FAQ

How did Open Doors Academy get started?

 

What happens after students graduate from middle school?

 

Do Students have to attend every day?

 

How much does it cost to participate in the program?

 

Is Open Doors licensed or accredited? 

 

What are the days of operation for Open Doors?

 

Where are the Open Doors Sites?

 

I have heard there is a parent involvement requirement, is it true?

 

What are the main pillars of programming?

 

How Did Open Doors get started?

The program was initially started in 1992, in response to Roxboro Middle School students lingering on church property at St. Paul's Church after school.  The church opened its' doors to the students, offering them a safe place to be after school.  The organization was run under St. Paul's, until 2002, when it was incorporated into a 501(c)3 and the Open Doors Academy Program Model was created. 

What happens after students graduate from middle school?

Open Doors has an active alumni program that provides our graduated middle school students with opportunities to stay connected, volunteer and mentor younger Open Doors students, national service learning projects, and college preparation support. 

Do students have to attend everyday?

Yes, we require that our students participate every day.  It is important for each student to actively engage in programming on a daily basis in order to build a community of support amongst their peers and to benefit fully from the programming. 

How much does it cost to participate in the program?

The cost per child to operate Open Doors is approximately $4,600 a year.  We ask that each family make a contribution to demonstrate an investment in their child’s experience with the organization.  The annual program fee for the organization is $500, plus a commitment of 16 hours of service to the organization annually. (Hours of service can be bought out for $50 an hour). 

Open Doors mission and vision is that all middle school aged youth should be afforded the opportunity to engage in structured enrichment activities after school and therefore, we provide scholarships  for those that qualify.  We understand that every family faces different financial demands, thus we are always willing work to with the fee on an as needed basis.  In return for the scholarship, we ask that the family contributes additional service hours to the organization based on our scholarship model.

Is Open Doors licensed or accredited?

All of our sites are licensed by the Ohio Department for Jobs and Family Services for child care.

What are the days of operation for Open Doors?

Open Doors, Inc. consists of five sessions per week (Monday through Friday) from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.  The centers observe the following breaks and holidays: Winter Break, Spring Break, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Break, and Good Friday.  In addition, the center operates only when the schools are in session.  Therefore, on professional teacher days, snow days, or other emergency days when school is not in session, Open Doors will be closed. The center offers summer programming when funding is available on a year to year basis.

Where are the Open Doors Sites?

Our four sites are located in Cleveland Heights at Roxboro Middle School, University Heights at Wiley Middle School, Euclid at Forest Park Middle School, and Cleveland at Miles Park Elementary School. 

I have heard there is a parent involvement requirement, is it true?

Yes, each family is required to contribute 16 hours of service to the organization.  Open Doors firmly believes that if a parent is engaged in the organization, then their child will be more strongly impacted.  We also believe that it takes a village to raise a child and that involves Open Doors and the parents working as a team.  We offer parent education classes and volunteer opportunities throughout the year to help parents earn their 16 hours. 

What are the main pillars of programming?

Open Doors has seven pillars of programming: Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, Financial Literacy, Civic Engagement/ Service Learning, Leadership Development, Health/ Fitness/ Nutrition, and Academic Support.