Raise the Torch!
Cincinnati Classical Academy K-12 Campus Development Campaign
We invite you to learn how you can help build the future of Cincinnati Classical Academy through support of RAISE THE TORCH, our capital campaign to complete campus development.
Cincinnati Classical Academy was built on a passion for bringing a noble vision into a life-changing reality. Success was not pre-ordained or established by fiat, but rather, against incredible odds, was the result of grassroots efforts and the generous giving of time and treasure. In RAISE THE TORCH, we offer a unique opportunity to support this vision, preserve our heritage, and promote the human flourishing that is enabled by classical liberal education. The campaign is seeking to raise a minimum of $4 million that is needed to complete campus development.
Blue Ash Campus Site Plans
Remodeling, site improvements, and new construction
- The existing office building, approx. 100,000 s.f., will be remodeled for the middle and upper school, grades 5 through 12.
- A new construction addition north of the school will house a gymnasium and spaces for other athletics and music programs.
- A new road will be added to the east of the buildings for efficient traffic circulation at pick-up and drop-off. Traffic entering at the south from Anderson Way will circulate counterclockwise.
- A long stretch of sidewalk along the northwest and west sides of campus will provide pedestrian paths to both north and south entrances to the school.
- A new walkway will connect to the existing sidewalk along Reed Hartman highway.
Financing and Costs
Tax-exempt bond financing will cover all essential costs for the remodeling of the Blue Ash office building as well as the construction of the “shell” of the addition (foundation, exterior walls, and roof) and completion of interior spaces of the gymnasium, atrium, and atrium bathrooms. All of these spaces are expected to be available for use beginning in 2025.
Completion of the remaining interior spaces (locker rooms, music wing, wrestling and strength and conditioning rooms, and offices) of the addition will be contingent on funds raised in RAISE THE TORCH, our capital campaign.
Why We Need Your Support
As a public community school that provides a tuition-free education, Cincinnati Classical Academy receives state funding for operations but only $1,000 per student for facilities. This facility funding will cover only ~60% of the costs required to provide educational facilities for the school’s projected future enrollment of 1,300 students.
Additionally, in contrast to public school districts, public community schools in Ohio do not receive revenue from local property taxes and cannot propose levies for public funding of operations or new facilities. As a result, Cincinnati Classical Academy receives ~30% less funding per student than the average Ohio public school. We need your help to RAISE THE TORCH to its apogee!
Blue Ash Campus Development Timeline
- Remodeling and site improvements are scheduled for completion by July 1, 2025.
- The new construction shell and designated interior spaces, including gymnasium, will be completed by October 1, 2025.
- The timeline for completion of remaining interior spaces will be contingent on the success of RAISE THE TORCH.
- No new construction or major site improvements are contemplated for the Reading campus.
Naming Opportunities
While gifts of all sizes are needed and appreciated, giving at higher levels will be recognized by naming rights for various campus spaces. These opportunities begin with smaller meeting spaces and general education classrooms. For larger gifts, naming rights will escalate proportionally to central spaces such as the library, cafeteria, symposium room, and Heritage Commons (student lounge). At the highest levels, even naming rights for the gymnasium and campus will be available!
Support RAISE THE TORCH!
Nota Bene: Friends of Cincinnati Classical Academy is incorporated as a non-profit entity in the State of Ohio and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) entity by the IRS (EIN 93-1771146). As such, your gift qualifies as a charitable deduction for tax purposes to the extent the law permits.
Learn More
Together, we can raise the torch for classical education in greater Cincinnati
To learn more about the school’s plans and how you can help, please contact the Board of Directors at [email protected] or call the school office at 513-554-0285.