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Innovative Career Academy is a place of hope, a place for second chances, and a place to fulfill destinies that had not previously been imagined. We build strong relationships and provide access to high-quality academic and humanware experiences for our students. Our goal is for students to graduate with options to enter a trade school, earn their two- or four-year college degree, join the military, or start working in their chosen field. Our vision is that each student will successfully complete high school, create a positive future for themselves and their families, and return to their local communities inspired to positively affect change.

We believe:

• Everyone deserves a chance to receive a quality education;

• Everyone deserves a second chance to become all s/he can be;

• Everyone learns at different rates. Students should have educational choices that provide for each student’s individual needs and learning pace;

• Everyone benefits from positive relationships and a supportive learning environment. We care about our students and provide that extra “push” to help them improve their attendance, boost academic achievement, successfully graduate, and pursue a career that will impact their homes and communities.

A high school diploma is just the beginning for Innovative Career Academy students!  Our passion is to connect with our students and inspire them now and in the future. At Innovative Career Academy, students will learn how to be successful for life!

Ms. Tina Smith
Head of School

Tina Smith

Tina Smith, Executive Principal

Tina Smith has 19 years of experience working in education, the majority of which has been spent supporting the academic and life goals of at-risk youth. She graduated from Kenyon College with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History and minoring in Sociology. She earned a Master of Arts in Education from Ursuline College. Smith’s work with first-generation college students at Kenyon College informs her leadership at Innovative Career Academy—helping students realize their college and career aspirations. Smith looks forward to continuing her work with youth from all backgrounds, encouraging students to attain their dreams and live courageously. 

Donna Baynes

Donna Baynes, Regional Vice President

Donna Baynes is an innovative academic leader who is focused on engaging with students and educators to meet learning objectives and drive student progress. She joined the ACCEL Schools team in 2017 as an instructional coach and teacher. She holds a BS in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in School Administration. A former middle school and elementary school science teacher, Baynes has a passion for STEM learning and has led various initiatives to boost science and math learning opportunities for the students in her schools. Over the course of her extensive career as an educator and administrator, Baynes has been committed to empowering faculty and student success.

Staff Directory

Community School

Innovative Career Academy is a public, community school. We are our own school district sponsored by the Charter School Specialists, 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.

 

 

Innovative Career Academy is a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code. The school is a public school and students enrolled in and attending the school are required to take proficiency tests and other examinations prescribed by law. In addition, there may be other requirements for students at the school that are prescribed by law. Students who are exempt from the compulsory attendance law for the purpose of home education pursuant to section 3321.042 of the Revised Code shall no longer be exempt for that purpose upon their enrollment in a community school. For more information about this matter contact the school administration or the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

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.