Campuses
Welcome to Julie Billiart Schools, a family of K-8 coeducational, catholic schools for children with learning and social differences.
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Raising a child, especially a child with special social, emotional, medical, or academic needs, takes a village. Every parent, faculty or staff member, donor, and friend of Julie Billiart Schools is an important part of that village. And what a village we’ve grown, together!
I began my JB journey at our Lyndhurst campus as a second-grade teacher, teaching alongside Sister Sharon. From her example, I quickly learned what being a part of this village was truly about: love, acceptance, and belonging. From the moment I walked into the school, I felt energized by my supportive colleagues and incredible students. I also felt calmed by the clear presence of God in our chapel and in every classroom. I could see Him in the way our faculty loves our kids, and in the way little faces light up when they realize everyone around them believes in them.
Those feelings are now amplified as I have the unique privilege of leading Julie Billiart Schools to a future of growth and expansion. As the first lay President/CEO of the organization, I, along with the Sisters of Notre Dame and our Board of Directors, opened our second school in Akron in 2017. We watched in awe as the Akron community rallied around our kids. Today, JB Akron has reached its full model of K-8 and enrollment continues to climb.
But our work hasn’t stopped. Our students in Akron and Lyndhurst inspire us every single day and remind us of the thousands of other children across Northeast Ohio that deserve love, acceptance, and belonging in a school. That’s why I am thrilled to announce a third Julie Billiart School planned for Westlake, Ohio. The school will open in 2021 and will offer the same innovative approach, onsite therapies, and individualized education that JB Lyndhurst and JB Akron provide.
We are committed to going beyond expectations to serve our past, current, and future students. They are the reason we are here. We pledge to deliver a learning environment that goes beyond education. We commit to uphold our beautiful history while paving the way for our incredible kids to succeed in life.
Gratefully yours in mission,
Lannie Davis-Frecker
President/CEO
After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a Special Needs Endorsement from the University of Dayton, Lannie began her teaching career as an intervention specialist for Kindergarten, then second grade, at Julie Billiart School Lyndhurst. Over the course of 7 years at JB and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from John Carroll University, Lannie was promoted to the position of Assistant Principal and Director of Special Education, then Vice President.
In 2015, the board of trustees selected Lannie, its first layperson, to lead Julie Billiart Schools because of her deep commitment to the JBS mission, her passion for children with learning differences, and her engaging leadership style.
Today, as President and CEO of Julie Billiart Schools, Lannie is the driving force behind the expansion and growth of the Julie Billiart Schools Network. Lannie’s vision to serve more than 700 students is becoming a reality with campuses in Lyndhurst, Akron, and Westlake.
She is a member of the School Choice Ohio Board of Directors, serves as an advisor to the THRIVE program (previously the Academic support center) at Notre Dame College, and is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) - the global leadership of chief executives. In addition, she is a member of numerous grant committees and works closely with legislators to advocate on behalf of children who have special learning needs. As a pinned Associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Lannie lives out the charism and mission of the schools’ founders and patroness, St. Julie Billiart.
Lannie, her husband, and their three children live in Hudson, OH.
Julie Billiart Schools gave us hope after our daughter was diagnosed with a learning disability. At JB, she thrived in the small classes, received necessary therapies, and developed the self-confidence to ask for help when she needed it. 
JB Parent
I don’t think I will ever be able to put into words how grateful I am that you saw my daughter for all that she is today and all that she is yet to become.
Tammie Sommer
All of the teachers and staff at JB are patient and willing to take the extra time to make sure we, as parents, understand and are comfortable.
JB Parent
They have all the resources necessary, specialized to the individual learning of each child, and the heart that goes with it. I don't think we would have stayed in Ohio if it wasn't for JB!
JB Parent
Julie Billiart Schools has helped my child become a better version of himself. The teachers and therapists at JB really know and understand how to reach children who learn differently.
JB Parent
My kids love everything about JB and look forward to going to school every day and seeing their friends and teachers. JB is truly a one of a kind school enriching young lives everyday.
JB Parent