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Dear Community,

Welcome to Lake Erie Prep (LEP), a learning community that values high expectations for both academics and behavior. LEP Falcons are members of the community we serve in, teach in and meet with often. As racism and xenophobia become more prevalent and overt in our schools and communities, it is more important than ever to listen to and elevate the voices, experiences, and history of our fellow citizens and communities under attack.

LEP 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. Lake Erie Prep is here to be a part of the conversation on how we can work to make this a better place for our scholars and their families.

To help guide the discussion with your scholars please visit this link: https://kids.kiddle.co/Black_Lives_Matter

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

Currently, LEP has a student population of approximately 250 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 7:30 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) 453-4556.  We are looking forward to meeting your child and helping foster a love of learning.

WE ARE LEADERS – WE ARE LIFE-LONG LEARNERS – WE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD – LEP-FALCON STRONG

Sincerely,
Denecia Dillard
Principal

Mrs. Speziale –Albu, Principal

Jamie Speziale-Albu is a passionate and experienced educator who has dedicated her career to supporting young learners and fostering academic growth. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University in 2012 and went on to complete a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction in 2019. Mrs. A began her journey at Lake Erie Preparatory School in 2014 as a kindergarten teacher, where she found joy in working with her “little babies” and developed a strong desire to expand her impact beyond the classroom.

In 2020, Mrs. A was promoted to Director of Academics, where she led instructional improvements and supported teacher development across the school. Her commitment to leadership growth continued through participation in mentorship programs and leadership cohorts, most recently completing a principal preparation cohort. Now stepping into her new role as Principal of Lake Erie Preparatory School, Mrs. A is excited to carry forward the school’s legacy of academic excellence and continue creating meaningful opportunities for both students and staff.

Denecia Dillard, Regional Vice president/Superintendent

Ms. D. Dillard is a passionate advocate for education in Northeastern Ohio, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience to the field. She holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ursuline college. Throughout her career, she has driven increases in both student proficiency rates and a rise in graduation rates at schools she has had a part in leading. Recognized as a “Rainmaker of Tomorrow” in 2008 by Northern Ohio Live, Ms. Dillard has built, and nurtured high performing teams focused on student success.

As an Executive Principal she implemented data-driven strategies that improved teacher performance and engagement. Her leadership in charter schools allowed her to serve as a mentor and coach positively impacting countless students. Ms. Dillard is currently serving as Regional Vice President/Superintendent within the ACCEL Schools Network, where she continues to promote innovative educational practices. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence and accountability within her schools and believes that education is a powerful tool for community transformation. Ms. Dillard’s commitment to leading with grace inspires everyone around her to strive for greatness.

Staff Directory

Community School

Lake Erie Preparatory School is a public, community school. We are our own school district sponsored by the Ohio Council of Community Schools 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.