Discovering Excellence: The Best School Districts in Columbus, Ohio

There’s no denying that when it comes to moving or starting a family, one of the most critical factors many of us consider is the quality of local school districts. The place where our children spend most of their time significantly influences their development, both academically and socially.

If you’re searching for the best school districts in Columbus, Ohio, we’ve collected the information for you. We’ve meticulously researched, analyzed, and compiled the top-rated districts to help guide your decision-making process.

Top 6 School Districts in Columbus, Ohio

The state of Ohio gave 6 schools the highest rating of 5 stars. See the top schools in central Ohio and the median sales prices for homes in their area below.

Price Comparison of the Top Rated School Districts in Columbus, Ohio

As you can see, among the six five-star school districts in central Ohio, Granville and Bexley have the most affordable homes.

Granville Exempted Village School Distict

School Summary

The top performing school in the central Ohio area is the The Granville Exempted Village School District. Located in the picturesque village of Granville, Ohio, the school district is highly regarded for its commitment to academic excellence and its strong community support. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience, emphasizing not only core subjects but also the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. 

The community of Granville is deeply involved in its schools, often coming together for events, fundraisers, and to celebrate student achievements. The village itself, with its historic charm and vibrant local culture, complements the district’s vision of fostering well-rounded, lifelong learners.

Granville Exempted Village District Report Card

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Granville’s School District scored a 97.1% or 105.59 points of a possible 108.8 on the state of Ohio Achievement Score, which measures students academic achievement using each level of performance on Ohio’s State Tests.

See Granville Exempted Village’s full report card here

Granville Exempted Village Schoolsl Homes for Sale

Use our search tool below to find homes for sale in this highly regarded school district.

New Albany Plain's Local School District

School Summary

Differing from suburban areas witnessing unrestrained expansion, New Albanys states they are committed to a balanced, 21st-century community vision shared by its residents, businesses, schools, and government entities.

The New Albany-Plain Local Schools district has consistently ranked in the top 10% of Ohio school districts, according to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), and aims for a top 5% ranking. The district’s 120-acre Georgian Architectural campus includes a modern intermediate school, an Environmental Land Lab, and other advanced facilities.

Serving over 5,134 students with 356 faculty and 296 staff members, this nationally recognized district remains committed to strong community connections and high-quality education.

New Albany Plain's Local School District Report Card

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New Albany, OH’s New Albany Plain’s School District scored a 96.2% or 104.66 points of a possible 108.8 on the state of Ohio Achievement Score, which measures students academic achievement using each level of performance on Ohio’s State Tests.

See New Albany Plain Local School Districts’s full report card here

New Albany Plain's Local School District Homes for Sale

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Dublin City School District

Dublin City Schools Homes for Sale

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School Summary

The Dublin City School District is consistently rated one of the best in Ohio. This is thanks to its impressive track record in academic achievements, highly qualified staff, and diverse range of extracurricular activities. Dublin City boasts an excellent teacher-student ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support for each student. Additionally, its state-of-the-art facilities make it a leader not only in the Columbus area but also in the state of Ohio.

Dublin Schools State Report Card

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Dublin City Schools received an 89.4% or 97.3 of a possible 108.8 on the state of Ohio Achievement Score, which measures students academic achievement using each level of performance on Ohio’s State Tests.

See Dublin City Schools’ full report card here

Upper Arlington City School District

School Summary

Upper Arlington Schools, nestled in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, boasts a storied tradition since 1918 and currently serves over 6,500 students across preK-12. With its forward-thinking 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, the district emphasizes a holistic approach to education. This commitment shines through its innovative multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), offering personalized learning experiences. From pioneering all-day kindergarten programs to a broad high school curriculum, students are equipped with diverse academic opportunities.

Beyond academics, the district aims to develop the whole child, integrating arts, athletics, and real-world experiences. With the support of one-to-one technology initiatives and state-of-the-art facilities, Upper Arlington not only prioritizes academic excellence but also ensures students are prepared for the future. The growing enrollment further underscores the district’s status as a top educational choice for families in the area.

Upper Arlington City School District Report Card

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Upper Arlington City School District scored a 92.9% or 101.11 of a possible 108.8 on the state of Ohio Achievement Score, which measures students academic achievement using each level of performance on Ohio’s State Tests.

See Upper Arlington City School Districts’s full report card here

Upper Arlington City School District Homes for Sale

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Bexley City School District

Bexley City School District Homes for Sale

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School Summary

Bexley City Schools, situated in the Bexley suburb of Columbus, Ohio, is deeply rooted in a commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development. The district’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, “Championing Our Future,” stands as a testament to this, shaped by intensive community collaboration. Guided by their mission to “Learn with Curiosity, Demonstrate Kindness, and Embrace Equity,” these ideals form the very DNA of the school system. With core values emphasizing Equity, Inclusion, and Respect, among others, the strategic direction focuses on Culture, Teaching & Learning, and Facilities, seamlessly integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion throughout. This blueprint, developed with extensive community feedback, not only encapsulates the district’s current ethos but also charts its aspirational path forward.

Bexley City School District Report Card

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Bexley City School District scored a 93.4% or 101.57 of a possible 108.8 on the state of Ohio Achievement Score, which measures students academic achievement using each level of performance on Ohio’s State Tests.

See Bexley City School Districts’s full report card here

Olentangy City School District

School Summary

Olentangy Local Schools is a district dedicated to facilitating optimal learning opportunities for every student, aiming to be a recognized leader in education for its high performance and efficiency. Underlying its operations are key values of respect, care, sound decision-making, continuous improvement, and community partnership.

Olentangy provides students with a wealth of programs that encourage personal growth and varied life experiences, adhering to the principle of “One Olentangy” even as the district expands. The district takes pride in fostering resilience, kindness, and thoughtfulness among its students, preparing them to be future leaders. Olentangy excels academically, with high rankings, test scores, and graduation rates statewide, demonstrating a pursuit of educational excellence that considers each student’s individual needs.

The district provides exceptional value through efficient and financially responsible practices without compromising academic quality. Olentangy’s ‘Portrait of a Learner’ initiative, launched three years ago, seeks to define what an adult Olentangy student should embody, aiming to develop students who are purposeful, resilient, curious, and kind, and who flourish both in the classroom and beyond.

Olentangy Local Schools Report Card

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Olentangy Local School District scored a 94.9% or 103.29 of a possible 108.8 on the state of Ohio Achievement Score, which measures students academic achievement using each level of performance on Ohio’s State Tests.

See Olentangy Local School Districts’s full report card here

Olentangy Local Schools Homes for Sale

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Grandview Heights School District

Homes for Sale in the Grandview Heights School District

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School Summary

Established in 1906, Grandview Heights Schools stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Central Ohio. As one of the oldest and smallest public schools in the Columbus region, it seamlessly blends the intimacy of private schooling with the inclusivity of public education. The school’s ethos centers on placing students first, providing personalized learning experiences, and cultivating deep community ties. This vision propels students to explore boundless opportunities, readying them for a world brimming with possibilities. 

Supported by the close-knit community of Grandview Heights, which offers the charm of a small town alongside the dynamism of the adjacent city of Columbus, the school is deeply rooted in cherished traditions while being guided by a forward-looking strategic plan. This plan, revisited in 2023, underscores the school’s commitment to academic rigor, holistic development, and its enduring mantra: “A SMALL PLACE TO DREAM BIG.”

Grandview Heights Schools Report Card

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Grandview Heights School District scored a 95.8% or 104.28 of a possible 108.8 on the state of Ohio Achievement Score, which measures students academic achievement using each level of performance on Ohio’s State Tests.

See Grandview Height’s School District full report card here