Festivities will be in full swing for the grand reopening celebration of Summit Academy – Lorain on Saturday, May 10, noon-2 p.m. at 346 Illinois Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
The building, which has undergone various stages of renovation since September 2023, serves students in grades K-8. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, school officials plan to begin reintroducing secondary grades, starting with grade 9.
After a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees will be treated to therapeutic martial arts demonstrations by students in grades K-8 at 1 p.m. Event goers will also enjoy building tours, food trucks, and yard games including corn hole and giant Connect 4 and Jenga. Children attending the event will get a chance to try out the school’s brand-new playground. The new addition includes two styles of overhead climbers, a transfer station, vertical ladder, inverted arch climber, four slides and a fireman pole. A rain wheel, single drum, ship’s wheel, swings and basketball hoop complete the enclosed play area.
Inside, updates include newly renovated classrooms, a new behavior specialist, occupational therapy and speech therapy classroom and new entrance vestibule and main office, according to Director of Facilities Beverly Locke.
Other features such as new windows, flooring and lighting; a new elevator; renovated restrooms; and freshly painted walls provide a positive atmosphere conducive to learning and teaching.
“It has already helped to change the environment of our building, making it a more positive atmosphere,” says Principal Jasmine Rengh. “Students and staff are proud of the building.”
Rengh says she is excited to welcome the public to the grand reopening, particularly families of prospective students.
“We are here and ready to grow in the community,” she says. “This event gives us the opportunity to show off what we have all worked so hard to accomplish.”
In January, Summit Academy hosted an open house for the now fully complete building, which includes a recently updated 9,279-square-foot wing, housing middle school classrooms and the school’s administrative offices.