Preparing a Community of Civically Engaged Citizens
We offer our students a hands-on approach to learning, whether in the classroom or in the community.
Our partnerships with local businesses, artists, hospitals, and non-profit organizations help to enliven and broaden our students’ middle school experience. If you have any questions about CLA, don't hesitate to contact us. Look forward to hearing from you soon!
Our Mission
Our mission is to prepare our middle school students to lead in academics, service, and civic engagement during high school, college, and beyond.
Our Vision
Our vision is to add a highly effective middle school model to the mix of current school offerings available to Citizens Academy graduates and other regional students.
Our Habits of Leadership
Our habits of leadership include: collaboration, compassion, courage, integrity, self-discipline, and active citizenship.
Our Curricular Approach
The Citizens Leadership Academy curriculum is designed to prepare our students to succeed in rigorous college prep high schools, and then in college and in the 21st century job market. The curriculum is a synergistic approach based on two discrete learning models: Core Skill Building and Expeditionary Learning. Through this two-pronged educational model, CLA students will be well prepared for the Ohio state tests, and they will also be well grounded in the critical 21st century skills framework.
Additional Resources
Exceptional Student Education
Everyone learns here! We celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion of all types of learners and we work hard to make sure that our schools are brave spaces where exceptional learners are supported and have all the resources needed to reach their full potential. Learn more about Exceptional Student Education at Breakthrough here
Innovative Tech Program
Our nationally leading Verizon Innovative Learning partnership sets up our students with the tools and technology needed to thrive, including a 1-1 computer
program!
In School Specials
Our in-school specials include art, outdoor leadership, and physical education.
After School Extras
Learning doesn't stop outside the classroom; in fact, our after school extras like step, dance, volleyball, basketball, classical guitar, and GeekSquad club all provide additional opportunities for scholars to grow and thrive beyond the typical school day.
Visiting Experts
At CLA, we bring a community of experts into our classrooms. From visual artists to local business leaders, dramatists to health experts, we work hard to bring real-world experience to our scholar's lives.
Important Links
Dress Code & School Uniforms
- Purple CLA Polos for Grades 5th - 7th
- Black CLA Polos for 8th Graders
- Dress pants / skirts + appropriate shoes
Policies + Notices
Please find a list of our school’s policies below. If you have any questions, just let us know!
- Policy 204.14 – Career Advising & Student Success Plan
- Policy 453 - Wellness Policy
- Policy 203.1 Parent and Family Engagement in Title I Programs
- Policy 242 - Student Assessment and Academic Prevention
- Policy 227 - Child Find Policy
View All Other School Policies Here
General Notice of Non-Discrimination
The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities.
Policies + Notices
Please find a list of our school’s policies below. If you have any questions, just let us know!
- Policy 204.14 – Career Advising & Student Success Plan
- Policy 453 - Wellness Policy
- Policy 203.1 Parent and Family Engagement in Title I Programs
- Policy 242 - Student Assessment and Academic Prevention
- Policy 227 - Child Find Policy
View All Other School Policies Here
General Notice of Non-Discrimination
The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities.
Board List & Calendar
We're so thankful to our all-volunteer Board of Directors. Please find our latest board member list & calendars here:
Academic Outcomes
While we do not believe test results are the best way to measure scholar success, we are very proud of the consistently high marks we have received from the Ohio Department of Education, including several consecutive "Momentum Award" wins for outstanding achievement.
Please find our latest school report card data available here at the Ohio Department of Education website.
Annual Reports
- Annual Report 2019-20
- Annual Report 2018-19
- Annual Report 2017-18
- Annual Report 2016-17
- Annual Report 2015-16
- Annual Report 2014-15
- Annual Report 2013-14
Annual Sponsor Report
Our Location
Our Citizens Hampen location serves scholars in grades K-8, with our CA Elementary School and CLA Middle school. Please find all information about our location below!
PLEASE NOTE NEW ADDRESS!
Citizens Hampden
10118 Hampden Ave
Cleveland, OH 44108
Phone: (216) 791-4195
Fax: (216) 791-3013
Middle School:
Citizens Leadership Academy
Grades: 5-8
Principal: Sydney Gruhin
Elementary School:
Citizens Academy
Grades: K-4
Principal: Leah Martello
MEET ADRIONNA!
A Student at CLA
Hear from CLA 8th Grader, Adrionna, to discover what she loves most about Citizens Leadership Academy, her favorite things about school, and a glimpse into what makes Breakthrough Public Schools such a special place!
We offer an innovative and engaging curriculum for all scholars, including support for all learners, and unique programs for middle schoolers such as our highschool readiness program, after-school activities, and enrichment programming.
See Citizens Leadership Academy in Action!
Up Next:
Discover Citizens Academy
Discover Citizens Academy, our K-4 elementary school, co-located at our Citizens Hampden location.