Horizon Science Academy Columbus

The staff at this schools works hard with very little--little support, little, respect, little money. Test scores are the main priority at this school. Experimental math and science are not. There is a very small lab component and the school science fair is very weak, with an evident lack of student motivation. (Concept schools owns the Consef Science Fair, so it is not a fair assessment of science abilities.) Some Concept network schools seem to have more science resources, but generally, science equipment is expensive and is not in large supply. HSA claims a 100% graduation rate, with most of those students going to college. I have seen perhaps three students who might succeed in college. The overwhelming majority of the students lack the social and academic skills to graduate from college. The majority of students do not have independent study skills, cannot meet deadlines, don't know how to take notes, have little self-discipline, and low academic interest. Parents at the school need help with their kids, but the high turnover of administration (who have few resources) is not helpful. This school is great at public relations, but has little real learning.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have been attending Horizon Science academy since the 7th grade. I am now in 10th grade. The English teacher of my freshman year explained to us that we are taught what is equal to four years of high school within one year, while, compared to the Columbus Public school standards, they are taught four years of high school in four years. This means we are gaining 16 years of high school within our four years. We learned new subjects every other week. Many would think that's an all too fast pace, but the teachers taught well and they were patient with us. Even better: we were able to check our grades whenever we wanted to on personal online accounts. The principal, an ex marine, was always on top of things and was fair at all costs. The school was also on top of things when it came to students, and has an anti-bullying policy. (I never saw any bullying, which surprised me, being a freshman.) The entire environment is encouraging, fun, safe, caring, and respectful. Tutoring is free and it was awesome! Each teacher had the power to enforce a rule, unlike public schools, and to the teachers, we aren't just a number. I am confident and excited to return for my 10th grade year.
—Submitted by a student

This School deserves a better rating. It had an "Excellent" rating from ODE for two years in a raw and has been recently recognized as School of Promise. It is one of the best schools in Columbus. I think its rating should be at least 8.

I love the the encouragement and attention my son gets. He is came to Horizon in the 11th grade and he loves it. I appreciate how the teachers see his potential and more the most part push in a way that he needs to be pushed in order to respond. That's the intimate education every child should have.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent i am not saying its prefect but its getting better every year. They have great teach like Mrs.Harless the freshmen English teach.but the also have young teach that are not that experienced.
—Submitted by a student

It has been growing with excellence each year. Last year, they increased the number of extracurricular and sport activities and teams. They took some of students to trips to NY and FL as well as to Turkey. My child has been pleasant overall and his grades increased after three years since enrolling in the school. Thank you for a great year.
—Submitted by a parent

This is information is not accurate. The students get 8 report cards four of which are interim report cards during the school year. The parents and students are also able to see their grades online anytime they'd like.
—Submitted by a teacher

The students only get 2 report cards witch makes it harder for the students to keep there grades up
—Submitted by a parent

i love my school i am in 8a and i think my school rocks
—Submitted by a student

this has been a grest learing experience and i am learing a lot in some perticulaer classes
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is on her fourth year at Horizon, overall it has been a great experience. My daughter was chosen to be an exchange student in Istanbul Turkey for 3wks, it was a once in a lifetime experience. I believe horizon is a school that is more geared to self sufficient children,ones that are serious about school, and college prep. If your child is having trouble with some of the work they offer tutoring. If you are looking for a babysitter, someone to deal with unruliness, or someone who will pass off below average as acceptable, there are plenty of public schools to choose from. Horizon is fairly new so no they are not perfect. The only things I dont like are the lack of sports, the frequent changes of deans, and losing Mr.Fant.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was a student on 8th grade.I made a big mistake register him with Forth Hayes school year 2006-2007.My son success at Forth Hayes was awfull and teacher responds were awfully and principal of the Scholl was awfully to help us any problems with related my son academic success.With Horizon Science Academy we never had that problem teachers always there as big support and principal was there any time makes the best effort to meet with parents and discuss the best way help the success that student.I really like it be able to view my child grades and home assignment on the web side daily.Often makes parent conference and always keep parents information with phone,letter,online.I really admire the teachers with hard work and keep the good relations with students and parents.It is overall 100 points.
—Submitted by a parent

