Ten Columbus Schools Earn Federal Recognition for Academic Growth
Columbus City Schools (CCS) is celebrating a milestone achievement as ten schools have officially exited their federal school improvement designations, a testament to years of sustained academic growth, strategic support systems, and unwavering commitment to student success.
Validated by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) through the 2023–2024 state report card data, this progress reflects a major step forward under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) framework.
Schools Exiting Federal Designation
- Columbus Scioto 6-12
- Avondale Elementary
- Eakin Elementary
- Fort Hayes High School
- Lincoln Park Elementary
- Wedgewood Middle School
- Whetstone High School
- Northland High School
- Oakland Park Elementary
- Liberty Elementary
Each of these schools has demonstrated notable academic growth through targeted efforts like:
- Strengthened reading and literacy programs
- Improved attendance initiatives
- Personalized graduation and student support plans
“We wanted to change the narrative,” said Cary Cordell, Principal at Columbus Scioto 6-12. “Our team meets weekly and goes through every student and what they need.”
At Wedgewood Middle School, Principal Dr. Amanda Mitskevich credits staff focus and alignment with CCS’s Portrait of a Graduate framework for helping students build essential academic and life skills. “We get really good at one thing, then we build on that. That’s where success comes.”
Data-Driven Support Systems
From weekly academic tracking to requiring 80% mastery on assessments, Columbus Scioto’s success strategy has been both rigorous and compassionate.
“Every student here has at least one adult, usually five, whom they can connect with,” said Laura Mannarino, Guidance Counselor at Columbus Scioto. “Relationships are everything.”
Students facing barriers like housing instability or personal loss benefit from trauma-informed care and evidence-based tools like iReady and Achieve 3000, helping many improve reading levels by at least one grade in a single year.
Attendance: A Daily Commitment
Staff across these schools have worked tirelessly to improve daily attendance, knowing it’s foundational to academic success.
