The GE Lighting building on Noble Road, known to many for its annual Christmas lights display, will welcome a new tenant this fall: T-Squared Honors Academy, opening its second campus inside the historic Bell Tower.
The East Cleveland campus launches with a goal of enrolling 100 students in its first year. It will begin with the ninth and 10th grades, adding additional grade levels each year as enrollment grows. The school currently employs seven teachers, covering core subjects and special education, as well as two contracted counselors. The school is led by Dr. India Ford, who serves as superintendent, and Principal Qiana Davis, who will oversee the campus.
As a public charter school, tuition is free. Students are, however, responsible for paying school fees that cover books and materials. Lunch is free for all students and is provided through a catering service.
Located at 1975 Noble Road, the new campus not only expands T-Squared’s reach but also brings fresh purpose to a space that has long been part of East Cleveland’s story.
T-Squared: A Charter School vs. A Traditional Public School
There’s often confusion about what a charter school is and how it differs from a traditional school. Both are public schools funded by taxpayer dollars, but the way they operate and the experience they offer can be quite different.
Traditional schools are managed by local school districts and follow district and state guidelines. Students are assigned to a school based on where they live, and those schools follow a standardized curriculum. Staffing, school hours and daily operations are shaped by district-wide policies. This model supports consistency and ensures access to essential services across the board.
Charter schools like T-Squared operate under an independent charter instead of a district. That charter gives them more control over staffing, curriculum and how the school day is structured. Charter schools aren’t restricted by zoning, so students from any city or neighborhood can enroll. And because they’re not tied to a district-wide blueprint, they can design learning experiences that align with the school’s mission, student needs or cultural and community goals.
From Educator to Visionary
Dr. India Ford, the founder and superintendent of T-Squared Honors Academy, has been in education for nearly 30 years. She began her career in Maple Heights City Schools but eventually saw a need for a different type of education, one that would better support students by offering a more personalized and culturally responsive approach.
Recognizing that need, she launched T-Squared in Warrensville Heights on South Miles Road. To make it happen, Dr. Ford invested more than $120,000 of her own retirement savings because, as she told The Land, “Our students deserve more than survival; they deserve to thrive.”
Since its first year in 2012–2013, the Warrensville Heights campus has grown into a four-star school serving grades 8–12 and guiding students toward college and career success. Building on that foundation, Dr. Ford is bringing the same vision to its sister school in East Cleveland.
T-Squared’s model is anchored in opportunity. Through partnerships with Cleveland State University and Tri-C, scholars gain access to programs like welding, phlebotomy, EMT training, and electrician pathways, among others. These career-tech options ensure students have meaningful choices for their futures, whether through college, certification, trade training, or direct entry into high-demand careers. Students in East Cleveland will benefit from these same opportunities as the new campus builds on the foundation established in Warrensville Heights, ensuring every scholar has access to pathways that fit their strengths and goals.
“I’ve always wanted to serve this community,” Ford explained. “We’re here to work alongside families, the East Cleveland School District, and community partners to ensure that students have what they need to succeed. We hope to be a light in this community, reflecting the strength, potential, and promise of our young people.”
A Principal with Heart and History
Principal Qiana Davis brings more than six years of experience in education, beginning her career at New Day Academy in Willowick, Ohio. There, she supported executive leadership and helped strengthen school operations through scheduling, enrollment, and event coordination. She also worked directly with students, teaching college-prep courses, mentoring youth through academic and personal challenges, and guiding families through the admissions process. Her work on the school’s rebranding and recruitment efforts contributed to significant growth in enrollment and student retention.
After briefly stepping away from education, Davis was recruited by Dr. India Ford to lead T-Squared’s new East Cleveland campus.
“Before I could talk myself out of it, I said yes,” Davis recalled with a smile. “I love the idea of what this school stands for, what Dr. Ford represents, and the vision behind it all. That vision is about every student, no matter their background, feeling they belong and can excel. I can get on board with someone who leads with purpose and positivity. I’ve always had a love for education and a heart for children. When this opportunity arose, I knew I had to be a part of it.”
She said her approach centers on nurturing students with firm but caring guidance. “This school offers a family setting and feels like a college campus,” she says. “It looks different, and that’s intentional because it is. We’re building something bigger than just a school day. We’re building young people who see themselves as capable, valued, and responsible.”
Davis believes in creating a safe space for questions and growth. “No question is a dumb question here. Whatever I can do to help our students be successful, that’s what I’m here to do. I want them to put their best foot forward and give it 110%. My job is to help nurture whatever they have inside and bring it out so they can graduate and move forward.”
Inside the T-Squared Experience
At T-Squared, the school day is designed with intention. Classes average one teacher for every 20 students, creating space for personal attention and accountability. The day begins with breakfast at 7:45 a.m., followed by classes at 8:05 and dismissal at 3 p.m., with tutoring available afterward for those who need extra support.
Twice a week, students step outside the traditional curriculum to engage in electives like African drumming, dance, drama, visual arts, and vocal music. These offerings give students a chance to explore culture and creativity alongside academics. Beyond the classroom, they can join activities such as the debate team or student battalions that emphasize leadership development. As the school expands, juniors will also be able to take part in a debutante program that highlights service and mentoring.
Sports remain an option as well. While T-Squared doesn’t run its own athletics program, students are able to join teams through partnering districts. Arrangements are still being finalized, but opportunities are expected to include participation with Shaw High School and other local programs.
Uniforms are another intentional choice. Students wear royal blue tops, cardigans, or vests paired with khaki-style pants in black or brown. The look carries a logo designed by Dr. Ford herself, a globe topped with a book, symbolizing the power of education to change the world. The royal blue isn’t just a color; it represents dignity and purpose, reminding students that they are set apart for excellence.
Education that Reflects Identity and Values
Dr. Ford emphasizes that beyond aesthetics and programming, the name T-Squared honors W.E.B. Du Bois’ “Talented Tenth” theory, which speaks to the power of education to shape leaders and reform communities. At T-Squared, the vision is that every student has the potential to think critically, lead boldly, and care deeply about the issues affecting their communities and the wider world.
Students complete capstone projects that tackle real issues from epilepsy awareness to fatherlessness to health care inequities. These projects serve as opportunities for students to explore subjects that matter to them personally, while gaining public speaking, research, and presentation skills.
“We want them to see themselves in what they learn,” said Davis. “And more than that, we want them to see their voice as powerful because their voices matter.”
T-Squared’s school culture will be intentionally built on structure, respect, and emotional support. “Students thrive in boundaries,” Davis explains. “We give them space to be who they are while helping them understand responsibility and accountability. It’s firm, but it’s full of love.”
Counseling support is available on-site twice a week through a partnership with NYAP, and the school is actively exploring additional collaborations with organizations that specialize in youth wellness, mental health, mentoring, and community development.
An Invitation to Families
Enrollment is open to students across Northeast Ohio. The school follows a traditional calendar (September through June) and hosts weekly information sessions every Wednesday at 6 p.m.
“Just show up,” says Davis. “Even if you’re unsure, come see it for yourself. We’re here to invest in your child’s future, in this community, and in what East Cleveland can become.”
Dr. Ford echoes that sentiment: “When families walk in, they feel the energy, hear the mission, and see how we’re creating a school that reflects culture, history, and high expectations. Our goal is to make every student feel valued and capable of success. That belief in our young people is what makes families want to be a part of this.”
School starts on September 2nd. If you would like more information on the school and the enrollment process, visit T-Squared Honors Academy at www.tsquaredacademy.com. You can also check them out on Facebook. To attend an in-person session, contact Dr. Ford at india.ford@t2academynorth.org or 216-510-5458.
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