Average
#2380 of 3,440 schools in OH
Columbus Preparatory Academy
School · Columbus Preparatory Academy
3330 Chippewa St, Columbus, OH 43204
Enrollment
823
Student-Teacher
19.1:1
Score
5.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
823
Student-Teacher
19.1:1
Score
5.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Columbus
#89 of 224
public schools
Ohio schools
#124 of 162
Equity
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Columbus Preparatory Academy
Columbus Preparatory Academy is a charter school serving students from kindergarten through grade 12 in Columbus, Ohio. With an enrollment of 823 students and 43 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.1:1, allowing for reasonable classroom support across all grade levels. Academically, Columbus Preparatory Academy ranks in the 69th percentile statewide, placing it at #1064 out of 3,468 Ohio schools.
The school demonstrates stronger performance in reading, where 73% of students score at proficient levels or above. Mathematics proficiency averages 61% across grades, indicating an area where many students are meeting standards while others are developing their skills. The school's overall academic score of 8.0/10 reflects solid foundational performance with opportunity for growth in math achievement.
As a charter school, Columbus Preparatory Academy offers families an alternative to traditional public school structure while remaining tuition-free. The school's comprehensive K-12 model means families can potentially maintain continuity from elementary through high school in one institution. Located on Chippewa Street in the heart of a large city, the school serves the Columbus community and draws families seeking a charter school option in the area.
What Parents Should Know
Columbus Preparatory Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Score Breakdown
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Columbus Preparatory Academy — Students at Columbus Preparatory Academy score 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
59.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores OH EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from OH state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.7/10.
How Columbus Preparatory Academy Compares
See how Columbus Preparatory Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 97% (2019) to 60% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 98% (2019) to 79% (2021).
Location
3330 Chippewa St, Columbus, OH 43204
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Columbus Preparatory Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Barrington Road Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Upper Arlington), which scores notably higher. Another option is Grandview Heights High School (rated 9.2/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Larson Middle School (rated 9.1/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Columbus, see our Columbus schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Great Western Academy Columbus | 1.7 mi | 4.0 |
| Valleyview Elementary School Columbus | 1.7 mi | 3.3 |
| Westmoor Middle School Columbus | 1.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Zenith Academy West Columbus | 2.1 mi | 3.9 |
| West Broad Elementary School Columbus | 2.3 mi | 4.8 |
| Jones Middle School Upper Arlington | 2.0 mi | 8.0 |
| West High School Columbus | 2.5 mi | 5.1 |
| Wickliffe Elementary School Upper Arlington | 2.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Barrington Road Elementary School Upper Arlington | 2.2 mi | 9.2 |
| Westgate Alternative Elementary School Columbus | 2.7 mi | 6.1 |
| Tremont Elementary School Upper Arlington | 2.6 mi | 8.1 |
| ST AGATHA SCHOOL Columbus | 2.6 mi | 7.1 |
| Sullivant Avenue Community School Columbus | 3.0 mi | 3.0 |
| ST MARY MAGDALENE SCHOOL Columbus | 2.9 mi | 5.9 |
| Bridge Gate Community School Columbus | 3.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Highland Elementary School Columbus | 2.8 mi | 3.4 |
| Larson Middle School Columbus | 2.4 mi | 9.1 |
| Eakin Elementary School Columbus | 3.2 mi | 3.6 |
| Grandview Heights High School Columbus | 2.4 mi | 9.2 |
| THE MARY EVANS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Columbus | 3.2 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 43204 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,158
Median Home Value
$170,900
Median Rent
$1,206/mo
Population
43,444
College Educated
25.2%
Homeownership
51.3%
Avg Commute
23.8 min
Poverty Rate
21.4%
Median Age
33.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Columbus Preparatory Academy has a median household income of $59,158. It is an area where 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $170,900, with a median rent of $1,206/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.4%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bio-Med Science Academy STEM School Rootstown, OH | 5.4 |
| Patriot Preparatory Academy Columbus, OH | 5.4 |
| Quaker Digital Academy New Philadelphia, OH | 5.5 |
| WORTHINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL,UPPER Westerville, OH | 5.3 |
| Horizon Science Academy Toledo Toledo, OH | 5.8 |
| Northwest Ohio Classical Academy Toledo, OH | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbus Preparatory Academy
What grades does Columbus Preparatory Academy serve?
Columbus Preparatory Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.
How many students attend Columbus Preparatory Academy?
Columbus Preparatory Academy has an enrollment of approximately 823 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbus Preparatory Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Columbus Preparatory Academy is 19.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Columbus Preparatory Academy rank in OH?
Columbus Preparatory Academy is ranked #2380 out of 3,440 schools in OH.
What is Columbus Preparatory Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Columbus Preparatory Academy has a composite rating of 5.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Columbus Preparatory Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Columbus Preparatory Academy has 78.5% math proficiency and 88.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Columbus Preparatory Academy a charter school?
Yes, Columbus Preparatory Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Columbus Preparatory Academy a Title I school?
No, Columbus Preparatory Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Columbus Preparatory Academy?
59.5% of students at Columbus Preparatory Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,090/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Columbus). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 12th
- Enrollment
- 823
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 43
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 59.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Franklin County
- Phone
- (614) 275-3600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Columbus Preparatory Academy- District Enrollment
- 823
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $8,863
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
- Best Schools in Columbus, OH — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
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- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Moving for Schools: How to Find the Best Schools Before You Relocateguides
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