June 2, 2025 -- Columbus City Schools (CCS) is making exciting strides, with multiple schools earning federal recognition for their academic growth and student success.
Ten schools have successfully exited their federal school improvement designations, reflecting sustained academic progress and successful school initiatives to support student success.
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) recently confirmed this progress, based on the 2023-2024 state report card data.
Schools Exiting Improvement Designations
Schools focus on strategies like better reading programs, targeted graduation support, and improving attendance. Schools can exit these designations and continue moving forward by making these changes and showing progress.
“We wanted to change the narrative,” said Columbus Scioto Principal Cary Cordell. “Our team meets weekly and goes through every student and what they need. We were able to create support systems within the school that helped significantly increase the graduation rate, the matriculation rate, and iReady scores.”
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), schools fall into one of three designated areas based on data collected and student performance. The designations include:
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Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) – Schools performing in the lowest 5% of Title I schools statewide or with a graduation rate below 67%.
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Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) – Schools with one or more student subgroups performing as low as the bottom 5% of schools.
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Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) – Schools with student subgroups consistently underperforming based on state indicators.
Key Strategies Driving Improvement
At Wedgewood Middle School, staff collaboration and a shared commitment to preparing students for high school have been essential. Teachers have aligned their instruction with the District’s Portrait of a Graduate framework, emphasizing the academic and social skills necessary for future success. Focusing on student confidence and academic perseverance has steadily improved test scores and overall achievement.
“We are really aligning with that matriculation plan,” said Wedgewood Middle School Principal Dr. Amanda Mitskevich. “We need our kids to leave here high school ready. The staff here has stayed focused, we get really good at one thing, then we move on and build upon that. I think that honestly is where success comes.”
At Columbus Scioto 6-12, a data-driven approach to student progress has played a crucial role. The academic success team has closely analyzed historical report card data, identified specific areas of need, and implemented a requirement that students achieve 80% or higher on assessments before progressing. A dedicated graduation team also meets weekly to track student progress, ensuring higher graduation rates and smoother transitions between grade levels.
“Our staff works really hard to build those relationships with students here,” Guidance Counselor at Columbus Scioto High School Laura Mannarino. “Every student here has at least one adult, usually five adults depending on the day, that they can connect with to ensure success.”
Strengthening Student Support Systems
Guidance counselors emphasize the importance of strong student relationships. At Columbus Scioto, the networks created ensure academic and personal growth. Many students face challenges such as food insecurity, unstable housing, and personal loss, making these relationships critical in helping them navigate their education.
“It's hard to be expected to continue to raise the bar when there isn’t food at home or lost a sibling to an accident, or gun violence,” Mannarino said. “Every kid has a story and we expect them to come in and excel and get their diploma, and sometimes that is not their priority.”
Intervention specialists have helped to uplift student success by using trauma-informed care practices and evidence-based literacy programs like iReady and Achieve 3000. When consistently applied, these tools help students improve their reading levels by at least one grade level within a school year.
“We meet them where they are and build from there,” said Intervention Specialist at Columbus Scioto Jessica Jones. “We understand how to meet the kids' needs so that we can move on to the academic piece and help them be successful.”
Attendance has also been a significant area of focus. Recognizing that regular attendance is essential for academic success, school staff have made a joint effort to encourage students to be present and engaged each day. Greeting students with a smile has helped spread positivity and encouraged students to stay committed to their education.
“Attendance is the main part in students being successful,” said Columbus Scioto Secretary Shaunte Jones. “I encourage students to come to school and give them a smile because you don't know what they came from or what kind of morning they've been having.”
Commitment to Continued Growth
Columbus City Schools remains dedicated to sustaining and expanding these academic improvements. By continuing to implement best practices, strengthening partnerships with the community, and refining targeted support programs, the district aims to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.
For more information on school improvement designations, visit the U.S. Department of Education's website.
