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GreatSchools Rating

Great Western Academy

Charter | K-8 | 689 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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25 reviews of this school


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Posted September 22, 2011

I must say, after coming from West Broad Elementary, the difference is very noticeable. Just from enrolling my daughter yesterday, I was able to see the organization within the office and how everything was ran. The anti-bullying policy is WONDERFUL! That is not something that has been put in place at many schools at all therefore it's been very difficult to have such a rule enforced. I'm looking forward to seeing my daughter grow at this school and I'm thankful to have had the teacher interaction I have experienced already! Hopefully it'll all work out and my daughter will excel within this school. Truthfully, I do not see that being a problem for her at all. :)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 17, 2011

Best school EVER!!!!!!!! Very smart students come out of this school and can and will be a succesful adult. This is a great school for your children.


Posted October 20, 2009

I love the interaction of the teachers and love that I get phone calls to update me on both of my grandsons who are students. Thanks Great Western Academy....You have my vote.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 7, 2009

This is a great school, my children are not going to GWA next year only because we are moving out of town for a job opportunity, but we have enrolled our children into another Imagine School. I have found out the my children only succeed because I am invovled, you cannot depend on the teachers to raise your children. The reason a child has bad behavior is due to poor home training. My oldest child was having a problem with a student and I immediately spoke to her teacher about the situation and the problem was solved. It make take a little more PARENT INVOLVEMENT!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 5, 2009

terrible school! exteme aggressive behavior, nonchanlance from employees, bulling and hostile enviroment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 24, 2008

GWA is a great school! My daughter won the 2nd grade spelling Bee because she had a teacher that cared.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 19, 2008

With two children at Great Western Academy (grades 3 and 4) I can not say enough about how wonderful this school is! My children and working at a level far above their peers at traditional public schools. They are both working at about 5-6 grade levels in all academic subjects. The teachers and staff are approachable, professional and treat the students with great respect and care. I am a very happy Great Western Academy parent!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 2, 2008

awesome school, my child has accelerated since being there
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 30, 2008

Great teachers, great staff, they really care of the education of each child, even the janitor is great
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 28, 2008

The parent/teacher communication at this school are very poor. I have asked to speak to the principal a couple of times and she has yet to return my phone calls.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 10, 2008

This school is excellent! My children have thrived here and are doing outstanding academically! The teachers are wonderful and communicate well with the parents. The student teacher ratio is low enough that children who need 'extra' help actually recieve it. I have now enrolled 4 of my children who are also extremely happy!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 9, 2008

My daughter is in her 2nd year at GWA and her brother will start there next year. This is a great school and my daughter has learned so much. The teachers she has had are wonderful. The school has grown so much in the 2 years we have been attending.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 16, 2007

I feel that this school is unorganized and poorly led. There are too many kids in each classroom with only one teacher.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 15, 2007

There are 31 students in my child's classroom! The ratio states 1:16. My child needs more help and I feel that she cannot get it from a classroom of that size. We will be disenrolling our child.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2007

This school is a Columbus Public School District funded Charter school. My son started in K and is now in 1st grade and has excelled way beyond my expectations. The student to teacher ratio is great. This is a school that has high expectations of their students and I am very glad he is attending GWA. I know I made the right decision to enroll him in this school.
—Submitted by Deanna, a parent


Posted September 13, 2007

this is a great school my sons first year and they are really impressive
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 31, 2007

I think this is a great school. I would give it a 9 out of ten. I wish it futher than 8th grade. The staff and teachers are wonderfull and trully care about each child there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 24, 2007

This is my daughters first year and she loves it. Great Western Academy has proven to be the best thing for her. The school she attended in 1st grade does not measure up to the academic program provided here. She has learned a lot this year. I have seen a huge improvement in my daughters reading skills. The school and her great teacher have went above and beyond to give my daughter extra help when she has needed it. She will be back next year and I will refer this school to anyone I come into contact with.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 27, 2007

Great School, the teachers and staff is amazing. I Love the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 29, 2006

I really like Great Western Academy, this is my daughters first year she is in K. She seems to really enjoy school and her teachers. I highly recommend them.
—Submitted by Shannon Hazlett, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 82% in 2011.

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
69%

2008

 
 
64%

2007

 
 
64%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2011.

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
59%

2008

 
 
56%

2007

 
 
61%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2011.

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
47%

2009

 
 
55%

2008

 
 
31%

2007

 
 
64%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2011.

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
68%

2009

 
 
62%

2008

 
 
63%

2007

 
 
64%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 66% in 2011.

