A Non-Profit Organization Locally Owned and Operated
Certified by the Rigorous Standards of the Ohio Dept of Education

• Our Story
• About Our Founders
• The Prep Academy Difference
• Your Child’s Potential
• Facilities
• Safety

About Our Founders

Prep Academy Schools is a non-profit organization, locally owned and operated since 2001 by its founders, Tom and Mary Jo Runfola. Prep Academies is certified by the rigorous standards of the Ohio Department of Education, which distinguishes us from nearly all other Preschools in the Central Ohio area.

“Mr Tom” and “Miss Mary Jo,” as they are known to Prep Academy Students, have been successful entrepreneurs and business people in the Columbus, Ohio are for many years. In the late 1990’s, they decided that they wanted to “pay it forward” so that the next generation could experience the same American Dream that they have lived. Out of that vision, Prep Academies was birthed.

The Runfolas knew that you win the future by positively influencing the hearts and minds of today’s children. As they have said many times, “What goes into the mind of a child, comes out in the life of an adult.”

Our founders believe you build a life the same way you build a house, with a strong foundation! They believed that children’s learning could be accelerated during the first six years of life when their tender minds are like sponges. This theory has proven itself with over 1,000 children graduating from Prep Academy Schools Accelerated Program and with large numbers going on to the best private schools and the gifted programs of the public schools.

Due to the efforts and dedication of Mr. Tom and Miss Mary Jo and their excellent Directors, Teachers and Staff, over the past 10 years, Prep Academy Schools has become one of the most highly regarded Preschools in the State of Ohio.