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Choosing & Finding a School

Acton Academy Columbus

A private K-8 school using Montessori and Socratic methods, play, mixed age groups, STEAM, and hands-on projects. Programs open to non-Acton students ages 5-13 include half-day and full-day STEAM Summer Camp, Spring Nature Groups, and an annual Children’s Business Fair for young entrepreneurs to present their products and services to real customers. Find program details and fees online.
5762 Wilcox Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 603-7227
actonacademycolumbus.com

Career & Technical Schools in Central Ohio

Career Technical Schools offer training programs that can prepare students for the workforce or college degree programs. Career-Technical Education (CTE) is available at every public school in the state of Ohio free of tuition. High school students should check with their home school district to see what CTE school they are eligible to attend, and for transportation options. Students may attend CTE schools for half-day or full-day programs to continue extracurriculars or classes at their home school. Program pathways typically include healthcare careers such as nursing, information technology, automotive services, welding, cosmetology, graphic design, and others. Check with each CTE school to see what programs they offer. Many CTEs offer adult education programs such as free diploma and GED programs, career certificates, and personal enrichment classes.
List of Ohio Career Technical Centers: highered.ohio.gov/about/ohios-campuses/career-technical-education/career-technical-education-ohio-technical-centers

Columbus City Schools Career-Technical Education: Serves high school juniors and seniors in the Columbus City Schools district. Adult & Community Education offers programs for health occupations, skilled trades, computer applications, high school equivalency, and free ESL/ESOL classes.

Columbus Downtown High School: 364 South Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(380) 997-4213
Fort Hayes Career Center: 546 Jack Gibbs Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(380) 997-6126
Adult & Community Education: 2323 Lexington Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 365-6000
ccsoh.us/Page/11802

Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools: Offers programs for high school juniors and seniors in Franklin, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties. Programs for adults include GED, ESL/ESOL, STNA, HVAC, and welding. Employability Prep is a personalized, transitional program for Franklin County students ages 16-21 with learning differences to receive hands-on training at community job sites. They offer free summer day camps for Grades 6-8 to experience hands-on learning.
4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125
High School: (614) 836-4530
Adult Workforce: (614) 836-4541
Summer Camp: (614) 836-4530
eastlandfairfield.com

Delaware Area Career Center (DACC): Offers a variety of career-readiness opportunities for middle school and high school students on their campus and through satellite programs. They offer summer day camps for rising 7-9th grade students in Big Walnut, Buckeye Valley, Delaware City, Olentangy, Worthington, and Westerville school districts. Adult Education includes free adult diploma, GED, ESL/ESOL, and personal enrichment classes.
4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 548-0708
delawareareacc.org

South-Western City Schools Career Tech: For junior and senior high school students in South-Western City School District. They also offer free adult workforce development courses in the evenings for HVAC, Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA), auto maintenance, and more.
4750 Big Run South Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 801-3400
swcsdcareertech.com

Tolles Career & Technical Center: Serves Dublin, Fairbanks, Jonathan Alder, Hilliard, London, Madison-Plains, and Jefferson school districts. Adult educational opportunities include free ESL, GED, STNA EMT, personal enrichment classes, and more.
7877 U.S. Highway 42 South, Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 873-4666
tollestech.com

Columbus Academy Summer Experience

Independent country day school providing education and programs for grades PreK-12. The Summer Experience offers 8 weeks of programming and is open to students not currently attending Columbus Academy. Programs include nature exploration, sports clinics, academics, swimming, arts, cooking, and more. Go online for registration details and fees.
4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
General Information: (614) 475-2311
Summer Experience: (614) 509-2267
columbusacademy.org/summer

Columbus City Schools (CCS) Project Connect Program

Provides services to help youth experiencing homelessness access public education and remove barriers to attendance. Services include help with school enrollment, transportation coordination, school supplies, and more. Go online for full program and eligibility details.
(614) 365-5140
ccsoh.us/Page/10778

Franklinton.org and Hilltop.org Community Resource Guides

These websites offer hyperlocal online resource directories for the Hilltop and Franklinton neighborhoods. Hilltop includes resources for zip codes 43204, 43222, 43223, 432123, and 43228. Franklinton includes resources for zip codes 43223, 43215, and 43222. Resources are divided into 10 categories: emergency services, health & social services, food, housing, education, business & workforce, faith, youth & family, recreation & arts, and government services. The Community Resource Guides are managed by Franklinton Development Association.
(614) 636-3644
Franklinton Website: franklinton.org
Hilltop Website: hilltopusa.org

Great Schools

This website database lists school ratings and reviews and provides practical information on raising college-ready kids. Use the website to search for schools by city across the country, compare schools, and see how schools rank based on test scores, equity, and more. The Parenting section of the website has helpful articles and worksheets for parents on topics including academics, behavior, healthy development, special education, and extracurriculars.
greatschools.org

