Are you ready to discover an unparalleled opportunity for your son? This fall, a brand-new Cleveland Sports Academy is opening its doors in Cleveland, offering a tuition-free, sports-focused charter school experience starting with boys in grades 6-11. We’re excited to announce that we’ll be adding a new grade level each year!
Imagine a place where your son’s passion for sports meets a rigorous academic environment. Our academy is built on a proven academic model that ensures success both on and off the court and field. This means your son will not only receive top-tier athletic training, but he’ll also benefit from a rigorous academic program that emphasizes mastery, critical thinking, and individualized instruction. We believe in nurturing well-rounded student-athletes, with a focus on preparing them for college and career readiness.
Aaron Nixon, Principal
Aaron Nixon brings a wealth of experience in both education and athletics to his new role as Principal of Cleveland Sports Academy. With nearly 15 years dedicated to education, Mr. Nixon has a strong passion for mentoring and assisting youth, viewing his profession as an opportunity to educate on life through various fields and be a positive influence.
Mr. Nixon’s educational journey includes a Bachelor’s Degree in African American Studies from Long Beach State University and a Master’s in Education from Heidelberg University. His diverse career in education has included positions such as Director of Housing and Adjunct Professor, Assistant Director of Upward Bound at Lourdes University, and teacher in various grades at Education Alternatives. He has also served as a Behavioral In-School Specialist and Dean of Students.
A veteran basketball coach with 15 years of experience, Mr. Nixon has a deep understanding of the student-athlete experience. Read more »
Sherree Dillions, Senior Vice President
Mrs. Dillions joined ACCEL Schools in 2018 with over 25 years of experience as a K-12 educator and principal. As Senior Vice President, she oversees leadership development, instructional programming, operations, and strategic planning. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools, Mrs. Dillions worked for Cleveland Municipal School District where she served as Head Principal for over 10 years and systematically turned-around low-performing schools into schools of academic success and achievement. Mrs. Dillions holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Master’s degree in Education – Adult Learning & Development, and completed the post graduate Educational Administration Program, all from Cleveland State University. She has also completed the post graduate Urban Superintendents Program at Harvard University. In February 2020, Mrs. Dillions was awarded by Radio One as a “Future History Maker of the City of Cleveland.”
Staff Directory
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.
