School and Education History




This page seeks to detail school and education history in and around the city of Columbus schools as much as possible.  Important milestones, school enrollment, photos and more are listed chronologically.

Click on any photo for a larger view.

**Last Updated: 3/31/2024- Added several new dates and photos.

Columbus
1800-1825

1806- Lucas Sullivant builds the region’s first school out of logs about 1 1/2 blocks north of West Broad Street on Sandusky Street in Franklinton.
1814- Columbus’ first known school after its founding is held in a Spring Street Presbyterian church made of logs.
1816- The first Sabbath School is established, perhaps on East Town Street.
1818- The William T. Lusk School is established in Franklinton.
1820- Lucas Sullivant and an organized group build the Columbus Academy near 3rd and State streets.
1825- A common school is opened on Front Street.

1826-1849

1826- The city’s first school district map is drawn. It remains unchanged through 1845. There are 5 common schools and one seminary.

The first school district map.

1826- The Franklin County Court of Appeals appoints the first school examiners on April 25th.
1829- The Columbus Female Seminary school opens in November.
1837- The Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind begins classes in a local Presbyterian church on July 4th with 5 students.
1838- Columbus and Franklinton schools merge districts.
1839- The Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind completes its first school building at 240 Parsons Avenue.
1845- The first Columbus Public School System is chartered and the Columbus Board of Education is formed on February 2nd.
1845- The first Columbus Board of Education meeting on April 10th agrees upon a school budget of $700.
1845- The school week consists of 5 1/2 days.
1845- The school system employs 16 teachers, 5 men and 11 women.
1846- The first school tax levy goes up for a public vote, passing 776-323. It provides money for 3 schools to be built.
1847- Dr. Asa Lord becomes the first Superintendent of Schools in Columbus on May 15th. He is the first to hold such a position in Ohio and only the 2nd in the United States.
1847- Rich Street School is opened on July 21st at 216 S. 3rd Street, on the corner of Rich. It opens along with 2 other schools at the site.

Rich Street School drawing.

1847- Another school- the name of which seems to be lost- is also constructed at the corner of Rich and Third Streets, and opens on July 21st.
1847- Central High School opens at Rich and Third. Its name is derived from the location between the 2 other recently-completed schools at the site. Classes include: Greek, Latin, Reading, Etymology, Grammar, US History, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Physiology, Botany, Mental Philosophy and Vocal Music. The school opens with 55 students- 29 boys and 26 girls.
1847- The school week is reduced to 5 days from 5 1/2 days.
1847- Columbus school teachers number 17.
1847- The first citywide teacher examinations for school positions are held on June 22nd.
1848- Overcrowding at Central High School (1847) leads to classes being moved to the Covert Building at 254 E. Town Street.
1849- A “Mr. Pearson” becomes the first Columbus school teacher to have their disciplinary actions against students called into question.
1849- The first effort to racially integrate Columbus schools occurs through state statute.
1849- Continued overcrowding forces Central High School classes to change locations a second time, to the basement of the Reformed Church at 205 E. Town Street. Classes are held there just a few months before conditions force classes to return to the Covert Building.

1850-1874

1850- A smallpox outbreak causes school attendance to drop significantly citywide.
1851- Central High School’s first class graduates on December 23rd. The graduating class consists of 13 students.
1852- The Columbus School Board of Education buys land on State Street to build a new school for Central High students, who still hold classes in the Covert Building.
1853- The city buys land at 400 S. 4th Street to build a new school.
1853- The city’s first boarding school for girls, the Esther Institute, opens at 136 E. Broad Street on September 28th.

The Esther Institute in an 1858 drawing.

1853- Central High School students move into the newly-completed State Street School at 270 E. State Street. It is a 3-story brick building with a bell tower. Construction costs about $15,000 and has a student capacity of 150.
1855- Columbus schools grow in number to 28, though there are only 5 actual independent school buildings.
1855- Columbus schools enrollment reaches 1,105 students.
1857- Annual student final exams are implemented for the first time.
1858- One of the first US kindergartens is opened for German students at the intersection of Rich and Pearl streets.
1859- The Columbus Board of Education buys the land of the former Trinity Episcopal Church construction site at Broad and Sixth Streets to build the second formally-named iteration of Central High School.
1859- The original Rich Street School (1847) is demolished to build a new school.
1860- The second Rich Street School is replaced by a new school at 216 S. 3rd Street in August.

The second Rich Street School in 1961.

1860- The first Central High School (1847) is demolished.
1862- Columbus High School, or the second Central High School building, is completed Downtown at 303 E. Broad Street, which ironically is the first Columbus school built entirely for high school students. It opens on September 8th. Construction costs $29,070 and has a student capacity of 300.

Central High School in 1915.

