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Average

#2380 of 3,440 schools in OH

Columbus Preparatory Academy

School · Columbus Preparatory Academy

3330 Chippewa St, Columbus, OH 43204

Charter

Enrollment

823

Student-Teacher

19.1:1

Score

5.4

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

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

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.7Significantly Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-14 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendDeclining
Academics8.4Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency60%
Reading/ELA Proficiency79%
Overall Proficiency70%
Expected (poverty-adj.)57%
vs. Expected+12.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile75th
College Readiness7.4Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.3Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,017

Columbus Preparatory Academy — Students at Columbus Preparatory Academy score 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

59.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OH EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 78.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 88.5%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from OH state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
97%
ELA
98%
2021*
Math
60%
ELA
79%

* 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.

Overall Score
5.4/10
31th percentile in OH
Academic
8.4/10
8.4/10
Growth
1.7/10
Below average
Environment
3.3/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
60%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
43 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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 methodology

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