Columbus Preparatory Academy

We loved CPA the first few years but as the test scores increased, so did the arrogance of the principal. The students that take the OAAs take practice tests constantly to the point that I can't imagine them not scoring well since the OAA is similar each year. I would like to see the results of a national test. Students that do not score advanced or excelleratex are not able to attend dances, etc. and other students know their test results. Many students have lost confidence with the "if you're not first, you're last" school motto- even getting pressure from the principal to leave. My student is high performing and I don't want him to have this much pressure so young (and how to treat others). We are sad to leave but there is more to life than winning.
—Submitted by a parent

looking for advantages for negro male youths to better their education so they may helphe youths growing up after them

This school is awesome, my son attended this school since 2007 and now he's in 5th grade. From kindergarten to 5th grade he's been doing a fantastic job academically and socially and i believe it's because of the staff and principal (Mr. Carr). They get the students involved in their learning and have them participate in their own development; because of CPA's no non sense attitude i don't have to force my son to do homework or attend school. He gets mad at me whenever i am late getting him there and make sure he gets his homework done before he gets home in the aftercare program. I really enjoy my child attending this school and i hope they get a high school. My only grip is that they should really expand the second language curriculum(Spanish), i am not satisfied with what's provided right now.
—Submitted by a parent

We love CPA! Such a great environment. My daughter is excelling here. I think that the Principal & staff have exceeded my expectations. She had a wonderful teacher in kindergarten & has a just as wonderful teacher in 1st grade. Keep it up CPA!
—Submitted by a parent

My child had been at CPA for 7 years it was a little rocky in the beginning going through several Principals before Mr. Carr took over. There are some really great teachers at CPA very involved and teaching using methods that keep the children s attention. There are a few negatives the school really needs a library, the afterschool program is a nightmare very unorganized, Mr. Carr has done some great things i.e. Blitz but his main focus is OAA test scores, he is not very receptive to outside input and his attitude of if you don't like it feel free to find another school is very inappropriate. As a parent I never felt welcome to drop in and check on my child I was made to feel like I only needed to be available if there was a problem. It is a good school but I wouldn t call it great.
—Submitted by a parent

Update you system GreatSchools! :) CPA scored 112 on the Performance Index and was picked as Mosaica School of the Year again, for the 2011-2012 school year!!! We are shooting for a perfect 120 this year and I bet they'll get it! (last year the' goal was 107 - a five point improvement over the previous year, and they blew past 107, to score the 112!) Yes, as its been addressed, expanded extra curriculars would be great, and I am confidant they are on the way, but the staff has made HUGE progress to turn this school around in a very short time span.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

Our son was in Kindergarten last year and I could not imagine us being much happier with the academic/social progress he made at CPA. We would highly recommend this school under the guidance of Mr Carr, who really sets the bar high for discipline, safety, & teacher/academic quality as he has very high expectations & creates a very competitive learning environment (& makes sure that the children are safe first and foremost). Mrs Hall is a GREAT teacher and I would highly recommend her to any incoming Kindergarten parents (& the things that they did academically at that young an age were amazing too- Spanish, world history, PC's, along with progressing a LOT in the core subjects too by going 5 days a week all day and having an extra long school yr). My son is WAY ahead of friends/family from other schools academically. Thanks CPA!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been going to this school for 4 years now, we couldn't be happier with the school! She began attending a different Charter School that informed us that they "did not have to guarantee" my child's safety. We removed her from that school and enrolled her at CPA the very same day!! Now in the 5th grade she is reading on a 9th grade level! The math she has been doing is the same math that is on the placement tests at many Universities!! Yes, there has been "child drama" as one parent stated, however, it has NEVER affected the Teachers ability to teach or my daughters ability to learn. The "drama" I see and hear about is the same "drama" that goes on at just about every school/playground/neighborhood out there. My family loves CPA!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My Children been going to this school for a while. They even came from the district. I love this school and so does my kids. The teachers are very involved. We love the blitz and a lot of interaction you don't see in the district around us. Mr. Carr is very strict and very creative. My Children are special needs and they get the best care ever... CPA YOU ROCK!!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been going to this school for six years. I have had my children in Cols Public, Southwestern and a private school that charged tuition, this school out performs any of the other schools I have been associated with. Mr. Carr is a strong disciplinarian which is unheard of in other schools and is one of the reasons my child attends, that along with the curriculum and the fantastic teachers this school is awesome.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been in Kindergarten at CPA for the past year. I was a little nervous to send him to a charter school as opposed to a traditional public school or a private school since I have never been to one myself, but I must say I have been completely impressed by CPA! The leadership, quality of teaching and attitudes of the principal, Mr. Carr, as well as the staff is great. They are very dedicated to the success of the kids and have a very good discipline policy. I love the uniforms - the kids look great and it makes it a "no-brainer" for getting ready in the morning. I have friends with kindergarteners in schools around our house and my son is way ahead of them in his academic achievement. He was reading at a first grade level in January! I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent