Happy Hearts Academy

Ashtabula County Head Start began in 1965 with 75 children in a two-week summer program funded by Church Women United. Today we serve about 400 children and their families each year, from our Main Avenue building in downtown Ashtabula and from classrooms inside public schools across the county, so children already know their kindergarten building when they move on. Every site holds Ohio's 5-star Step Up to Quality rating. Head Start is free for eligible families, including those at or below the federal poverty level, families receiving OWF or SSI, kinship and Children Services placements, and families experiencing homelessness. We serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and pregnant women, with home visits for many children under 2. Preschool rooms have two staff for 17 children or fewer, and toddler rooms two staff for eight. Teachers use Creative Curriculum and Conscious Discipline, and rooms are set up with block, pretend play, science and art centers. Each child receives hearing, vision and speech screenings within 45 days of enrolling, and we partner with local districts and early intervention when a child needs speech or developmental help. A behavior specialist also supports families.

Buckeye Local School District is dedicated to fostering a world-class learning environment where every student, including those with special needs, can thrive. Serving a diverse population of learners, the district focuses on providing tailored educational experiences for students with various diagnoses, such as language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The district's core mission emphasizes unifying individuals and resources to empower all students for future success. To achieve this, Buckeye Local employs innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to meet the unique needs of each child. With a commitment to individualized instruction and support, the district ensures that students receive the attention they require through a low student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized learning experiences. What sets Buckeye Local apart is its strong emphasis on family partnerships and community involvement. The district actively engages parents and guardians in the educational process, recognizing that collaboration between home and school is vital for student achievement. Additionally, specialized facilities and unique community events create an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates diversity and encourages growth among all students. This holistic approach not only supports academic progress but also nurtures social-emotional development, making Buckeye Local School District a distinctive choice for families seeking comprehensive educational solutions for their children with special needs.

Lakeside High School is home of the Dragons and the high school of Ashtabula Area City Schools. For now, grades 10 to 12 meet temporarily at 2300 Wade Avenue and ninth graders at 1464 West 6th Street. Music is a big part of life here. Students can join marching band, majorettes, symphonic band, jazz ensembles, pep band, the high school orchestra and a string ensemble, and we livestream our concerts. Theater, an art gallery, yearbook and athletics round out the activity list. Students can also earn college credit through College Credit Plus or take career-technical programs at A-Tech, and our College and Career Center covers college planning, financial aid and military careers. Our counseling program follows the ASCA National Model across academic, personal and social, and career domains, with individual counseling, classroom guidance lessons and small groups. A student success coach works with our counselors, who can refer students for educational testing, connect families to outside treatment providers and support students through grief or family changes. We use PBIS schoolwide.