November 30, 2022
Pivot Point Academy brought home the Title School of the Year to Bloomingdale, IL

We proudly announced to be named one of the winners of the 2023 Golden School Award by AACS (American Association of Cosmetology Schools) in the category “School of the Year”! School of the Year is the most prestigious award category that can be won by a beauty and wellness school. This award recognizes the beauty and wellness school that has done the best job overall in providing its students with a quality education and preparing them for success in the industry. The school that wins School of the Year excels in advocacy, community involvement, facilities, legacy alumni, marketing innovation, placement, school culture, and student salon and spa.
About AACS
AACS was founded in 1924 and has a rich history of educating and advancing millions of students into the beauty and wellness industry. We are a national nonprofit association open to all privately owned schools of cosmetology arts and sciences. Our membership includes cosmetology, skin, nail, barbering, and massage schools. AACS currently has more than 250 school owners as members comprising over 500 schools across the nation.
2023
We did it again! Our beauty school, Pivot Point Academy – Bloomingdale in Illinois, was one of our three 2023 Golden School Award WINNERS in the category School of the Year. At the AACS National Meeting in Houston, TX it was announced. Congratulations to all our fabulous educators and student-focused staff. Learning made fun – like winning does.
Do you Want to experience our school culture and see students and educators in action? here you can book Your Tour!
2022
We are proud to announce that Pivot Point Academy was awarded the Golden School Award as School of the Year at the annual American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) conference in New Orleans. Pivot Point Academy was recognized in the tier one category, which includes school groups with less than 400 total students. In addition, the academy was one of three named finalists in the category of alumni legacy.
Homecoming
The academy, located in Bloomingdale, IL, is co-owned by Denise Provenzano, Frank Ellermeyer, and Pivot Point International. Denise, also the owner of the Zano chain of salons and spas, manages the school’s day-to-day operations with a strong focus on student salon readiness. Frank, former global Chief Technology Officer of McDonald’s Corporation and Executive Cloud Advisor at Amazon Web Services, manages the school’s digital strategies and marketing.
Pivot Point International, founded in 1962 by Leo Passage to elevate beauty industry education, remains committed to his legacy of providing sustainable careers through the use of the school as its research academy.
“Supporting the future success and growth of our students is what drives Frank and me to always keep moving towards excellence. As a model for our students and our staff, hard work, desire, and passion together can be the fuel for success. How fortunate are we to be in the best industry to make this happen!” Denise Provenzano, Pivot Point Academy
Pivot Point will continue to represent the best of our industry – providing cutting-edge content, tools, and technology that empower schools, instructors, students, salons, and beauty professionals to enjoy their greatest success.” Robert Passage, Pivot Point International
“A huge shout-out to our outstanding support staff and experienced educators. With a clear focus on students and education, you created a fun, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment for all. You deserve such incredible recognition.” Frank Ellermeyer, Pivot Point Academy
About Pivot Point Academy
Pivot Point Academy empowers beauty school students and professionals with the leading cosmetology, barber, and skincare education. Our Campus is located in Bloomingdale, IL in the Chicago suburbs, and has currently around 140 students enrolled.
We offer collaborative and innovative cosmetology, esthetics, barber, makeup, and teacher training courses to help you elevate your skills. Pivot Point Academy offers programs that are designed to prepare you for a future career in the beauty industry. Our instructors believe in people and their potential to take a passion for the craft of cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, makeup, or teaching and elevate them to art. We are committed to our mission. We empower you – the next generation of beauty professionals – with the education that allows you to design the career you want.
The mission of Pivot Point Academy is to provide the educational tools needed for students to become exceptionally trained, qualified professionals in barbering, cosmetology, esthetics (skincare), nail technology, and teacher training. By providing each student with a comprehensive education in each of the above areas, Pivot Point Academy strives to provide opportunities for employment and advancement in the beauty industry.
Connect with Pivot Point Academy at pivotpoint.edu or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Pivot Point International
Pivot Point International, the driving force behind digital learning and development for hair and beauty education, has been pushing the industry forward for 60 years. Focusing on unrivaled customer engagement and global impact, PIVOT POINT for ALL, has always been the vision.
Founded by Leo Passage in 1962, three generations of leadership have committed to his legacy of doing what’s right, making a difference, and never compromising integrity, ethics, and trust. Pivot Point proudly exhibits corporate responsibility through its ethical manufacturing and social accountability standards established in the production of its premium mannequins and tools.
The company’s mission to challenge the status quo and fearlessly aim higher has inspired millions of students, educators, and professionals worldwide. Pivot Point’s learner-focused curriculum and educational tools can be found on six continents.
Connect with Pivot Point at pivot-point.com or on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.