Ohio’s 2024-25 state report card gave Lake Erie College Preparatory School 5 Stars in Progress and 5 Stars in Gap Closing, the highest ratings the state awards. It’s a tuition-free public charter school serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade in Cleveland. Ohio grades every public school annually on growth and equity, and on both counts this school earned the top marks.
This is a High Academics school. That means the day is built around strong instruction in the core subjects: reading, writing, and math. Teachers are in the room to move every student forward, not to cover material and move on. When a child is behind, the work is catching him or her up. When a child is ahead, the work is pushing him or her further. That’s not enrichment added on top. That’s how the school runs.
It’s a publicly funded school. There’s no tuition, no fees, and no cost to families.
• Free breakfast and lunch for all students
• Free transportation for eligible students
Lake Erie College Preparatory School is located at 14405 St. Clair Ave, Cleveland, OH 44110. You can reach the school at (216) 453-4556 or by email at jspeziale@lakeerieprep.org.
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
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Mrs. Gunn White
Teacher , Grade EK-2 / Cultural Teacher Lead/ Cheer Coach jgunnwhite@lakeerieprep.org -
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Mr. Burks
Forever Falcon 2020 -
Miss Fragoso
Teacher , Grade EK-2
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Mr. R. Felton
Teacher , Grade 5-8
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.
