What is Open Doors Academy?

Who We Are and What We Do

Open Doors Academy, “Open Doors”, is a developmental out-of-school enrichment program that is designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment promoting academic, emotional, and social enrichment for middle-school students in unity with family, school, church, and community.

OUR MISSION

Open Doors works to nurture, protect, inspire and challenge adolescents to reach their full potential through the provision of meaningful out-of-school enrichment activities in a safe and structured environment.

Open Doors BoysOur History

Open Doors began in 1992 as a youth drop-in program at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The idea was born when Roxboro Middle School students began lingering on the church’s property after school.  Further investigation revealed that most of the children were returning home to no supervision. In response, the church opened its doors to the youth, and began addressing their academic, emotional and social challenges in a structured, after-school program. In the early years, Open Doors regularly enrolled 15 students and eventually grew to 25.

Our Evolution


Over the last 17 years, Open Doors has evolved from a drop-in center to a highly structured enrichment program designed to equip middle school students with the skills they need to face the challenges of adolescence. 

In 2002, Open Doors became an incorporated fully independent non-profit organization operating under a 501 (c)(3) status. A second site opened in 2005 at the Fairmount Presbyterian Church to accomodate a growing demand for enrollment from parents and students.  With the addition of a new site, Open Doors could now serve up to 100 students.

Group Camping

The 2009 school year marks yet another milestone for Open Doors with the expansion of three new sites.  Open Doors was awarded three capacity building grants that made it possible to start programs at Miles Park Elementary School in Cleveland, Wiley Middle School in University Heights, and Forest Park Middle School in Euclid.  With the combination of the St. Paul's Episcopal and Fairmount Presbyterian Church sites, Open Doors operates with four sites and has grown to enroll up to 150 students.