Open Doors Academy

Open Doors Academy is a developmental enrichment program and leadership academy for youth living in at-risk environments. It boasts a 100% high school graduation rate! The program was established in 2002 as an afterschool drop-in program at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights. In 2002, ODA became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. ODA serves approximately 500 youth and their families (400 middle school students and 100 high school students) annually at ten middle school sites and three high school sites in the Cleveland, Cleveland Hts-University Hts., and Euclid school districts. During the school year, programming for the middle school youth is 5 days a week from 3-6 pm. Youth participate in project based learning experiences and receive academic tutoring built around their developmental needs. In the summer, full-day camps and service learning trips begin in mid-June and run for 8 weeks. At the core of the program is building a safe haven filled with support, creating a sense of community, and fostering the kids’ confidence. Our staff works closely with classroom teachers, sitting in classes, role modeling classroom etiquette, and serving as a support to our youth in their classroom learning experience. In addition to our daily programming parents are required to demonstrate a commitment to their child's education, by participating in parent education workshops, family events, and supporting their child's experience as they grow and develop with ODA.