Academy of Arts & Technology

Our school

Learn about Academy of Arts & Technology, our mission, and the programs and values that shape our school community.

About our school

academyofartsandtech.org school introduction

Academy of Arts and Technology is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade in Marion, Ohio. Formerly Marion Preparatory Academy, the school rebranded in March 2025 to reflect what it actually does: blend strong academics with creative arts and hands-on technology learning across every grade level.

The academic approach starts with a double block of ELA and math daily, taught through the Science of Reading curriculum. Every student receives daily small group instruction, which means the teacher isn't lecturing to the whole room and hoping it lands. He or she is sitting with your child, working at the level your child is actually at. If your child is ahead, the work pushes further. If your child is behind, the gap gets addressed that day, not at the end of the quarter.

But academics aren't the whole picture here. Students in grades 6 through 8 can fly drones competitively through the school's U.S. Drone Soccer partnership. There's an art room, a music room, a science lab, a tech lab, and a gym with a theater stage. Students play intramural basketball, volleyball, and soccer. The playground and outdoor fields aren't afterthoughts; they're part of how the school day is designed.

It's a publicly funded school. There's no tuition, no fees, and no cost to families.

Free breakfast and lunch for every enrolled student.
Transportation available to qualifying families.
Before-school care available.
Off-site afterschool care through Boys & Girls Clubs until 8pm, with transportation provided.
On-site tutoring and summer enrichment camps, including Kindergarten readiness, art, and robotics.
School-based counseling and emotional support services.
Community partnership with NYAP.

Community School

Our mission has always been to serve the families of Marion by offering a high-quality, tuition-free education. After carefully considering and listening to our community’s needs, we’ve decided to expand and refine our focus. The Academy of Arts and Technology will provide an even more comprehensive and engaging learning experience, preparing students for success in the 21st century and beyond. The learn more link does not work, we would like to add some more info about the changes when the link is back up and working.

Community School

Community schools offer an alternative to the local public school. They are free and open to all students and focused on meeting student needs for success. Community schools are among the top-performing schools in the nation.

Learn more about community schools »

Managed by ACCEL Schools

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.

Announcing the Academy of Arts and Technology

Now Enrolling Grades K-8 in Marion, OH

K-8 Community School Managed by ACCEL Schools

ACCEL Schools is a high-performing network of over 50 charter schools located throughout the United States

Tuition-Free, Public Charter School

Sponsored by North Central Ohio Educational Service Center

Individualized Learning

We care about every student and are committed to preparing children for lifelong success. Our Individualized Learning Plans start with a unique baseline for each student and analyze performance data at regular, short intervals. Teachers and staff tailor lessons and provide support accordingly. Individual Learning Plans are reviewed by teachers, parents and guardians at least one time each quarter.

Academic Excellence

As part of the ACCEL Schools network, we strategically apply best practices to our curriculum design, teacher training, and integrated technology to drive continuous gains in academic performance.

Accessible to All

We foster a culture that is reflective of community values and interests, and we are open to all students.

Community Partnership

We are not just located in your community — we are a part of it. We partner with local and government leaders and parents.

Safe and Caring

We care about the well-being and development of each child. We insist on a secure and orderly school. We address every aspect of security, from building codes and safety procedures to codes of conduct and character education. Marion Preparatory Academy has a state of the art camera system, employs a full time security officer, and extensively trains staff to ensure the safest learning environment for all students.

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