The Arts & College Preparatory Academy, or ACPA, is a tuition-free, public, charter high school located on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, United States, serving students in grades 7–12. It was founded in 2002. It is a model charter school combining academics and interdisciplinary arts instruction.
Serving 461 students in grades 7-12, Arts & College Preparatory Academy ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Ohio for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 29% (which is lower than the Ohio state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 73% (which is higher than the Ohio state average of 60%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Ohio state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Ohio state average of 34% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 461 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 10% in OH)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 73% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Arts & College Preparatory Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Ohio for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Arts & College Preparatory Academy's student population of 461 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
461 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Year Founded
2002
School Rankings
Arts & College Preparatory Academy ranks within the top 50% of all 3,241 schools in Ohio (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Arts & College Preparatory Academy is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1611 out of 3241 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
60%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
13%
8%
Black
30%
17%
White
47%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
43%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arts & College Preparatory Academy's ranking?
Arts & College Preparatory Academy is ranked #1611 out of 3,241 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Ohio.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% OH state average), while 73% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 60% OH state average).
What is the graduation rate of Arts & College Preparatory Academy?
The graduation rate of Arts & College Preparatory Academy is 95%, which is higher than the Ohio state average of 86%.
How many students attend Arts & College Preparatory Academy?
461 students attend Arts & College Preparatory Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Arts & College Preparatory Academy students are White, 30% of students are Black, 13% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Arts & College Preparatory Academy?
Arts & College Preparatory Academy has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Ohio state average of 17:1.
What grades does Arts & College Preparatory Academy offer ?
Arts & College Preparatory Academy offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Arts & College Preparatory Academy part of?
Arts & College Preparatory Academy is part of Arts & College Preparatory Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is Arts & College Preparatory Academy located?
Arts & College Preparatory Academy is located in the South Columbus neighborhood of Columbus, OH. There are 43 other public schools located in South Columbus.
School Reviews
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