Columbus Preparatory Academy

First the positive: My child loves this school. The teachers are enthusiastic, there is a great atmosphere of school spirit and most importantly, my child is learning. The negative: The school needs a library! The playground is in need of an upgrade. I have been disappointed in the afterschool program. The head teacher is allowed to have her non school aged son there and the staff and children spend way too much time babysitting him. She is a nice woman, but not as professional and organized as the school needs. This school is receiving a lot of attention and as more parents seeking a quality education send their kids here, they are going to expect better.
--Submitted by a parent

We have 2 children attending "CPA" currently. Our oldest has been there for 4 years, from Kindergarten. I personally believe this is one of the best schools in all of Columbus, if not Ohio. The Principal is excellent, Teachers are caring, and the staff is friendly. There is zero tolerance for bullies at this school. They are currently looking to expand to include a high school. The Paragon curriculum is a unique teaching/learning method. I remember when i sat in on a class to see if this was the school we wanted to send our children to. I thought to myself "this is how i wish I WAS TAUGHT as a child!". "The Blitz" is also unique to CPA, it's a fun and exciting way to get the students ready for the year-end state tests. They play games and have competitions in-between the different grades/classes for prizes. It keeps the kids focused on their goals. There are a few negatives though. There are not currently very many after-school sports for the kids to play (i think soccer, and basketball are it). The active PTO is pretty small. And Pick-up/Drop-off is A NIGHTMARE! There's only one road in/out without a traffic light. The lines can be LONG, and there is inadequate parking.
--Submitted by a parent

Thinking of enrolling my child and was curious to see if CPA offered any sports?

The verdict is still out on this school for me but midway through the year I am not too impressed. There is no library, no phys-ed in the winter or recess for my child to find books or blow off steam from the extended hours. They do 3 "breaks" where the kids can bring in toys to play with. For afternoon pick-up I am always worried because it is chaotic and disorganized. The students just seem to rush the doors and unless I am standing right there they are confused and unsure of what to do. I am always afraid that someone will snatch them up. The Pros: doors being locked and needing to ring a buzzer to enter. The numerous amounts of camera's. The uniform concept. I am mildly concerned with my child's statements that the teachers are on the computers all day and they leave the classrooms often. All in all my child is very happy here despite things earlier mentioned. There is an enthusiasm about this school. I just cannot understand why there is not more physical education offered. An 7.5 hour school day and copious homework does not leave time for much exercise or any time for after school activities. I will update my review at the end of the school year.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started at CPA this year as a Kindergartner. We visited other public/private K & Pre-K programs, not just in our district, but in Dublin & Worthington, and our experiences did not come close to matching our visits to this schools. This school has a happy, intelligent and caring staff. Mr. Carr, the principal is wonderful & my son's teacher, Mrs. Snodgrass is amazing! My son NOW loves to read, write (which he hated!), count, draw, invent & learn. He did not even turn 5 until late fall, this year, and he is easily understanding concepts that I am sure I did not learn until 1st & 2nd grade. The school has festivals, parties, performances, literacy & movie nights, & field trips. They had a huge Vets' Day event, inviting vets from students' families & in the community, which was beautiful! They also had a Holiday dinner for the kids where they learned & practiced manners and how to behave in formal settings. They have fun & easy fundraising events which are very condusive to a busy parent's schedule.(although they NEVER pressure you to participate) I admit, I am a "snob" about my son's education, but if you send your child to CPA you will not be disappointed!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children in this school and it is AMAZING! My 2nd grader tested in te 96% for the NATION on her ITBS test, and my soon to be 1st grader tested at the middle to end of 2nd grade for reading (while in Kindergarten). Mr. Carr and Ms. Julie are great at communication with the parents, and the teachers are top notch. If you are sick of Public School issues and teachers that don't seem like they care, I would highly reccomend CPA.
--Submitted by a parent

CPA is a fantastic school. The teachers really care about the students and it shows by the results. The principal is very visible and willing to talk to parents. I highly recommend this school! They have truly earned their "Excellent" rating!
--Submitted by a parent

CPA is amazing! My daughter is entering 1st grade this year and she is thrilled to get back to school. The kindergarten teachers were so involved and always made sure we knew what was going on in class. My daughter will be entering 1st grade already reading at the level of a student half way through 1st grade. The curriculum is miles above any schools in the area. The principal is the most involved principal I have ever come in contact with. His concerns are about our children being safe, intelligent and able to survive in the real world. CPA is an excellent rated school in the state of Ohio.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is fantastic! Not only do they have outstanding acadmeic success, but they also offer many extra programs that display students' performance, welcome parents and community members. Each year there are outdoor festivals, a health fair, a large holiday music program, an art and music festival, and many other special activities! This school now offers band in 5th grade..Hilliard has cut this from their programs. Send your kids to CPA!!
--Submitted by a parent

Focused heavily on test prep, challenging academics. The school offers little time for arts, humanities, and fitness. Great for behavior problems; more difficult for well behaved children as the school is skewed for order, discipline and standardized test success.
--Submitted by a parent