Main
Preparatory
A comprehensive brand identity system designed to unify every touchpoint — from digital enrollment campaigns to campus communications — ensuring consistent, authentic representation of the Main Prep mission across our Akron community.
Why Brand Identity
Matters
Authority
Serving Akron, Ohio since 2004, Main Preparatory Academy holds a 3.5-star overall rating on the State Report Card, built on a STEAM/Project-Based Learning model, a full-time on-site behavior specialist, and small class sizes of 25-28 scholars.
Retention
Families stay because scholars are accepted for who they are, in a collaborative, nurturing environment with no-cost meal plans, free transportation, and before & after school care.
Growth
With current enrollment of 100 against a target of 140 and total capacity of 250, Main Preparatory Academy has real room to grow. Free transportation and meals remove the biggest barriers, and the September 9 Open House is a natural moment to build enrollment momentum around.
Positioning &
Strategy
Main Preparatory Academy is the tuition-free public charter school for Akron families who want their scholars to Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow, and Serve in the Future — supported by a hands-on STEAM & Project-Based Learning model, a full-time behavior specialist, and small, individualized classes.
Strategic Anchors
Top Parent Objections — Addressed
7-Day Content
Pillars
Enrollment
Funnel
STEAM & Project-Based Learning
Authentic, hands-on projects and current learning technologies incorporated into daily instruction.
Full-Time Behavior Specialist
On-site, every day, to support scholars' social and emotional growth alongside academics.
Free Meals & Transportation
No-cost breakfast and lunch, plus free transportation within a 2-mile radius, remove the biggest barriers for families.
Small Class Sizes
Classes of 25-28 scholars mean every child is known personally by staff.
Logo &
Identity
Primary — Light Background
On Dark Background — White Chip
Maintain space equal to the panther mark's height on all sides. Never crowd or clip the mark or wordmark.
Always display the logo on a white or light card/chip for guaranteed contrast, whether on the navy primary background or a photo.
Do not stretch, rotate, recolor, or apply drop shadows or glows. Never place directly on low-contrast backgrounds.
Color
Palette
Usage note: Panther Navy anchors navigation, footers, and dark sections. Sky Blue carries all primary buttons and CTAs. Sunburst Orange is reserved for small accents, badges, and highlight text — a nod to the logo's radiating sunburst behind the panther mark.
Typography
- All page headlines and section titles at weight 800-900
- Closely echoes the chunky, rounded geometric sans of the MAIN wordmark
- Minimum 18px digital — pairs with Roboto for body hierarchy
- Letter-spacing: tight (0 to -.01em) for headings
- All body text, captions, labels, and navigation at weight 400-600
- Weight 700-800 for strong emphasis and CTAs
- Line-height 1.65-1.8 for comfortable reading
- Never use italic in brand communications
Imagery
Direction
STEAM/PBL & Hands-On Learning
Scholars engaged in project-based learning, small-group instruction, and Chess and Drama Club activities. Prioritize natural classroom light, genuine curiosity, and candid teacher-scholar moments. Avoid staged, overly posed, or stock-looking compositions.
A Nurturing, Family Environment
Showcase the diversity, warmth, and pride of the Main Prep family — mealtime, small-group support, and the behavior specialist's caring presence. Images must reflect dignity, belonging, and the individualized attention every scholar receives.
Voice &
Tone
Warm and Affirming
Main Prep speaks to families as individuals, affirming that every scholar is accepted for who they are and deserves a bright, healthy learning environment.
Forward-Looking
"Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow, Serve in the Future" is more than a tagline — the voice consistently frames today's learning as tomorrow's leadership.
Confidently Public
The voice proactively addresses the misconception that Main Prep isn't "the same" as a public school — it is a tuition-free, fully accredited public charter school.
Community-Rooted
Main Prep speaks with Akron families, not at them — embedded in the community and earning trust through real results, like its 3.5-star State Report Card rating.