Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Learners – Lorain will add 9th grade to its current K-8 program beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.
“This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience that supports students as they transition into high school,” says Principal Jasmine Rengh.
Jessica Rosario, a parent of an 8th-grade student who has attended Summit Academy for the past five years, expressed her delight about the school’s plan to add 9th grade and described it as “a brilliant idea.”
“Actually, it’s necessary,” Rosario says. “There aren’t very many high schools in our local area that will meet the needs of our scholars the way Summit Academy – Lorain does it. These scholars need consistency and, not to mention, they’ve already built bonds and relationships with their educators and the school faculty.”
Rengh says the addition of 9th grade will help ensure students succeed academically with their high school coursework, within the school’s familiar and supportive environment.
“Our goal is to provide our students with stability in school culture and instruction while maintaining the strong relationships among our students, families and staff,” Rengh says.
Rosario says she looks forward to her son’s continuation at Summit Academy in the coming school year. “It not only gives me a sense of peace but also relieves the stress in not having to search for another school that will accommodate all his needs.”
Summit Academy provides a safe, therapeutic learning environment designed to meet students with special education needs — including ADHD and autism — where they are developmentally. Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Learners – Lorain offers students enrichment opportunities such as Therapeutic Martial Arts, after-school programming and clubs. A nonprofit, tuition-free community school, Summit Academy – Lorain is located at 346 Illinois Ave., Lorain. For more information about enrollment, call 440-277-4110.