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Below Average

#2877 of 3,440 schools in OH

Great River Connections Academy

School · Great River Connections Academy

3650 Olentangy River Rd Ste 430, Columbus, OH 43214

Charter Virtual

Enrollment

1,681

Student-Teacher

28:1

Score

4.7

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Columbus

#141 of 224

public schools

Ohio schools

#155 of 162

Academic growth

10.0 / 10

Exceptional

About Great River Connections Academy

Great River Connections Academy serves 1,681 students from kindergarten through 12th grade as a charter school in Columbus, Ohio. With 60 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a 28:1 student-teacher ratio across its comprehensive K-12 program. The school is currently working through academic challenges, with room for significant growth in core subject areas.

Reading proficiency stands at 38% across grade levels, while mathematics shows 22% of students performing at or above grade level expectations. These results place the school among those in Ohio with the greatest opportunity for academic improvement, ranking in the 2nd percentile statewide. Despite these academic hurdles, Great River Connections Academy operates in a supportive community environment.

The surrounding 43214 ZIP code area reflects a well-educated population, with 63% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a median household income of $90,363. The neighborhood maintains stability with a relatively low poverty rate of 9.9% and median home values around $350,200. As a charter school option in Franklin County, Great River Connections Academy provides families with an alternative educational pathway within Columbus's diverse school landscape.

The school is situated in Ohio's capital city, offering students access to the resources and opportunities that come with a large urban setting.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Great River Connections Academy is 28:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Great River Connections 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.

Great River Connections Academy is a virtual school, meaning instruction is delivered primarily online. Virtual schools offer flexibility but require strong self-discipline and a reliable home learning environment. Parents should consider whether their child thrives with independent, technology-based learning and ask about the school's approach to student engagement and support.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress10.0Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+5.25 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendImproving
Academics5.7Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency34%
Reading/ELA Proficiency51%
Overall Proficiency43%
Expected (poverty-adj.)44%
vs. Expected-1.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile40th
College Readiness1.6Significantly Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation0.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.6Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio28:1
Per-Pupil Spending$9,512

Great River Connections Academy — Students at Great River Connections Academy score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OH EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 28.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 46.0%
School
State
N/A

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

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
23%
ELA
41%
2021*
Math
34%
ELA
51%

* 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: 10.0/10.

How Great River Connections Academy Compares

See how Great River Connections Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
16th percentile in OH
Academic
5.7/10
5.7/10
Growth
10.0/10
Above average
Environment
1.6/10
Below average

Location

3650 Olentangy River Rd Ste 430, Columbus, OH 43214

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Great River Connections Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Clinton Elementary School (rated 8.0/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is CLINTONVILLE ACADEMY (rated 8.0/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Upper Arlington High School (rated 7.9/10, 1.8 miles away, in nearby Upper Arlington), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Columbus, see our Columbus schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Ecole Kenwood French Immersion Columbus 0.7 mi 7.6
Cranbrook Elementary School Columbus 0.9 mi 6.3
Clinton Elementary School Columbus 0.8 mi 8.0
Ridgeview Middle School Columbus 1.0 mi 5.6
ST TIMOTHY SCHOOL Columbus 0.9 mi 6.3
Whetstone High School Columbus 1.1 mi 5.9
OSU CHILD CARE CENTER ELEMENTARY Columbus 1.3 mi
BISHOP WATTERSON HIGH SCHOOL Columbus 1.2 mi 6.3
OUR LADY OF BETHLEHEM SCHOOL & CHILDCARE Columbus 1.3 mi
Indian Springs Elementary School Columbus 1.3 mi 6.5
Indianola Informal K-8 School Columbus 1.4 mi 5.8
Dominion Middle School Columbus 1.6 mi 6.3
World Language Middle School Columbus 1.7 mi 6.3
CALUMET CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Columbus 1.6 mi 6.6
Colerain Elementary School Columbus 1.8 mi 4.3
Upper Arlington Online Academy Upper Arlington 1.8 mi 5.7
CLINTONVILLE ACADEMY Columbus 1.7 mi 8.0
Upper Arlington High School Upper Arlington 1.8 mi 7.9
Graham School The Columbus 1.7 mi 7.2
Greensview Elementary School Upper Arlington 1.7 mi 7.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 43214 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$92,838

Median Home Value

$371,200

Median Rent

$1,189/mo

Population

26,420

College Educated

65%

Homeownership

62.9%

Avg Commute

20.9 min

Poverty Rate

9%

Median Age

41.6

Community Profile

The community surrounding Great River Connections Academy has a median household income of $92,838. It is a well-educated community where 65% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $371,200, with a median rent of $1,189/month. The local poverty rate of 9.0% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 21 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
School For Creative and Performing Arts Cincinnati, OH 4.8
Constellation Schools: Parma Community Parma, OH 4.5
KIPP Columbus Columbus, OH 4.5
TRECA Digital Academy Marion, OH 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Great River Connections Academy

What grades does Great River Connections Academy serve?

Great River Connections Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Great River Connections Academy?

Great River Connections Academy has an enrollment of approximately 1,681 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Great River Connections Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Great River Connections Academy is 28:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Great River Connections Academy rank in OH?

Great River Connections Academy is ranked #2877 out of 3,440 schools in OH.

What is Great River Connections Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Great River Connections Academy has a composite rating of 4.7 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 Great River Connections Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Great River Connections Academy has 28.5% math proficiency and 46.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Great River Connections Academy a charter school?

Yes, Great River Connections Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Great River Connections Academy a Title I school?

No, Great River Connections Academy is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
18 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
39 Some Transit
Bike Score
56 Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,090/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Columbus). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
1,681
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
Teachers (FTE)
60
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Franklin County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Great River Connections Academy
District Enrollment
1,681
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,230
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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