Best Public Schools in Columbus, OH

The city of Columbus, Ohio is home to 230 schools, including 137 elementary schools, 31 middle schools, 47 high schools, and 15 alternative schools. These schools serve a diverse student population across the city, with a range of academic performance and outcomes.

Some of the standout schools in the area include KIPP Columbus, a public charter school serving grades K-12 with a high 96.9% four-year graduation rate but also a concerning 44.9% chronic absenteeism rate. Worthington Kilbourne High School, a high-performing public high school ranked 139th out of 864 Ohio high schools, has a strong 93.8% four-year graduation rate and excellent test scores. Metro Early College High School, another public charter high school, stands out with an impressive 98.5% four-year graduation rate and strong test scores.

However, the data also reveals stark disparities in performance across the Columbus school system. While some schools like Worthington Kilbourne and Metro Early College demonstrate high achievement, many others struggle with low proficiency rates, particularly in math and science. There appears to be a correlation between the socioeconomic status of a school's student population and its academic outcomes, suggesting a need for targeted interventions and support to address the specific challenges faced by the lowest-performing schools and student populations.