Dear Families,
Thank you for being a part of our close-knit learning community! Since opening our doors in 2012, our mission has been for all A+ Children’s Academy students to strive toward their full potential through an engaging, standards-based, arts-integrated curriculum that acknowledges each student’s individuality. We want our students to be excited about learning and empowered to control their own educational pathway.
Our philosophy was founded on the integration of the arts to enhance educational programming in the core content areas. We also incorporate small group learning and outdoor education into our curriculum. We believe in meeting students where they are and working with families and the community to move forward in the best way possible for each student. Students at A+ benefit from:
• Cognia-accredited instructional model
• Small class sizes and lower student-teacher ratios
• Visual and Performing Arts
• 1:1 Chromebook access
• Facilities that include an Art Room, Multi-purpose Room, and Playground
• Free breakfast, lunch & student support services
Sincerely,
Principal Heather Wenger
Heather Wenger, Principal
Heather Wenger is the Principal of A+ Children’s Academy, bringing 17 years of experience in education across a variety of roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences from The Ohio State University, a foundation that has shaped her understanding of how children learn, grow, and thrive.
Heather was inspired to become an educator by her passion for helping others learn and develop. She finds her greatest joy in witnessing students celebrate their own successes, and this belief continues to guide her work every day.
As principal, Heather is committed to fostering a school environment where academic excellence is both expected and celebrated. Her vision for A+ Children’s Academy centers on ensuring that all students feel connected, supported, valued, and seen. She prioritizes building meaningful relationships with students and encourages a culture where every adult in the building is known, trusted, and accessible. Heather leads by example—remaining visible, approachable, and greeting each student each morning to set a positive tone for the day.
Outside of her work in education, Heather enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling. These experiences fuel her curiosity, broaden her perspective, and inspire the enthusiasm she brings to her leadership at A+ Children’s Academy.
Jarod Hawk, Regional Vice President
Mr. Jarod Hawk joined ACCEL Schools in 2019 with over 11 years of experience as a K-8 educator and school leader in Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools, he worked for IDEA Public Schools where he became Founding Principal of a Health Professions school after completing a two-year Principal Residency program working alongside top-performing principals in the network. Mr. Hawk holds a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from Kent State University as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Ashland University. Additionally, he is currently pursuing his Superintendent License with Ashland University.
Staff Directory
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.
