FAQ

CSA-Xenia is a tuition-free public school.

No, CSA-Xenia is an independent public STEAM Designated school approved by the Ohio Department of Education.

Requirements for Admission:

• Student is a current resident of Ohio (or will be after relocation).

• Student is not currently under suspension/expulsion from another public or nonpublic school.

• Student is not currently subject to disciplinary exclusion for conduct involving weapons, violence, or illegal drugs.

• Student must be in good standing at their current school. Good standing is defined as being eligible for promotion to the next grade level based on overall participation in the educational program and compliance with school conduct policies.

*This requirement is not based on academic performance, grades, or ability, but rather on demonstrated engagement in learning, including regular attendance, participation in required coursework, and compliance with school expectations.

Students identified with patterns of chronic absenteeism, truancy, or refusal to engage in learning activities may not be admitted or may be required to participate in a support planning process prior to or upon enrollment.

Within a 30-minute school bus ride radius from home district school building to CSA-Xenia, Ohio Department of Education requires the home-district to provide bussing (or financial compensation) to and from CSA-Xenia, similar to the transportation provided for Greene County Career Center.

CSA-Xenia is not permitted to replicate any sports offerings already provided by the home-based school district of the location of the main campus. However, CSA-Xenia is able to offer a variety of Esports, Competetive Jump Roping, Design Challenges, Baking Cookoffs, Drone racing, and others. Many other Fine Arts, 4-H, Amateur Radio, and other clubs are permitted and planned to be implemented based on student interest. So, if the students have a “heart” for a specific type of club, we will do our best to provide such programming in the community.

The CSA-Xenia Board of Trustees (School Board) has approved a policy related to the use of mobile phones, which does allow for a mobile phone to be brought to school but NOT used during the school day. For further details refer to Policy 4440: Use of Mobile Electronic Devices in Section 4 - Student-Parent Handbook of the Policy Manual of the Governing Authority of CSA-Xenia.

The CSA-Xenia Board of Trustees (School Board) has approved a policy related to dress code, which does NOT require a uniform. For further details refer to Policy 4420: Dress and Grooming in Section 4 - Student-Parent Handbook of the Policy Manual of the Governing Authority of CSA-Xenia.

CSA-Xenia Board of Trustees (School Board) has approved the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar and the Explanation. Here is the combined 2026-2027 Calendar and Explanations pdf file. The first day of classes is Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. The last day of school is Fri., May 28. 2027. The Inaugral Graduation will be Saturday, May 22, 2027.

The daily school day begins at 7:45 am and ends at 2:45 pm.

TBD

It is highly unlikely that we will max out our enrollment for the first several years. You can view our anticipated maximum enrollment based on projected facilities here.

The academic rollout is always tentative, Grades 6-9 began the initial year in 2023-2024, grades 3-4 years 2025-26 and the inaugural graduating class will be Year 4 (2026-2027). It is anticipated K-3 will be added after the transition to the Church Street location in 2026 is complete.

CSA-Xenia has a robust volunteer system, including "Community Experts" whoare a part of an advisory program overseen by our Community Enterprise office. The word “Community” in our name is extremely intentional.

The easiest way to answer this one is to read one of our blog posts, What is STEAM Learning? At the end of that blog find the link to an interview with the Update Dayton with Danielle show in which our founder, Jeremy Ervin, discusses many aspects of STEAM education, including the look of the typical day.

STEAM instruction encourages students to engage in learning experiences that are student-centered, community-related, authentic, cross-discipline (i.e., includes many subjects like math, science, English, technology, physical education, engineering, environmental education, entrepreneurial, etc.) projects. Prior to this learning, a team of teachers will pre-assess the students to know what content needs to be learned and what content the students already know. Based on this information, students are grouped appropriately to begin the project, which will include multiple teaching strategies, including explicit instruction when it's the most effective strategy to use for learning.

Each teacher will individually assess student learning throughout the unit-based projects, which will provide multiple opportunities for the teachers to determine student understanding through a variety of ways (i.e., discussions, interviews, writings, performances, etc.), not solely a "once and done" quiz or test.

CSA-Xenia is a public school and will meet the state’s Academic Content Learning Standards, including taking the required state tests.

At CSA-Xenia, we value the holistic development of our students and believe that education should ignite curiosity, foster innovation, and prepare students for real-world challenges. While we recognize the importance of the State of Ohio's Standardized Test scores as one measure of academic achievement, we view them as just one piece of a much larger portrait. Our mission emphasizes personalized learning, critical thinking, and hands-on, project-based experiences that go beyond traditional testing. We are committed to ensuring our students meet and exceed state standards, but we equally prioritize their growth in creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration, equipping them with the diverse workforce skills necessary for success in the 21st century.

CSA-Xenia utilizes the State of Ohio’s College Credit Plus programs throughout the curriculum. Different pathways for graduation will have different numbers of college credit plus options, but all will have options.

CSA-Xenia has a PIVOT Group and the STEAM Advisory Council that seeks Parent’s/Guardian’s input, along with other local stakeholders. If you would like to be part of one of them, please use our Partners page or the Contact form to request to be part of the Communit.

CSA-Xenia provides nutritious and tasty school lunches. A sample week menu might include chicken nuggets and soft pretzel, tacos, egg rolls with chicken and rice, a turkey wrap, and a meatball sandwich. All meals include a vegetable, fruit, and milk with the main protein entree for a balanced diet.

CSA-Xenia is part of the National School Lunch Program, now offering free and reduced meals to eligible students. This institution is an equal opportunity employer.

At CSA, we believe that technology is a valuable tool for learning when used with purpose. Our approach is simple: we use technology when it enhances learning, and put it away when it doesn’t. While students may have more screen time at the start of the year as we introduce our platforms and tools, you can expect a balanced blend of digital resources, hands-on activities, and group work as the year progresses. We aim to foster responsible digital habits, ensuring that technology supports learning rather than distracts from it.

Ohio’s districts and schools receive Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid (DPIA) and Student Wellness and Success Funds (SWSF) to support initiatives that provide wraparound services for Ohio’s students. These funds are crucial in helping schools address the comprehensive needs of students, particularly those facing economic or social disadvantages. This report outlines how Community STE[A]M Academy-Xenia (CSA) will utilize these funds during Funding Year 2026 (FY26) to support our students' mental, physical, and educational well-being.

Community STEAM Academy evaluates the need for before- and after-school care each year and continues to assess demand throughout the school year. When there is sufficient interest, these services are offered to meet the needs of our families.

Before- and after-school care are available for an additional fee. Families may choose to enroll in both services or select only before-school or after-school care, depending on their needs.