Jacobs Solutions Partners with ACCEL Schools to Launch Innovative Classical Academies by 2025
- ACCEL Schools collaborates with Dr. Bennett to launch Classical Academies, focusing on academic excellence and character development.
- The Classical Academies will provide tuition-free public schooling in Ohio, Oregon, Alabama, and West Virginia starting Fall 2025.
- Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is open, promoting educational alternatives that prioritize moral education.

Jacobs Solutions to Collaborate on Educational Innovation with ACCEL Schools
In a significant move towards enhancing educational frameworks, ACCEL Schools appoints Dr. William J. Bennett as the Founding Provost for a new network of Classical Academies. This initiative aims to transform virtual education by integrating classical traditions with modern civic virtues. Set to launch in Fall 2025, the academies will offer full-time, tuition-free public schooling across four states: Ohio, Oregon, Alabama, and West Virginia. The curriculum is designed to emphasize critical thinking, moral character, and a thorough understanding of history, aligning with the growing demand for educational systems that reflect family values and promote intellectual development.
Dr. Bennett, a former U.S. Secretary of Education and renowned author, highlights the need for educational institutions that are not only focused on academic achievement but also on nurturing virtues and character in students. He underscores that the proposed Classical Academies will provide an education that is both timeless and pertinent to contemporary society. With a curriculum rooted in great books and history, these schools aim to cultivate students who are well-rounded thinkers and engaged citizens. The vision for these academies resonates with parents seeking educational alternatives that prioritize moral education alongside academic rigor.
ACCEL Schools CEO Ron Packard expresses enthusiasm about collaborating with Dr. Bennett to create a national network that emphasizes academic excellence coupled with a civic purpose. The network includes several institutions, such as the Jefferson Classical Academy of Ohio and the Alabama Virtual Classical Academy, which will be supported by certified teachers and a comprehensive virtual campus. Enrollment is currently open for the 2025-2026 school year, providing families with the opportunity to apply and learn more about the offerings. In addition to virtual learning environments, Dr. Bennett will supervise two brick-and-mortar Jefferson Classical Academies located in Toledo, Ohio, and Clarksburg, West Virginia, further expanding the reach of this innovative educational initiative.
As ACCEL Schools embarks on this transformative journey, the focus remains on providing students with a rich educational experience that fosters not only academic skills but also character development and civic responsibility. With the increasing interest in alternative education models, the establishment of these Classical Academies marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of public schooling, aiming to create a generation of informed and principled leaders.