Clintonville Academy

Clintonville Academy is a small, independent school that is a partnership formed by parents, students and the faculty. It can help a struggling child achieve and a gifted child excel. Having read the comments below and being a parent of two very different learners at the school it is clear to me that those who believe writing a check for tuition is the only role in their part of the partnership are not going to be happy with the CA experience. Parents and students who are committed to communication with the staff and who understand that there is real "work" to learning as well as some of the best learning happens when students aren't sitting rigidly in desks- pencils in hand- will be delighted and amazed with the CA community. Finally, as the parent of older children who have gone on to top colleges and universities, I can honestly say my younger children are getting a far better education and lessons for studying and life then my older two did at their schools - I can't imagine where their journey will go :-)
—Submitted by a parent

Please look past the few negative reviews here.Many of our CA grads go on to be at the top of their class at DeSales, Watterson and elsewhere, not to mention our Iowa test scores are off the charts. We personally have 3 children enrolled at Clintonville Academy. In our 8 years at CA we have found it to have greatly exceeded our expectations. It is a nurturing, warm environment that encourages learning and gives my kids a place that feels like an extended family, not just a school. There are small class sizes so all of the kids get a lot of one-on-one time with teachers and there is great parent involvement at the school like helping to put on events, walk-a-thons, food drives, Halloween parties, class trips, sports, and so on- we saved $850 off tuition to be crossing guards. As invested parents, this is by far the best decision we have ever made in regards to our kids' education and welfare.
—Submitted by a parent

Dont go there if you have another choice of schools. My child went there and now our family goes to another school. Over all leaving Clintonville Academy was the best choice for our family. I will say that in Kindergarten my child had a really good time, but when it comes to doing real work and getting homework they are not the best school to go to.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been there for 9 years, My son is very ready for the next step"High School" Can not say enough good things about this school. Please check it out.
—Submitted by a parent

After getting custody of my husband's pre-teen daughter, yet unable to move out of the Columbus Public School district at the time, we searched for a quality, private school we could afford on our budget. Clintonville Academy (CA) met and has exceeded our expectations. The size of the school may be small, but the heart of the faculty, staff, parents, and children of this school is big. The educated, nurturing teachers at CA ensure an enriching and challenging curriculum, preparing students for higher level education. The size of the facility ensures small classes (no more than 20 students for each grade), social interaction at all grade levels, inventive use of space both at the site and in the larger community (which means lots of fieldtrips), along with a tight-knit community atmosphere. The location of the school (right off 71) and latchkey program provided before and after school ensures convenience for working parents. Our older daughter came out of her shell at Clintonville Academy, and is now doing very well at Dublin Scioto High School. We now have our Kindergarten daughter enrolled there, and we are confident she will be as prepared and loved there as her sister was.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fine school if your child is average. The teachers for the most part are adequate and teach to the mean. If your student fits this average profile--working at or slightly below grade level--then they can competently teach at least through elementary grades. Math and Science in the middle school grades are not adequate. My child was not equipped for high school work and she was exceedingly bright. There are a couple of wonderful teachers, but they are few and far between. For the most part this school, which began as a response to desegregation in the mid-70s, is a below par education.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student here and have been here since kindergarden (they didnt have pre-k when i started) and i love this school. I love how the teachers teach and they push you very hard to learn things. Sometimes we get annoyed with all the work we put in to our work, but we know that it will pay off when we grow older. We don't even pay attention to how small the school is or that it doesn't have a gym. For gym we get to go places like swimming, bowling, or to whetstone park. A foreign language is required starting at pre-k. I LOVE IT!

Great dedicated teachers and an amazing hands on curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

Clintonville Academy is such a wonderful school because it is small school with BIG support from our teachers, families, and community!
—Submitted by a parent

CA teachers encourage students to be independent and community minded at the same time. This is an amazing feat! We came from one of the area's highly regarded suburban schools, but CA is a much better fit. Okay, the facilities are sub-par, but my daughter will tell you the school is perfect anyway.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is better than the Columbus Public Schools, but does not meet the expectations of the suburban schools. The middle school teachers are especially weak.
—Submitted by a parent

While C.A. is small and its facilities are bare bones, its faculty and administration provide what you want most for your children: care, devotion, and, most crucially, your child's interest is their top priority. The teachers, without exception, are tremendous. It is a safe and loving space that my two children love going to every day. The faculty recognize their intellectual aspirations and rise to the occasion. This school doesn't have the elitism or piety of other schools in Central Ohio, but if your primary concern is your child, then this is the best place for them.
—Submitted by a parent

Hands down the best value in education in Columbus. Administrators, staff and teachers truly and constantly have the best interest of the students in mind. Their dedication, perseverance and common sense are reflected in the quality of the well-rounded individuals who have had the privilege of attending Clintonville Academy. Happy, bright, intelligent, fit, courteous, environmentally and community aware students pretty much says it all.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Clintonville Academy for 9 years and is a Junior in High School. His excellent education at CA became even more evident as we realized how well prepared he was for high school work in comparison to most of his new classmates. The closeness of the staff and students really prepared him to excell both academically and socially. I miss them all.
—Submitted by a parent

Worst school ever. I can't believe a school like this exist in this day and age. Would you send your child to a doctor that does not practice continuous education. The teachers at the school do not grade fairly or consistently and are not professional. I have seen two test that were graded differently and they both had the same answers. Students here will not be able to relate to a diverse world.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough about this gem of a school. Every child is treated as a unique individual and valued as such. Academic standards are high, as are behavioral expectations. Citizenship is stressed at all ages. The physical facility is unimpressive at first glance, but don't let that fool you. Amazing things occur in that small space. The school is so much more than the building. It is teachers, and administrators that would do anything to help the students succeed. I don't know of another school where students feel so valued and receive such a quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

We had heard good things about the teachers, but were very disappointed with the facility. There is no parking for parents picking up children (side streets only). The school has no gym and a marginal outside play area. The classrooms are small.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. A true home for me and my classmates.
—Submitted by a student

Clintonville academy is a remarkable school. The staff in my opion are of the highest quality. The way they interact with your child and care for them is hands down. You dont see that very often anymore in teachers. I do feel these teachers and staff are there to teach and help your child rather than babysit. I can not say enough about this school and the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

School is great. great teachers, great atmosphere.
—Submitted by trisha, a former student