September 11, 2025 — When the oversized scissors sliced through the ceremonial ribbon outside of Devonshire Elementary School, a wave of cheers erupted. While it marked the unveiling of the new and improved school building, it symbolized something much more important: a promise kept.
Students streamed through the doors, marveling at the transformation, while teachers beamed with pride and excitement for the school year ahead. On this beautiful day, the ribbon cutting marked the beginning of a new chapter: one filled with hope, magic, and possibility for every child who would walk through Devonshire’s doors.
Over the summer, Devonshire underwent a dramatic renovation as part of Columbus City Schools’ (CCS) ongoing building improvements. The upgrades at Devonshire include modernized classrooms, new flooring and lighting, updated safety features, and enhanced technology designed to meet the needs of today’s learners.
The first day of school at Devonshire Elementary felt less like a routine return to the classroom and more like stepping into a brand-new world. As sunlight spilled through classroom windows and freshly polished floors reflected the buzz of eager footsteps, students gasped, smiled, and whispered to each other in awe.
“I love it!” exclaimed third grader Jacob Lopez as he took in the gleaming hallways and colorful classrooms. “[The cafeteria] is the top thing that I love.”
For Principal Dr. Anthony Peddle, seeing students’ reactions was the reward he had been waiting for.
“This building is a reflection of our commitment to all of our students,” Dr. Peddle said with a smile. “We want them to walk in and feel proud, inspired, and excited to learn. The transformation gives our teachers the tools they need and our kids the environment they deserve to grow and learn. We’re growing leaders of tomorrow. Our students, families and teachers deserve to learn and grow in spaces that match the times.”
The updates at the school are part of a broader mission: modernizing aging school buildings across Columbus to meet the demands of 21st-century learning. From energy-efficient lighting to state-of-the-art classroom technology, the changes are designed to open new possibilities for students in every subject.
Walking through the halls now feels like stepping into a storybook setting where every detail sparks imagination. Brightly colored walls and cozy reading nooks invite students to dream, while flexible learning spaces encourage collaboration and creativity. Two weeks into the new school year, and staff members say the atmosphere has already sparked a renewed sense of joy and energy in their school.
“With the new design, there are more collaboration spaces for students and staff,” school secretary Mylia Eyer said. “The building is lighter and more cheerful.”
Dr. Peddle calls it nothing short of magical.
“Everywhere you look, you see possibility,” Dr. Peddle said. “The joy on students’ faces tells me this is more than just a school building. It’s a place where we witness the growth of future readers and leaders.”
For students, the message couldn’t be clearer: their community believes in them, invests in them, and is determined to provide a foundation for success.
With the 2025-2026 school year underway, Devonshire Elementary is more than ready. It’s glowing with promise, pride, and a touch of magic.
