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About
Discover Cedar Rapids Prep
Cedar Rapids Prep will grow to serve students from 6th grade through 12th grade. This continuity builds a strong sense of community where students develop lifelong friendships, and families are valued as collaborative partners. We will start with 6th and 7th grade in the fall of 2025, and will consider adding 8th grade to the 2025-2026 school year based on interest and available resources.
Here’s what you’ll find at Cedar Rapids Prep:
The Intersection of Joy and Excellence
Students feel joy when they are able to find and pursue their passions and experience success. Our commitment to excellence extends into every facet of our school. Whether extracurriculars, facilities, or academics, we provide a premier educational experience for students and families.
A Supportive Community
Each student is paired with a dedicated advisor who ensures they thrive. Together, students and staff create a culture where every voice matters, and every learner is empowered to lead and succeed.
A True Partnership Between Educators, Families, and Students
We recognize the power of partnering with families to drive the success of the school. Every family member is a collaborative partner, moving each student toward their goals.
A Private School Experience (but the Only Cost is Commitment)
We offer the high-quality experience of a private school —complete with top-notch facilities, student uniforms, and rigorous academics—but it’s tuition free. It’s excellence without the price tag.
Mission and Vision
Often students are disengaged in schools and feel their schools do little to help them gain relevant skills and experience to build fulfilling careers and lives. Not at Cedar Rapids Prep.
We know that young people live in a rapidly changing world that requires them to learn in every situation, grow from every challenge, and tackle unsolved problems with courage and creativity. That’s why we provide our students with a strong foundation of academic excellence in a safe and rigorous learning environment that fosters engagement.
Mission
To empower students to invest, own, and drive their learning by prioritizing active learning and engagement.
Vision
To create a model for education that ensures all students graduate prepared to lead ambitious and purpose driven lives.
Our Team
Meet our leadership team!
Justin Blietz, Principal
Justin is a proud Cedar Rapidian with a strong track record of success in education. He was born and raised in the Cedar Rapids community and currently lives here with his wife and children. Justin has 15 years of educational experience in schools and districts across the country, including Houston, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids. His seven years of school and district-level leadership in Cedar Rapids includes serving as the Principal of Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy. Justin focuses on academic excellence and creates a culture where all students feel safe, supported, and connected.
James Troupis, Chief of Schools
James is the Chief of Schools, responsible for leading the development of our growing school network. He brings over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, district leader, and edtech start-up founder. James was the founder and principal of Gary Comer College Prep on Chicago’s South Side; with 100% college enrollment and city-leading ACT growth he won the Ryan Award as the nation’s top principal. He was also the Chief People Officer at Noble Schools in Chicago and co-founder of OpenSeat, an organization that helps schools provide personalized, one-to-one, social-emotional support to students.
Our Foundation
Cedar Rapids Prep is operated by the Opportunity Education Network, a non-profit organization with a network of high-performing independent and charter schools. Both Cedar Rapids Prep and the Opportunity Education Network are supported by Opportunity Education, a non-profit foundation.
Since 2005, Opportunity Education has supported teachers with student-focused and professional learning resources. Opportunity Education’s methods and tools are used in schools around the world, helping teachers empower students to develop the skills and habits they need to succeed.
Learn more about Opportunity Education or the Opportunity Education Network.
Location
Cedar Rapids Prep is building a 19-acre campus for grades 6-12 that will leverage the natural beauty of the area. The location will include a turf field, gymnasium, theater, student union, and state-of-the-art classrooms. The school will be designed to support student interest, allowing students to invest, own and drive their learning. This includes a state-of-the-art Esports center, a competition level robotics space, and various innovative spaces that promote collaboration.
While we build the new facilities, we will accommodate our founding classes in the adjacent and newly renovated Edgewood Pointe Towers.
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