We are excited to share an important and inspiring update with our community—Sagewood Preparatory Academy is now Sagewood STEAM Academy.

This new name reflects more than a rebrand. It represents a bold step forward in our mission to provide students with an innovative, future-focused education rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

A Meaningful Evolution

For years, Sagewood has been a place where students are known, supported, and challenged to grow. As highlighted in our school flyer, we have always blended strong academics with a nurturing, close-knit community and a STEAM-focused, project-based approach that fuels curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem-solving .

Now, as Sagewood STEAM Academy, we are deepening that commitment—making STEAM not just a feature of our program, but the foundation of everything we do.

A Curriculum Designed for the Future

At Sagewood STEAM Academy, our STEAM-driven curriculum empowers students to think critically, innovate boldly, and apply learning in real-world ways.

 Strong Foundations in Literacy

We build confident readers and writers through:

• Amplify curriculum
• Orton-Gillingham instruction, a proven, structured, multi-sensory approach that supports all learners

This ensures every student develops the literacy skills needed to succeed across all subjects.

 Deep Mathematical Understanding

Our math program combines:

• HMH Math
• Zearn
• Multi-Sensory Math instruction

This approach helps students move beyond memorization—building true conceptual understanding and strong problem-solving skills.

 Hands-On STEAM Learning

Through engaging, real-world experiences, students bring learning to life using:

• Tinkerworks
• LEGO STEM kits
• Makerspace and project-based activities

These opportunities allow students to explore, design, build, and innovate—developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The Sagewood Experience

As shown in our flyer, Sagewood offers a well-rounded experience that supports the whole child, including:

• Full-day kindergarten and STEAM studies
• Art, physical education, and 1:1 technology access
• Specialized environments like makerspaces and outdoor play areas
• Field trips and hands-on learning experiences
• Free services such as transportation, meals, and before/after care

We remain committed to providing a tuition-free, high-quality K–8 education that is accessible to all families.

Preparing Future-Ready Leaders

This transformation positions Sagewood students to become:

• Confident thinkers
• Collaborative creators
• Innovative problem-solvers
• Future-ready leaders

By integrating STEAM across all areas of learning, we are preparing students not just for the next grade—but for the future they will help shape.

Join Us on This Journey

We invite families and community members to be part of this exciting new chapter.

• Visit us: 2255 Kimberly Pkwy E, Columbus, OH
• Call: (614) 669-6305

As our flyer encourages: “Meaningful Learning. STEAM-Powered Future.”

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Welcome to Sagewood STEAM Academy—where innovation meets opportunity, and every student’s future begins.

Big ideas start in kindergarten. At Sagewood STEAM Academy, young learners are encouraged to explore, build, and discover through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and creativity from day one.

Why Families Choose Us

Families choose us because we offer:

· Tuition-free kindergarten education

· Safe, supportive classrooms

· A positive learning culture built on curiosity, collaboration, and innovation

· Hands-on, project-based learning experiences

· Strong partnerships between students, families, and educators

Our Learning Culture

At Sagewood STEAM Academy, kindergarten classrooms are places where questions are encouraged and ideas are explored. Our learning culture empowers students to think critically, experiment, and learn from both success and challenge.

Our STEAM learning culture emphasizes:

· Curiosity and inquiry, encouraging students to ask “why” and “how”

· Creativity and innovation, blending arts with science and technology

· Collaboration, helping students learn through teamwork and shared problem-solving

· Confidence and growth, so every child feels supported to try new things

In this environment, students develop early skills that prepare them for future learning—while still enjoying the wonder and joy of kindergarten.

The STEAM Approach

Our kindergarten program balances academic foundations with time to explore, build, and play. Students engage in developmentally appropriate learning that supports both intellectual and social-emotional growth.

Our Kindergarten students experience:

· Early literacy and math instruction

· Hands-on STEAM activities and projects

· Opportunities to build, design, and experiment

· Social-emotional learning and collaboration

· Plenty of time to play, move, and explore

This approach helps children build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

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Kindergarten seats are limited, and early applications are encouraged.

As Sagewood Preparatory Academy prepares to welcome students for its very first school year serving the East Columbus neighborhood, we’re proud to introduce our leader: Principal Amanda Garner. 

With over 11 years of experience in education and a deep belief in the power of student-centered learning, Ms. Garner brings both heart and high standards to Sagewood Prep. Her background spans the arts, technology, and academic leadership—giving her a unique lens on how students learn, grow, and thrive. 

Before joining Sagewood, Ms. Garner served as a K–12 art teacher, a middle school technology teacher, and most recently, Director of Academics at Columbus Humanities Arts and Tech Academy. She holds degrees in Graphic Design, Education, and School Administration—all earned from Southeast Missouri State University—and is certified as a K–12 principal. 

But what truly defines Ms. Garner’s leadership is her commitment to building a school where students feel safe, supported, and inspired. Her vision for Sagewood is one where every child is known and challenged, and where teachers are empowered to lead with creativity and care. She fosters a positive, collaborative culture and believes in celebrating successes, learning from challenges, and always keeping students at the center. 

“I want Sagewood to be a place where children grow not just academically, but as confident, compassionate people,” she says. “When students feel connected, anything is possible.” 

When she’s not leading a school community, Ms. Garner enjoys biking, reading, performing live music, and exploring new cultures through travel. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Griffin family—and we can’t wait for you to meet her.

We are a proud member of ACCEL Schools—a public charter school network serving thousands of PK-12 students throughout the United States. ACCEL was founded in 2012 by the early pioneers of online learning. Our leadership believes that all children, regardless of location or socio-economic background, deserve a quality education that prepares them to succeed in school and become productive global citizens.  

ACCEL Schools Instructional Model provides: 

• Aligned Academics meet or exceed state standards ensuring your child is on track for rigorous college and career opportunities.    
  
• Certified, Licensed Teachers and a student-centered staff are united in executing our mission to make a difference in the life trajectory of each student.    
  
• More Time on Task and double the instructional minutes for ELA and Math maximizes learning in your child’s school day.   
  
• Short Cycle Assessments keep track of how students are progressing in the program, giving teachers ongoing feedback so they can tailor instruction to your student’s needs.    
  
• Individualized Instruction driven by assessment data means we are familiar with the needs of each child and set students up for success in each course of study.    
  
• State Testing Preparation reduces the anxiety often associated with high stakes tests, helping our teachers and students feel confident with the structure and methodology of state exams.    
  
• Academic Support including education technology, interventional specialists, and instructional aides assist students during the school day. After school tutoring, summer school, and Saturday school programs extend support services beyond the traditional school day and year.   
  
• Extracurricular Courses & Activities round out our educational offerings providing students social-emotional learning, athletics, arts, service learning & more.   

We offer free breakfast and lunch to students through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), a federally-assisted meal program that provides nutritionally balanced, USDA-compliant meals to students each school day.

We are proud to be accredited by Cognia™ for meeting the highest standards of education in ongoing third-party review. Learn more »