"This is a total game changer for middle school students in Cleveland, Ohio."
Preparing civically engaged leaders
Citizens Leadership Academy is Northeast Ohio's first Expeditionary Learning middle school. In and out of the classroom, hands-on learning is an essential part of our curriculum. Every year, we focus on "essential questions" and dig deep into issues that matter to our community. Our mission is to prepare our students to lead in academics, service, and civic engagement during high school, college, and beyond.
Serving Grades 6-8
Citizens Leadership Academy serves middle school students in grades 6-8. Learn more about enrollment opportunities for the upcoming school year.
Highly Rated, Tuition-Free
Citizens Leadership Academy is a top-rated, tuition-free public charter school. Want to learn more?
In University Circle
We are located in the University Circle / Hough neighborhoods, near E 97th & Chester. Come in for our next Open House to see the school!
Expeditionary Approach
Our hands-on, expeditionary approach to learning has changed the way our students learn and interact with our city.
Latest #CLA
Stephen Curry, John Legend To Join President Obama at My Brother's Keeper Alliance's First National Gathering in Oakland
Happy Presidents’ Day! Today for Black History Month, we honor President Barack Obama, our first African-American president, who continues to..
Is Malcolm X in Your Classroom?
“When I’m working with these students, I think, “That’s Malcolm X in front of me. I have an opportunity to teach Harriet Tubman. I’m sitting..
Snapchat celebrates Black History Month with virtual museum
Got Snapchat? Check out the Black History Month lens to explore a virtual art gallery of work by African-American artists! #bhm
Snapchat celebrates Black History Month with virtual museum
mashable.com History is today.
A community of civically engaged citizens
CLA has high academic and behavioral expectations that promote a sense of ambition, personal responsibility, and a “no excuses” attitude in our students.
At CLA, there is a strong emphasis on student ownership of academic achievement and habits of leadership. The resulting school culture makes school a joyful place, rooted in consistency and positivity. The CLA school culture also lays a strong academic and leadership foundation for our students to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.