Three Columbus City Schools – Columbus Alternative High School, Eastmoor Academy High School, and Winterset Elementary School – have a lot to be proud of. 

By IKE MGBATOGU

Contributing Writer

COLUMBUS – Three Columbus City Schools – Columbus Alternative High School, Eastmoor Academy High School, and Winterset Elementary School – have a lot to be proud of.  They all belong to an elite group of schools for their performance and deservedly so.

The three schools were recently named as Ohio ‘Schools of Promise’ for being among the urban schools in Ohio that are excelling beyond expectations, said State Superintendent Stan Heffner.

While it was Heffner who chose the schools, this was a recognition the three schools actually earned for themselves after being among the 122 schools putting up a stellar performance based on the 2010-2011 Local Report Cards recently issued by the Ohio Department of Education. 

That report indicated that the three Columbus schools demonstrated excellence this academic year, measured mostly by its “rigorous school work” and maintaining an “effective system of support needed for success” in an urban environment.

Being a “School of Promise” says many good things about the schools being recognized.  One of the important indicators for picking the 122 schools was how they scored on the question of closing the achievement gap. In this year’s report, the schools outperformed the other state schools.

Heffner lauded their remarkable achievements against all odds.

“This is the tenth year for the ‘Schools of Promise’ program and we continue to see students who meet high expectations despite the challenges they may face,” said Heffner.  “Although students in these schools come from a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, they prove that with the right learning supports, they can achieve at high levels. We celebrate their efforts, as well as their continued commitment to education.”

Columbus City Schools Superintendent Gene Harris praised the achievements of the schools while lauding the dedication and commitment of the district’s officials who helped make it happen.

“Over the past decade several Columbus City Schools have been recognized by the Ohio Department of Education as ‘Schools of Promise.’  Principals, teachers, and support staff throughout the district have been working hard to increase the rigor of our offerings and to improve teaching and learning – and it is paying off in terms of improved State Report Card ratings across the district,” said Harris.

She is particularly happy for the three honored schools.

“It’s exciting to see Columbus Alternative High School, Eastmoor Academy High School, and Winterset Elementary School specifically recognized for their accomplishments.  They are most deserving.”

Mgbatogu is a freelance writer and editor of Onumba.com based in Columbus. He can be reached by email at Onumbamedia@yahoo.com