Heartland High School

Private school providing a recovery-centered education and safe, supportive environment for students in recovery from substance use disorders. Heartland High School provides education for students in grades 9-12 and under the age of 22. Graduates are awarded a state-recognized diploma. Visit the website for enrollment information.
Broad Street Presbyterian Church
760 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 947-1115
heartlandhighschool.org

Metro Schools

Metro Schools include Metro Middle School and Metro Early College High School. Their programs are public and offer small class sizes, holistic and mastery-based curriculum, and special emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to prepare students for college. Go online for program and enrollment details.
1929 Kenny Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 259-6639
themetroschool.org

Mosaic – Experiential Learning in Humanities Program

Experiential learning program through the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio. Participants must be high school juniors and seniors from a participating school district in Franklin County. Interested students from non-participating school districts should contact the organization directly to explore independent funding options. Accepted students attend the program for a half-day for one or two years, and explore the humanities through hands-on projects, field trips, cultural events, and working directly with local organizations. Students must complete an online application and submit two recommendation the year before they plan to attend the program. Visit the website for details.
escco.org/MosaicHumanities-BasedEducationExperience.aspx

Oakstone Academy

Serves: Students preschool to grade 12, with or without an autism diagnosis
A private school offering a full inclusion environment for children on the autism spectrum and a fully integrated learning environment for peers with and without disabilities. Educational programs include the Toddler Enrichment program, preschool, elementary, middle, high school, and postsecondary/college credit options. Classrooms are small and usually consist of 14 to 20 students with two teachers in all elementary classrooms. The school emphasizes inclusion, leadership, arts, athletics, and character-building for each student to reach their unique potential.
900 Club Drive Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 899-2838
oakstoneacademy.org

Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Community/Charter Schools

Charter or community schools offer nontraditional, K-12 public education independently from any school district. Any student eligible to attend public school in the state of Ohio is eligible to attend a charter school for free. The ODE website provides an overview of community schools, a Directory of Community Schools, and many more resources for parents to explore education options in Ohio.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Community-Schools

Ohio Department of Education (ODE) School Report Cards

Parents can search any district or school in Ohio to find contact information, student and teacher statistics, and school performance ratings based on Ohio standards.
reportcard.education.ohio.gov

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) Ohio School Options

Outlines the school options available for students in Ohio including community/charter schools, private schools, career-technical education, STEM schools, College Credit Plus (formerly known as PSEO and Dual Enrollment), home schooling, scholarships, high school equivalence/GED, and adult diploma programs.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) Scholarship Programs

Ohio provides scholarships to private schools for students attending low-performing public schools, scholarships for families considered low income, and students with learning disabilities to schools or programs to meet students’ needs. Go online for information about the EdChoice Program, Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program, Autism Scholarship Program, and additional educational resources.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2743 or (877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Scholarships

Ohio Department of Higher Education (OhioHigherEd)

Their website has information about two-year and four-year programs, credit transfer, ways to help finance college and more. They also offer Ohio callers information on preparation for college, admissions, student financial aid, scholarship information and general facts about enrollment at colleges and universities throughout Ohio.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-6000
highered.ohio.gov

The Graham Family of Schools – Charter School Opportunities

The Graham Family of Schools offers three public charter schools for students in Central Ohio to receive a free education. They are EL Schools, which use curriculum that incorporates Common Core State Standards with character building, hands-on experiences, and social-emotional learning. Admission to one school does not guarantee admission to another school, students must apply to each program individually. Admissions information and online applications can be found online.

GEMS: Graham Elementary and Middle School
Serves K-8 students, with enrollment open to any student residing in Ohio. Their goal is to establish a clear path of success for students from middle school to high school.
140 East Sixteenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 253-4000
thegrahamfamilyofschools.org/gems_home.aspx
The Graham School (TGS)
A public secondary school open to Ohio students in grades 9-12. They focus on preparing students for the workforce through hands-on, experiential learning in small group settings. The culminating experience is the Walkabout Program, where seniors participate in community internships, college classes, or work-based experiences that fit their goals.
3950 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 262-1111
thegrahamfamilyofschools.org/default.aspx
The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University (TCS@ODU)
A five-year, early college high school for academically-motivated Ohio students who have completed the 8th grade. Students complete accelerated high school courses and graduate with up to 62 credit hours (equivalent of an Associate’s Degree) from Ohio Dominican University or Columbus State Community College for free. Students also participate in a small group advisory program.
1270 Brentnell Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 258-8588
thegrahamfamilyofschools.org/thecharlesschool_home.aspx

U.S. Department of Education College Affordability & Transparency Center

Provides information and tools to compare college tuition and fees, access the FAFSA application, calculate college net price, create a financial plan, and more to help students make an informed decision about college affordability.
collegecost.ed.gov

