When word hit the streets that Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy would open a downtown elementary campus, the school had more applicants than it could accept.

        “The response just bowled us over,” said Bill Balzano, Cincinnati Hills headmaster. ""The faith issue is the key factor.”

The Christian Academy's building is the former headquarters of WLWT (Channel 5), also known as the old Crosley Square Building. Now a busy school, it's been renamed as the Otto Armleder Center. (Tony Jones photos) | ZOOM |

        The Otto Armleder Memorial Education Center, to be dedicated at 4 p.m. today, opened this fall with 100 pre-K-to-fourth grade students in the old Crosley Square Building at Ninth and Elm streets. A second preschool class and fifth grade might be added next year.

        It's about a $13 million investment, with $6.8 million from the Otto Armleder Trust for renovation and a $4 million gift from the Carl Lindner family that will provide operating funds and defray tuition for four years.

        “The primary purpose is to serve youngsters in this community who would not have the means to come to our campus, either by transportation or tuition,” Mr. Balzano said.

        In 1994, the board asked Mr. Balzano to develop a 10-year vision. “Part of that vision they bought into was if what we're doing is really good and worthwhile, let's take it to people who can't come to us.

Spanish class is conducted by Sharyl Cavellier. These children are in the second grade at the downtown campus of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. | ZOOM |

        “The parents in this community want the same thing for their children as parents in Hyde Park or Amberley Village, and we're trying to provide the opportunity for them to get that. ... It comes from our gut. It's not because it's mandated.”

        While the primary goal was to serve inner-city students at the downtown campus, some professionals enrolled their children.

        In its 11 years, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy has grown from 165 students to 1,335 at two campuses. Also housed at the downtown location is an early childhood literacy program. Obadiah Williams runs that program for children, ages 1-4, and their parents.

        The school is one where faith can be expressed, paired with strong academic programming. “When kids leave our school, they're prepared to go to the finest colleges and universities around the country,” Mr. Balzano said.

        Elizabeth Mandeng, a first-grade teacher, moved back to Cincinnati to teach in an environment that emphasizes faith and values.

        “It's just not enough to give them a good academic background ... (students) need more,” she said.
       

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