Ritzman Community Learning Center
(complete)
(formerly Ritzman Elementary School)

629 Canton Road
Akron, OH 44312-2199
330/761-7903; Fax 330/794-4106

Grades: K-5
Colors: Blue and Gold
Mascot: Ram
Average Class Size: 20
Average Enrollment: 302
Design Enrollment: 400
Principal: Larry Bender

Dedication
The dedication ceremony took place on Friday, August 21, 2009. Students began attending classes in the new building on Wednesday, August 26, 2009. Click on the link to the right to view highlights of the dedication.

Ritzman's Master Facility Plan
A new school was constructed on the existing site. Students attended classes at 400 W. Market St. until the new school was complete.

Creative use of color and texture make the Ritzman CLC an outstanding example of what a school environment can and should be. The goal was to create spaces that, by their appearance and arrangement, make students want to linger and learn. Function and practicality were not overlooked. Each classroom has its own storage area for students and teachers. A state-of-the-art video projector in each classroom displays DVDs, TV programs and computer screens. Other features include better lighting; up-to-date heating, ventilation and AC; and improved, safer and better-equipped kitchen equipment. A new gym was designed to make fitness and good nutrition fun and achievable and to maximize the amount of after-school activities available. The colorful playground is fenced in so the children can play and explore in a safe setting.

Architects
All designs are the work of an architectural firm from one of six firms, which comprise the Akron Architectural Group. AAG architects work with Akron Public Schools architects on each site. The architectural firm designing the Ritzman Community Learning Center was TC Architects. Gerald Taylor was the Akron Public Schools liaison.