Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cincinnati Classical Academy a for-profit school?

No. Cincinnati Classical Academy is a public community school (also known as a “charter school”), and therefore is not a for-profit business. CLASSICAL is a non-profit entity and is registered as a 501(c)(3). organization.

What is a charter school?

Charter schools (known in Ohio as “public community schools”) are independently-operated public schools that have the freedom to design classrooms that meet their students’ needs. In the past three decades, charter schools have grown into a viable alternative to traditional public schools, offering families an opportunity to choose curriculum, educational models, and academic environments that would otherwise be unavailable. Hillsdale College member  schools provide an excellent classical education.

Will Cincinnati Classical Academy charge tuition?

No. Cincinnati Classical Academy will be tuition-free, just like traditional public schools. CLASSICAL charges an annual Student Book Fee as well as the purchase of school uniforms. The majority of funding for school operations will be provided by the State of Ohio, although at a lower rate than for non-charter public schools. Grants, philanthropy, and private donations are needed to bridge the gap. 

What is the Hillsdale K-12 Initiative?

Hillsdale College created the Barney Charter School Initiative (BCSI) a decade ago out of concern for public K-12 education in America. Hillsdale does not fund schools or govern schools, nor do they charge any fees for services provided. Instead, motivated local residents apply to participate in the Hillsdale K-12 process. This process has thus far provided for more than 25 schools in eleven states. Hillsdale College also provides Cincinnati Classical Academy continuing support with ongoing professional development.

Is Cincinnati Classical Academy a religious school?

No. As a public community school, CLASSICAL is not affiliated with any religion. As a classical school, Cincinnati Classical Academy values the transcendent elements of human life and thus has deep regard for religious experience and tradition, but as a public school it is non-sectarian and non-religious in nature.

Where is Cincinnati Classical Academy located?

Cincinnati Classical Academy is located at 170 Siebenthaler Ave. in Reading. It is easily accessible by I-71, 1-75, and the Ronald Reagan Highway. In Fall 2025, we will be located at 10200 Reed Hartman Hwy. in Blue Ash. The Reading campus will be the permanent location for grades K-4 and Blue Ash will serve grades 5 and up starting with the 2025-26 school year.

Who can enroll?

Any student who is an Ohio resident entering in grades K-9 for the 2025-26 school year can enroll in the lottery process, regardless of home address or local school district. By law, there are no admissions criteria. CLASSICAL selects students through a random lottery process for each grade level (see Enrollment). Residents of Kentucky and Indiana are not eligible to enroll.

When will the enrollment period begin?

The open enrollment period begins each year in November. The admission lottery is then run shortly after that in January (see Enrollment).

How old does my child need to be to apply for kindergarten?

Students must be five years old by September 30, 2025 in order to be eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year. There are no exceptions.

When is the first day of school?

The first day of school for Grades 1 and up is typically the last Tuesday of August. Kindergarteners begin a week later, with their first day falling on the Tuesday after Labor Day.

What are the school hours?

For grades 5 and up, the school day begins at 7:55 am and ends at 2:55 pm., Monday-Friday. For grades K-4, the school day begins at at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m., Monday-Friday. The school office will be open from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Do you offer an Aftercare program?

Yes. Our Aftercare program will be open from 3:30 PM-6:00 PM on all school days. Cincinnati Classical Academy is partnering with MPower to offer an Aftercare program for K-7 students. Find more information and sign up on our Aftercare page.

Do you offer full-day kindergarten?

Yes. Kindergarten is a full-day program at CLASSICAL. The school day runs from 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM. Each day, in addition to their academic pursuits, all kindergarten students will have a recess, a snack time, a lunch period, physical education class (Mon.-Fri.), and either art or music (alternating days).

What safety and security measures does CLASSICAL take to protect its students?

At Cincinnati Classical Academy, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are of paramount importance. We have implemented a comprehensive safety and security plan that encompasses various measures to create a secure learning environment.

Our plan includes:

Physical Security: We have established a single-entry building access point that includes a weather and vandal-proof dome camera with infrared LEDs for clear, around-the-clock surveillance and visitor entry as well as a keypad card reader for employee access. We have adopted a locked-door campus policy: Except for drop-off and pick-up times, these main entrance doors will be locked. All other exterior doors on campus will be locked at all times and no visitors will be admitted.

Visitor Protocols: We have a mandatory sign-in procedure for all visitors on campus, including parents. Any visitor to campus between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM must first report to the school office and will be required to furnish a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID. The visitor’s information will be stored in an electronic database (Raptor) to document visitors to the school and cross-check the BCI/FBI database. Visitors must check in with the front office and provide identification each time they visit the school, not just the first time. A visitor badge will be issued to the visitor and displayed conspicuously during the visit.

Emergency Preparedness: We have well-defined protocols and procedures in place to handle emergencies such as natural disasters, medical emergencies, or security threats. Our staff is trained to respond effectively in these situations, and regular drills are conducted to ensure preparedness.

Safety Partnerships: We work closely with local law enforcement agencies and other relevant organizations to enhance safety measures and receive expert guidance. This collaboration allows us to stay updated on best practices and implement appropriate security measures.

Staff Training: Our faculty and staff undergo comprehensive training on safety protocols, emergency response, and child protection. This ensures that they are equipped to handle various situations and create a safe and nurturing environment for our students.

Communication and Transparency: We believe in maintaining open lines of communication with parents, guardians, and the broader community. We regularly communicate updates, safety reminders, and any relevant information to keep everyone informed and engaged.

Will students be required to be vaccinated or wear masks?

Based on information that is currently available, we will not require the use of masks by students or teachers, and we will not mandate COVID-19 vaccinations. The school’s obligation is first and foremost to the education and welfare of students. Masks are disruptive to both the verbal and non-verbal communication that are vital in teacher-led instruction, classroom discussion, and student social formation. Therefore, unless new information becomes available or new legislation is passed, the use of masks and vaccinations will be left to the discretion of individual employees, students, and families.

Is the school hiring faculty and staff?

Yes. Mr. Michael Rose, headmaster at CLASSICAL, has primary responsibility for hiring all faculty and staff. Positions to be filled will be advertised on the Careers page of this website.