Foundation Academy has earned a Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, recognizing schools that are improving achievement while continuing to show strong student growth.

This award highlights measurable gains and a clear focus on helping students succeed.

What This Means for Students and Families

The Momentum Award reflects meaningful progress for students. It shows that students are:

• Making steady academic gains
• Strengthening core skills
• Moving forward with confidence

It also reflects a learning environment where teachers and staff are focused on supporting each student’s growth.

A Focus on Growth

This recognition shows that improvement is happening and continuing. It reflects a school-wide commitment to helping students achieve and move forward academically.

Part of a Strong Network

Foundation Academy is part of ACCEL Schools, a network focused on improving outcomes for students across Ohio.

Of the schools recognized statewide, only 50 were community schools, and 19 are managed by ACCEL Schools.

This shared performance reflects a commitment to consistency and support across schools.

Looking Ahead

Foundation Academy will continue building on this progress with a focus on student success and continued growth.

---

Finding the right kindergarten is a big decision. You want a school where your child feels safe, curious, supported, and excited to learn—without the burden of tuition. We’re excited to share that Kindergarten enrollment for Fall 2026 is now open at Foundation Academy of Mansfield!

A Program Designed for Young Learners

Our kindergarten program is designed to meet young learners where they are—curious, energetic, and eager to explore the world around them.

Kindergarten students benefit from:

• Hands-on, experiential learning that builds curiosity and confidence
• Small, supportive classroom environments where every child is known
• Community-centered values that encourage collaboration, kindness, and belonging

High Quality Education

We believe kindergarten should be joyful, engaging, and meaningful—laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Families across Mansfield choose our school because we combine high-quality education with a welcoming, inclusive community!

As a public charter school, we are:

• Tuition-free
• Open to all families
• Focused on academic growth and whole-child development

Our kindergarten program helps students develop early literacy and math skills while also building independence, creativity, and strong relationships.

---

If your child will be entering kindergarten in Fall 2026, now is the time to apply. Spots are limited and fill quickly!

Choosing the right school for your child in Mansfield, Ohio, is a big decision. At Foundation Academy, we believe in transparency and are proud to share our latest Ohio State Report Card results. This report card provides a clear look at our academic performance and highlights our commitment to student success.

Our 2024 Report Card Highlights

Our students and staff have worked diligently to achieve these results, which highlight our commitment to student growth and a positive learning environment.

• Overall Rating: 3 Stars (Meets State Standards)
• Performance Index (PI) Score: 68.4
• Progress: 4 Stars (Exceeds State Standards)
• Gap Closing: 3 Stars (Meets State Standards)
• Over 10% Increase in PI over the last year

Why Our Results Matter for Your Child

These ratings offer crucial insights into the quality of education your child will receive at our academy.

Exceptional Student Progress: Our 4-Star Progress rating is a key indicator of our effectiveness. This rating shows that students at Foundation Academy are making more than a year’s worth of academic growth on average. This is a testament to our dedicated teachers and our focused approach to instruction, which ensures every child is challenged to grow and learn, regardless of their starting point. A 4-star rating in this category means your child will be on an accelerated path of learning, which can build confidence and a strong academic foundation.

Meeting State Standards for All Students: Our 3-Star Gap Closing rating demonstrates our commitment to an inclusive and equitable learning environment. This rating shows that we are meeting state standards in helping to reduce achievement gaps between different student groups. It indicates that all students are receiving the support they need to succeed, proving that we are a school where every child can thrive.

A Consistently Improving School: The over 10% increase in our Performance Index (PI) score shows a strong upward trend in our academic performance. The PI score is a comprehensive measure of student achievement on state tests, and this significant increase proves that our instructional strategies are effective and continuously improving.

At Foundation Academy, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality education that goes beyond a single rating. Our results in Progress, Gap Closing, and our remarkable PI score increase highlight our core mission: to foster significant academic growth for every student in a supportive and nurturing environment.

---

Learn more and discover if Foundation Academy is the right fit for you.

Congratulations to Foundation Academy of Mansfield on earning two Accely awards at this year’s ALIVE25 Summit, the annual gathering of ACCEL Schools leaders from across the country. Joann Hipsher received the esteemed Jon Natko Commemorative Leadership Award, honoring leaders who exemplify ACCEL’s core values of putting students first, integrity, innovation, and community focus. The school also earned Outstanding Teacher Retention, recognizing its loyal teaching staff who remain year after year, ensuring continuity and strong relationships with students.

“I’m inspired by the educators at Foundation Academy of Mansfield for their commitment 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 Foundation Academy of Mansfield on a banner year!

---

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.

---

Experience the Pillars of Educational Success! Begin your application today:

When it comes to education, a great start can make all the difference. Our students excel with the support of nurturing teachers, a safe and secure environment, and individualized learning experiences. This solid foundation sets them up for growth and success from the very beginning. Explore the opportunities Foundation Academy has to offer your child!

Early Learning Programs

• Free, full-day Kindergarten for students turning 5 on or before August 1, 2025

• Summer camps in June for grades 2-5 keep students engaged & learning

Well-Rounded Academics

• Hands-on, project-based approach to college prep education

• Creative Arts fosters imagination & self-expression with art competitions to showcase student art

• Performing Arts including choir & music

• STEM program with an annual science fair encourages students to explore & experiment

• PE program that promotes fitness, health & teamwork

Special Features

• Caring, empowering teachers & staff

• Safe, secure campus with full-time security guard

• Large campus with separate buildings for elementary & middle school

• New cafeteria, two playgrounds, climbing wall, gym, library, greenhouse & more

• Free counseling to support students’ social-emotional wellbeing

• Free tutoring to promote academic success

---

The future is bright with Foundation Academy! Start your application today:

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 Foundation Academy for receiving:

• 3 stars on Progress
• 100% Third Grade Reading Guarantee

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

---

Ready to enroll in our high-achieving school?

Congratulations to Foundation Academy on winning an Outstanding Student Attendance Award at ACCELence2024, the annual leadership summit hosted by ACCEL Schools. The award was given to nine schools across the ACCEL network that achieved average daily attendance of 92% or higher – no small feat in a year that schools nationwide are still reporting high rates of absenteeism.

 “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.

---

Ready to take the next step and join us?

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re taking a moment to amplify our incredible instructional staff!

Teachers join our school with a desire to make a difference in the lives of children in our community. With hearts of gold, teachers create nurturing classroom environments, develop inspiring lesson plans, adapt instruction to meet individual needs, capitalize on real life teaching moments, support the social-emotional development of students & so much more.

Every school year, our teachers push themselves to the limit to reach each student in their care & to make a difference in each life. We are PROUD, APPRECIATIVE, and ADMIRING of our teachers for their meaningful work this school year. Please join us in thanking a teacher this week!