2011

 
 
45%

2010

 
 
35%

2009

 
 
32%

2008

 
 
3%

2007

 
 
32%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2011.

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
45%

2009

 
 
42%

2008

 
 
24%

2007

 
 
44%
Science

The state average for Science was 71% in 2011.

2011

 
 
28%

2010

 
 
32%

2009

 
 
44%

2008

 
 
13%

2007

 
 
36%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2011.

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
45%

2008

 
 
70%

2007

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2011.

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
48%

2008

 
 
78%

2007

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 75% in 2011.

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
42%

2009

 
 
77%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 77% in 2011.

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
45%

2009

 
 
65%

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 74% in 2011.

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 67% in 2011.

2011

 
 
32%

2010

 
 
50%

2009

 
 
n/a

2008

 
 
n/a

2007

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

All Students66%
Female76%
Male53%
Black, non-Hispanic56%
White71%
Economically disadvantaged65%
Non-disabled68%

Reading

All Students60%
Female68%
Male50%
Black, non-Hispanic60%
White71%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-disabled62%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Ohio Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

All Students60%
Female56%
Male65%
Black, non-Hispanic61%
White67%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Not economically disadvantaged60%
Non-disabled64%

Reading

All Students75%
Female74%
Male75%
Black, non-Hispanic78%
White77%
Economically disadvantaged75%
Not economically disadvantaged73%
Non-disabled77%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Ohio Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

All Students45%
Female43%
Male46%
Black, non-Hispanic35%
White55%
Economically disadvantaged43%
Not economically disadvantaged50%
Non-disabled47%

Reading

All Students67%
Female73%
Male61%
Black, non-Hispanic58%
White73%
Economically disadvantaged68%
Not economically disadvantaged64%
Non-disabled71%

Science

All Students28%
Female27%
Male29%
Black, non-Hispanic12%
White46%
Economically disadvantaged30%
Not economically disadvantaged21%
Non-disabled26%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Ohio Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

All Students71%
Female71%
Male71%
Black, non-Hispanic58%
White80%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Not economically disadvantaged71%
Disabledn/a
Non-disabled75%

Reading

All Students78%
Female83%
Male71%
Black, non-Hispanic67%
White84%
Economically disadvantaged81%
Not economically disadvantaged71%
Disabledn/a
Non-disabled80%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Ohio Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

All Students58%
Female57%
Male59%
Black, non-Hispanic44%
White75%
Economically disadvantaged61%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-disabled73%

Reading

All Students70%
Female83%
Male53%
Black, non-Hispanic75%
White70%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-disabled83%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Ohio Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Math

All Students100%
Femalen/a
Male>95%
Black, non-Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged>95%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-disabled>95%

Reading

All Students95%
Femalen/a
Male90%
Black, non-Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged94%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-disabled>95%

Science

All Students32%
Femalen/a
Male30%
Black, non-Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged28%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-disabled21%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2010-2011 Ohio used the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The OAA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Ohio. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Ohio Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

In 2010-2011, this school received an Overall Rating of "Above Expected Growth".

Math

Reading

Grade 4MetAbove
Grade 5AboveAbove
Grade 6AboveAbove
Grade 7AboveAbove
Grade 8AboveAbove

About the tests


In 2010-2011, the Ohio Department of Education used the Value-Added Measure to show how much growth students made on the Ohio Achievement Test since the last school year. The state expects that student test scores will show an average year's worth of growth compared to test scores from the previous year. Ohio's Value-Added Measure is not the same as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), a federal measure which uses different criteria.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

 
85 (2011)
 
76 (2010)
 
74 (2009)
 
73 (2008)

0
60
120

About the tests


Ohio uses the Performance Index to provide an overall indication of how well students perform on its standardized tests each year. The Performance Index scores are based upon how well each student does on all tested subjects in grades 3 through 8 and 10. Schools and districts earn anywhere from 1.2 points for each student scoring at the advanced level to zero points for each untested student. The Performance Index ranges between 0 and 120, with 100 as the statewide goal for all students.

See Ohio's state standards

Source: Ohio Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 41% 76%
Black 39% 16%
Hispanic 18% 3%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Economically disadvantaged students 80%N/A36%
Students with disabilities 11%N/A14%
Source: OH Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Attendance

  This school District averageState average
Attendance rate 95%N/A94%
Source: OH Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 27N/A18
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Bachelor's degree or higher 100%N/A99%
Master's degree or higher 30%N/A59%
Source: OH Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Temporary teaching certificate 0%N/AN/A
Fully certified 100%N/A98%
Source: OH Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

310 North Wilson Rd
Columbus, OH 43204
Phone: (614) 276-1028

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