Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Learners – Lorain will open the doors to its newly renovated school building at 346 Illinois Avenue, beginning with a public grand opening on Thursday, January 9, 5-7 p.m.
Since the school expanded from grades K-5 to K-8 last year, Summit Academy officials have been anticipating the move to the former and freshly updated Summit Academy Lorain secondary school building on Illinois Avenue. Students will start classes there on January 21.
“We all have the chance at a fresh start. Staff and students have been beyond excited about this opportunity since August and it is finally time to embark on this journey,” says Principal Jasmine Rengh, explaining that over the past year and a half she has had the opportunity to help with planning renovations for the building. “As each meeting ended, I grew more excited about what was going to be our new Summit Academy home. The renovations turned out better than I ever could have anticipated, and I look forward to seeing what the staff and students can achieve both academically and socially in our new space.”
To celebrate, the open house will feature mini tours, a school information table for prospective new families, refreshments and other fanfare.
The building includes all-new windows, flooring and lighting, a new elevator, six renovated restrooms, and freshly painted walls including those in the cafeteria, which sports a green Summit Academy shield logo. New countertops and storage grace the kitchen and cafeteria while every classroom features a wall-mounted ViewSonic screen. The school also houses a state-of-the-art security screening system. Outside, a new roof with green metal coping adds a pop of color to the brick building.
Looking ahead, a new playground and a walkway leading to it will be added this spring. The playground will feature two styles of overhead climbers, a transfer station, vertical ladder, inverted arch climber, four slides and a fireman pole. A rain wheel, single drum and ship’s wheel complete the ground floor of the structure, which will be located near the school’s existing basketball hoop.
“This newly remodeled building will further enhance the safety of children striving for academic excellence,” says Director of Facilities Beverly Locke. “This building provides accessibility for students with mobility needs and ensures a smooth, safe transition to classes.”
“Summit Academy is here to stay,” adds Behavior Specialist Kim Wanosky, MA, LPCC-S, expressing her excitement about moving into the newly renovated building.
Principal Jasmine Rengh adds that the school community is equally excited to announce that enrollment opportunities are available for local families seeking small classes, a tight-knit community and an exemplary teaching and administrative staff proficient in special education.
“Teachers, parents, students and staff can take pride in the newly remodeled Summit Academy – Lorain,” adds Locke.