Wellington School Summer Program

Independent school offering Pre-K through 12th grade education and after school programs. Tuition assistance is available for families based on demonstrated financial need. The Summer Program offers half-day or full-day experiences, with after-care options. Camp offerings include creative and performing arts, athletics, STEM, and more. Participants do not have to be Wellington School students to participate in summer programs. Fees vary by camp and are due at time of registration.
3650 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 457-7883
wellington.org/summer

Westside Community Charter Schools

Community schools are tuition-free, public, nonprofit, nonreligious schools that receive state and federal funds but are independent of traditional school districts. Below are schools serving the West side communities of Columbus, Ohio. Contact the schools directly to schedule a tour and apply for admission. Find more information on Community Schools and Ohio Education options here: cap4kids.org/columbus/ohio-school-options

Bridge Gate Elementary School: Serves elementary students with small class sizes, free tutoring, free breakfast and lunch, and transportation for eligible students. They emphasize cultural development, offer family festivals, and teachers who speak Somalian.
3850 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 279-6000
bridgegateedu.org
Capital High School: Offers a diverse learning environment and individualized curriculum for grades 9-12. They also offer Career Tech programming, technology-focused classrooms, and free breakfast and lunch.
640 Harrisburg Pike, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 636-6775
capitalhsedu.org
Central High School: Offers a diverse learning environment and individualized curriculum for grades 9-12.
840 West State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 362-7530
centralhsedu.org
Columbus Bilingual West: A K-6 school emphasizing Spanish language and cultural studies. They offer free tutoring and summer programs, and before and after school care.
680 Harrisburg Pike, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(380) 266-0055
cbwschool.org
Columbus Preparatory Academy: Serves K-12 students in a diverse, small school community. They offer free breakfast and lunch for all students.
3330 Chippewa Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 275-3600
cpaohio.org
Columbus Preparatory and Fitness Academy: Serves K-8 students in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus. They offer a transition program to support 8th graders transitioning to high school. Performance Academies has additional locations in Columbus and across Ohio.
1258 Demorest Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 318-0606
performanceacademies.com/columbus-preparatory-and-fitness-academy
Educational Academy for Boys and Girls: A K-5 school offering a diverse learning community, hands-on learning experiences, and free breakfast and lunch. They have additional locations in Columbus.
35 Midland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 351-1774
edsolns.com/EducationalAcademyforBoysandGirls.aspx
Empowered Tech High School (formerly Bridge Gate High School): They offer small class sizes, free breakfast and lunch, transportation for eligible students, and teachers who speak Somalian. They also offer health career pathways for students to earn EKG, phlebotomy, and STNA certificates.
4060 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 501-3820
empoweredtechedu.org
Franklinton High School: For Grades 9-12, located in the Franklinton community of Columbus. Their curriculum emphasizes STEAM, mentorship, and positive relationships. Program highlights include 1:1 weekly advising, robotics, computer programming, songwriting and performing arts, health, martial arts, and more. They also offer summer camp.
89 Avondale Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 427-1012
franklintonhigh.org
Franklinton Prep High School: Offers credit recovery, flexible school hours and self-paced, individualized learning plans to support students ages 15-21 to finish their high school diploma. They also offer Career Tech programs and assistance with finding a job after graduation. Their parent company, Oakmont Education, has schools across Ohio.
40 Chicago Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 653-7135
franklintonprephigh.org
Imagine Academy at Sullivant: Serves students K-6. The curriculum emphasizes STEAM and a love for literacy.
3435 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 308-5991
imaginesullivant.org
Imagine Schools Great Western Academy: Serves students K-8. They emphasize teaching students at their maximum rate beyond expected grade levels.
310 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 276-1028
imagineschoolsgwa.net
LINC Academy: Elementary school in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, serving Grades K-2. Programs include free meals, transportation, and afterschool program. The curriculum includes leadership development, social-emotional skills, a focus on early literacy, and community involvement.
33 North Grubb Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 565-8442
linccolumbus.org
United Schools Network: The United Preparatory Academies (UPrep) are elementary schools serving Grades K-5, and Columbus Collegiate Academies (CCA) are middle schools serving Grades 6-8. Program highlights include a longer school day, emphasis on character development and high school placement services for Grades 8-9. They have additional locations in East Columbus.
- UPrep State Street/Franklinton: 617 West State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  (614) 453-8993
- CCA Dana Avenue/Franklinton: 300 Dana Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
  (614) 545-9570
  unitedschoolsnetwork.org
Westside Academy: Offers a diverse learning community for grades K-8. They offer English proficiency (ESL/ESOL), foreign language (Spanish, Arabic, French), free tutoring, and summer programs.
4330 Clime Road North, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 272-9392
westside-academy.com