Ohio grades every public school on its annual State Report Card. Parma Academy earned 5 Stars in Gap Closing — the highest rating available — and ranks in the top 20% of all Ohio charter schools. Its Performance Index score jumped more than 10% in a single year, moving from 67.6 to 76. The school serves students in kindergarten (Early Entry) through third grade in Parma Heights, Ohio.
Reading instruction is built into every part of the day here — because literacy is the skill that makes everything else possible. It isn’t treated as one subject among many. It’s the through-line. When a child learns to read at the right pace and with the right support, the rest of school opens up. That’s the model.
Parma Academy is built around a simple conviction: every child can thrive when the school meets them where they are. The personalized approach here treats curiosity as something worth protecting, not standardizing away.
It’s a publicly funded school. There’s no tuition, no fees, and no cost to families. Any Ohio family with a child in kindergarten through third grade can enroll.
• Every enrolled student gets free breakfast and lunch.
• The school provides free transportation for eligible families.
Parma Academy is located at 12925 Corporate Dr, Parma, OH 44130. You can reach the school by phone at (216) 750-1205 or by email at shager@parmaacademy.org.
Samantha Lavigna, Assistant Principal
Samantha Lavigna began her career in education at a young age and graduated from Kent State University in 2017 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She began teaching at Parma Academy when it was established. Over the years, she taught first and second grade, mentored student teachers, and took on leadership roles such as organizing Read Across America Week, planning Field Day, and coordinating Career Day. In addition to formal education, she has completed coursework in dyslexia and the science of reading, enhancing her ability to support diverse learners. She is committed to fostering a strong, collaborative team where colleagues support one another and build on shared momentum. In addition, she wants families to feel truly welcomed and valued, and foster open, meaningful communication.
Wendy Copen, Superintendent
Mrs. Copen started her career in education as an Intervention Specialist teaching Grades 1-8. She received her bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Akron in 1998 and her Master’s in Administration PreK-12 in 2011. After an Internship in 2012, Mrs. Copen became the principal of a K-4 school in Norton, Ohio. During this time, she also became a Certified Speaker through the UpsideDown Organization in Baltimore. She develops and delivers professional development programs on brain-based learning for educators and parents. In 2013 Mrs. Copen won “Teacher of the Year,” and in 2017 she earned the “Momentum Award” from the state of Ohio due to all of her scholars passing their state achievement tests and being the leader of her school. Mrs. Copen loves leading Parma Academy and she is very excited to see the growth of her students and staff.
Staff Directory
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