actively involved in the school community.  Checking the school calendar, website, and our Facebook page for events and activities will help keep you informed.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact the office by calling (216) 361-9720.  We are looking forward to meeting your child and helping foster a love of learning.

Sincerely,
Phillip Penn
Principal

Philip Penn, Executive Principal

Phillip Penn joined ACCEL Schools in 2017 as a school principal with over 12 years of experience as a K-8 educator and administrator. As Executive Principal at ACCEL Schools, he oversees leadership development, instructional programming, operations, and strategic planning for two schools in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools, Mr. Penn served in teaching and leadership roles in public and charter schools including ICAN Schools, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and Warrensville Heights City Schools. Mr. Penn is passionate about urban education and working in inner city schools, especially his hometown of Cleveland. Educational equity is a top motivation and priority in his work, and he prides himself in communication and developing supportive relationships. Mr. Penn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership as well as a Master’s degree in Education from Cleveland State University.

Debroah A. Mays, Superintendent

Debroah Mays joined ACCEL Schools in 2015 with over 17 years of experience in K-12 Education and Human Resources management. As Regional Vice President, Ms. Mays oversees leadership development, instructional programming, fiscal responsibility, daily operations, and strategic planning for multiple schools in Northeast Ohio. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools, Ms. Mays served as Superintendent, Principal, and Teacher in urban schools, and Associate Vice President at an employment and training consulting firm. Ms. Mays is a self-motivated executive with high performance standards and the ability to articulate a clear vision and objectives to all stakeholders. She has proven experience implementing multi-million dollar school budgets, and analyzing and controlling expenditures with an understanding of instructional programs and the budgeting process. She is an experienced and well-rounded leader with expertise in areas of counseling, public relations, budget oversight, and academic administration. Ms. Mays holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Notre Dame College and a Master’s degree in Education-Adult Learning & Development from Cleveland State University.

Community School

University of Cleveland Preparatory School is a public, community school. We are our own school district sponsored by the Ohio Council of Charter Schools (OCCS) which provides oversight and enforces academic, fiscal, and legal accountability. We are managed by ACCEL Schools, a high performing network of over 50 charter schools located throughout the United States.

Community Schools (Charter Schools) offer families an alternative to the local public school. Community schools are tuition-free, open to all students in the county, and focused on meeting student needs for success. Community schools are among the top-performing schools in the nation. Read more about charter schools.

Founded in 2014, ACCEL Schools is a K-12 public charter school management organization (CMO) serving students across the United States in brick-and-mortar, virtual, and hybrid school settings. We focus on improving academic outcomes of students regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic factors. The leadership team at ACCEL Schools has a combined 1000+ years of experience as global school management operators with expertise in curriculum research and design, assessment, student support services, and education consulting. Our entire team fundamentally believes that all children deserve a great education and students should be supported as they pursue a wide variety of post-secondary options. Our robust technology increases engagement, access to resources, efficiencies, and academic results helping our students become productive global citizens.