A Springer Timeline

1887 – The Springer Institute opens with 600 students in grades 1 through 12, including a class for hearing impaired children.

1944 – Springer Institute becomes a school for children in need of special education.

1952 – Plum Street building razed and school moved to the St. Paul school building at 12^th Street and Pendleton in Over-the-Rhine.

1960s

1963 – Springer moves to former Immaculata School building on the corner of Guido and Pavilion Streets in Mt. Adams.

1968 – Consultants from University of Cincinnati recommend a focus on students with learning disabilities.

1969 – Admission narrowed to children with average or above average intelligence who have special learning disabilities.

1970s

1971 – Springer Educational Foundation established as an independent, unaffiliated nonprofit corporation for children with learning disabilities. Sr. Mary Jean Fields (Sr. Elizabeth Mary Fields during her tenure at Springer) is school’s first Executive Director.

1973 – Springer moves to new location on Summit Road in Roselawn.

1974 – First annual Bike Hike sponsored by Springer Parent Association.

1978 – Sr. Marianne Van Vurst is appointed Executive Director.

1980s

1981 – School moves to former Marian Girls High School on our current campus at 2121 Madison Road.

1985 – Dr. Norita Aplin is appointed Executive Director.

1987 – Name is formally changed to The Springer School, and renovations increase building capacity to 198 students.

1988 – Bolan Scholarship established in memory of Peter Bolan, a Springer parent and supporter.

1990s

1992 – School earns accreditation from ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States).

1993 – Maureen Wenker Artist in Residence program is established in memory of a Springer parent, volunteer and supporter.

1997 – Norita Aplin Musician in Residence program is established to recognize Dr. Aplin’s 14 years of leadership at Springer.

1997 – Library reopens after remodeling as the Barbara Cassady Frey Library, named in memory of a Springer parent and volunteer.

1997 – Shelly Weisbacher is appointed Executive Director.

1999 – The Springer School unveils The Springer Center for Learning Disabilities, with outreach programs to students, teachers and parents affected by learning disabilities.

2000s

2000 – School changes name to Springer School and Center and unveils new logo.

2000 - Adventures in Summer Learning, Springer's month-long summer program, enrolls 64 students.

2000 - Springer's Board of Trustees purchases the Holy Angels church and convent, which enlarges the current property to six acres.

2002 – Playground renovated with a grant from the Dater Foundation.

2005 – Springer hosts first Be Our Guest Day, inviting relatives and special friends to visit students at school.

2005 – Center receives C4C (Collaborating for Collaboration) grant, establishing a working relationship with the University of Cincinnati to train area pre-service teachers in learning disabilities.

2007 – A successful $5.2 million capital campaign makes possible renovations to the gym, cafeteria, lobby and front office, along with classroom upgrades, and greatly expands Springer financial aid program.

2008 – Oliver Gale Washington Academy is launched, giving Springer students an opportunity to visit our nation’s capital.

2010s

2010 – Springer’s website undergoes complete renovation.

2011 – Springer celebrates its 40^th anniversary.

2012 – One-to-One Laptop program launches in Middle School.

2012 – Dr. Russell Barkley is brought to Cincinnati through partnership with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

2016 – Springer's website is updated, making it compatible with mobile devices and tablets.

2017 – Major renovation project brings library/media center into prominent space which once held student lunchroom, and brings reception area to front of the building. New lunchroom for students is created in lower level. Project includes addition of awning over lower piazza, with tables and chairs beneath creating new outdoor classroom space.

2018 – Brett Marcoux is appointed Executive Director.