Smiling elementary student

Announcing the Academy of Arts and Technology

Now Enrolling Grades K-8 in Marion, OH

Student smiling sitting at desk

Tuition-Free, Public Charter School

Sponsored by North Central Ohio Educational Service Center

Dear Community,

We are thrilled to announce our school’s significant and exciting transformation! Marion Preparatory Academy is evolving into the Academy of Arts and Technology. This name perfectly reflects our enhanced commitment to providing a dynamic and future-focused education for the children of Marion, Ohio.

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.

Learn more about this change »

Sincerely,
Jennifer Hutton, Principal

Principal Jen Hutton

Jennifer Hutton, Principal

Ms. Jennifer Hutton most recently served as a principal with Columbus City Schools where her school was recognized as having a state award-winning PBIS program and placed in the top five of all schools in the district according to the CEA staff survey in areas such as sharing vision, staff/administrative relationships, student behavior and resources.

Ms. Hutton brings over 20 years of experience in education and youth development to the Academy of Arts and Technology serving in both teacher and administrative roles at the primary and secondary grade levels, including experience in collegiate-level adjunct instruction and planning.

Read more about Ms. Hutton »

Joann Hipsher

Joann Hipsher, Regional Vice President

Joann Hipsher joined ACCEL Schools in 2015 with over 40 years of experience working in K-12 public and special education. As Regional Vice President at ACCEL Schools, she oversees leadership development and strategic planning. She founded Foundation Academy, a public charter school, in 2007. Prior to opening Foundation Academy, Ms. Hipsher was a middle school principal and taught special education for Mansfield City Schools. Ms. Hipsher also worked several semesters teaching Exceptional Children’s courses at The Ohio State University. Ms. Hipsher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University, a Master’s degree in Special Education from Bowling Green State University, and Administrative credentials from Ashland University.

Staff Directory

Mission

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.

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.