Dear Parents,
Our mission at Columbus Bilingual Academy North is to provide a nurturing environment of academic excellence, which provides for the development of responsible cross-cultural world citizens with an enriched understanding of self and others.
Our vision is to become a high-performing academy that drives the learning of all children for success in local and global communities through holistic, intellectually inspiring academic and language-acquisition programs.
Dr. Steve Fawcett, School Principal
Dr. Steve Fawcett joined the Columbus Bilingual Academy North (CBAN) team in the Summer of 2019. He brings with him a formidable background in education with more than a decade of experience as a tutor, classroom teacher, assistant principal, and now principal. Dr. Fawcett has worked in multiple contexts from rural Utah to urban Ohio. His background is in Spanish with expertise in business, music, and educational leadership. Dr. Fawcett has a BA in Spanish from the University of Utah where he also enjoyed playing the alto saxophone in the jazz, marching, and pep bands. During this time he also had the wonderful opportunity to serve a two-year LDS mission in Maracaibo, Venezuela where he learned about the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. He then went on to study teacher education and leadership and attained a Master’s degree from Utah State University. From there, Dr. Fawcett set his sights on Columbus, Ohio where he became a Buckeye for life while studying Educational Administration at The Ohio State University and achieved the degree of Educational Doctorate. In his spare time, Dr. Fawcett enjoys traveling with his wife of 12 years, playing with his two daughters, playing music, gardening, reading, and trying to stay in shape! His educational philosophy is taken from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” which states “The readiness is all.” We can never predict what skills and knowledge will be needed in the future, so giving students a well-rounded, holistic education is key in preparing them to be ready for all forthcoming challenges that lie ahead.
Dr. Salim Ucan, Regional Vice President
Dr. Salim Ucan joined ACCEL Schools in 2021 with over 20 years of experience as a K-12 teacher, principal, leadership coach, and charter school network administrator. Prior to ACCEL Schools, he was the founding principal of Chicago Math and Science Academy (CMSA), one of the highest performing charter schools in Illinois, and after five years was promoted to Vice President of Concept Schools, a Chicago-based public charter school network. During this time, Dr. Ucan led the openings of 12 charter schools throughout the Midwest. He also served as spokesperson of the network and was involved in projects relating to community engagement, professional development, crisis management, public relations, and communications. Dr. Ucan holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology Education from Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey, a master’s degree in School Leadership from Central Michigan University, and a PhD in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University. Dr. Ucan additionally serves as adjunct faculty at Franklin University.
