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Principal Gretchen Blanchard
Rhodes College & Career Academy
Gretchen Blanchard serves as the Principal of Rhodes College & Career Academy, bringing a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to her leadership role. Prior to becoming principal, Mrs. Blanchard served as the school’s Assistant Principal, where she built strong relationships with students, staff, and families while championing academic rigor and positive school culture. Her transition into the principalship represents a seamless continuation of her commitment to excellence, equity, and empowerment for every student who walks through the doors of Rhodes.
Under her leadership, Rhodes College & Career Academy has achieved distinction as Cleveland’s highest-performing non-criteria high school, earning a 4-star rating on the Ohio State Report Card. This accomplishment reflects Mrs. Blanchard’s strategic vision and her ability to inspire both educators and students to pursue excellence beyond expectations. She is a firm believer that education should not only prepare students for college and careers but also cultivate compassion, critical thinking, and civic responsibility.
Mrs. Blanchard’s leadership philosophy centers around collaboration and community. She works closely with teachers, families, and district partners to ensure that Rhodes remains a safe, supportive, and high-achieving environment. Her focus on data-driven instruction, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning underscores her holistic approach to education—one that values both academic success and personal growth. Through her servant-leadership model, she continues to foster a school culture where every individual feels seen, valued, and capable of success.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Mrs. Blanchard is deeply invested in the broader Cleveland community. She takes pride in promoting partnerships that extend learning beyond the classroom and provide students with real-world opportunities aligned with their passions and goals. Her leadership embodies the Rhodes mission—empowering students to learn with purpose, lead with integrity, and live with pride. Principal Blanchard’s unwavering belief in her students and staff continues to elevate Rhodes College & Career Academy as a model of innovation, achievement, and heart within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