Horizon is providing the best education for free. Great environment, awesome activities and devoted teachers. Highly recommended. JJ
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the things I expected have fallen short.I expected to see more control over the dress code, instead I see sagging pants and hanging shirts.The school should enforce button down shirts and tie for males and skirts/dress for the females.The schools sports program needs to be pushed up to offer more scholarships for households that cannot afford the expense of college.More effort needs to be given to all students in searching for scholarship awards in individual studies,catogories and skills.Those students who work and participate in community service should be recognized and encouraged.Finally, can we please get the high school construction complete and the school looking more like a place of higher learning.This school should be able to stand against our neighboring DeSales HS on every level.Raise the bar!Raise the expectations!Raise moral and watch our children's mind rise to the occasion.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a student at Horizon for 7 years. When she graduated and entered college she received an additional scholarship from the college when they got her final transcript. The money was for 'completing a rigorous academic curriculum in high school.' The teachers could not have done a better job of preparing her to further her education. Most new students come to Horizon from Columbus Public. They bring their former school behaviors with them. The staff works to give these kids a chance to straighten up and learn. Some don't make it. Usually it is because the parent does not cooperate. I've had other parents tell me their child would have been a dropout if not for Horizon. Sports, music, drama are at our rec centers. This school is about academics, what school is supposed to be about. I am a teacher of 34 years experience. I highly recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely a great school overall! The teachers are very attentative to students studies and to parents concerns. Kudos to Horizon for signing up for Thinkwave Program to view assignments and grades online. This program has greatly improved the connection with the parent to the teachers immediately and more so important for the student to stay 'on the ball'. Great work Horizon!!!!!
—Submitted by Ruth, a parent

This school is excellent! Schools are for academics, so that is what they focus on. But there are so many things on the side, it is great! They have a basketball, soccer, softball, and other sports teams and some in tournaments. There are approximately 25 trips per year to various places, this including many local events. The trips are educational, but most of all, fun! The work is, arguably, no 'harder' than that of a public schools, but children seem to get so much out of it. The school gives away scholarships to as many students as possible every year. I'm telling you, after 3 years here, I already know that this is an amazing school for kids of all ages, and you need to send yours there now!!!!
—Submitted by Mark, a parent

My family was not pleased with Horizon this year. My 6th grade daughter attended there this school year and I found the school admin. to be unorganized and unable to control the (problem ) kids and this affected my daughters Education because the (problem )kids demanded all the teacher attention and my child recieved less instruction time. Also the high School and middle School kids on the same bus and my Daughter did'nt want to ride the bus because of the older kids cussing. So in my opinion if you would like your 5th or 6th grade student to keep there innocents Horizon will not help you to do that.
—Submitted by a parent

For any parents who have children in Columbus Public Schools Horizon provides a better alternative. I've been in Columbus Public School and Horizon has less discipline problems and as whole your student will learn more. I think any family who thinks that Columbus is not providing their child a good learning opportunity should think about coming to Horizon.
—Submitted by a teacher

Horizon Science Academy has a great concept. The challenge has become implementing that concept. If you are having behavior problems with your child, this is the place for you. The school is run like a military boot camp. There are a lot of children there that have been kicked out of traditional public schools and have brought those same issues to Horizon. This in my opinion, does not offer an environment conducive to learning. Many of the teachers have no control of the classroom and thus the students who want to learn are not able. Honestly, I believe they are trying their best, but for my family it did not work. I also believe it is unsafe to have locked doors in the classroom. Anything could happen. To be fair, some students may work well [in]this type of environment. I would advise parents that are considering Horizon to do their homework.
—Submitted by Mrs. P., a parent