1862- Vaccinations become mandatory for school students in December. Students without vaccinations are banned from attending school.
1862- The Esther Institute (1853) closes and becomes a Civil War military hospital.
1863- A decade after the land is purchased, the German Central Grammar School is completed at 400 S. 4th Street in December. Its purpose is primarily to teach English to German students.

The Central German School, as a private residence in 2019.

1863- Central High School (1862) has its first graduating class of 9 boys and 3 girls.
1864- Columbus schools obtain property insurance for school buildings, though only for events of fire.
1866- Third Street School is opened at 630 S. 3rd Street.

Drawing of the Third Street School in 1892.

1867- Opportunity School, AKA Park Street School or the Girls Trade School is completed at 477 N. Park Street

Opportunity School in 1923.

1868- Spring Street Elementary School, AKA Boys Trades High School is opened at 278 E. Spring Street.

The Boys Trades High School in 1922.

1868- The German Central Grammar School (1863) is sold to a private owner and moved to 151 Jackson Street to become a private residence.
1869- Central High School’s (1862) first yearbook is published.
1870- Columbus schools begin to employ female principals.
1870- Fourth Street Elementary School is completed at 400 S. 4th Street, at the site of the former German Central Grammar School (1863).

Fourth Street Elementary in 1916.

1870- The State Street School building (1853) has become so unsafe that it closes and is demolished, despite being just 17 years old. The safety hazard is so great, the school has earned the nickname the ‘State Street Deadfall’.
1871- Sullivant Elementary School is opened on the former site of State Street School (1853) at 270 E. State Street. Construction costs $73,497.

The second Sullivant Elementary School around 1900.

1871- The Holy Cross School is completed at 204 S. 5th Street.

Photo taken in 1871.

1872- Dr. Thomas Corwin Mendenhall attempts to revive the deceased human body of John Barclay. The attempt, using electrical shocks, takes place at Central High School (1862) on October 4th. Barclay had been hanged for murder at the Ohio Penitentiary.
1873- Fieser Elementary School is opened at 335 W. State Street at a cost of $20,250.

Fieser Elementary School in 1922.

1873- Art classes begin in city schools.
1874- The Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind completes its second school building at 240 Parsons Avenue, replacing the much smaller 1839 building.

School and education history Ohio School for the Blind

The Ohio School for the Blind around 1905.

1874- First Avenue Elementary School is completed at 385 W. 1st Avenue.

First Avenue Elementary around 1900.

1874- Second Avenue Elementary School is completed at 68 E. 2nd Avenue.

Second Avenue Elementary in 1981.

1875-1899

1875- Stewart Avenue School is completed at 40 E. Stewart Avenue.

Stewart Avenue School in 1916.

1876- East Main Street Elementary School is completed and opened at 1469 E. Main Street.

East Main Street Elementary in 1916.

1876- Fire drills are implemented at schools for the first time.
1876- Douglass Elementary School is completed at 40 S. Douglass Street.

Douglass Elementary in 1889.

1877- Central High School (1862) is expanded with a 6-room addition. Construction costs $22,550.
1878- The first non-white student graduates from a Columbus high school, Mary E. Knight.
1878- Franklinton Elementary School is opened at 666 W. Broad Street at a cost of $10,500.

Franklinton Elementary in 1889.

1879- Franklinton Elementary School (1878) gets a 4-room, $11,140 addition.
1879- Northwood Elementary School is completed at 2225 N. High Street.

Northwood Elementary in 1922.

1881- The Columbus Board of Education passes a resolution that abolishes separate schools for black children.
1882- The first Garfield Elementary School is completed at 825 Mt Vernon Avenue.

Garfield Elementary in 1892.

1882- Central High School (1862) is renamed the High School of Commerce.
1884- Front Street School is completed and opened at 140 N. Front Street.

School and education history Front Street School

Front Street School in 1901.

1884- Beck Street Elementary School is completed at 387 E. Beck Street.

Beck Street Elementary in 1922.

1886- Fifth Avenue Elementary School is completed at 210 W. 5th Avenue.

Fifth Avenue Elementary in 1889.

1887- Official school janitor duties and requirements are adopted.
1887- Manual Arts classes, AKA “Shop” classes, begin.
1888- Siebert Street School is completed and opened at 400 Siebert Avenue.

Siebert Street School in 1916.

1888- Twenty Third Street Elementary is completed at 1235 Mt Vernon Avenue.

Twenty Third Street Elementary in 1889.

1889- St. Dominic’s School opened on September 9th just behind the main church at 451 N. 20th Street.

St. Dominic’s School around 1900.

1889- Jacob A. Shaawn becomes superintendent of Columbus schools.
1890- Fair Avenue Elementary School is completed and opened at 1395 Fair Avenue. The school costs $32,692 to construct and is designed by Frank Packard.

Fair Avenue Elementary School in 1897.

1890- Central High School (1862) is expanded with a 3-story addition in the rear. Construction costs $65,000.
1890- Eighth Avenue Elementary School is completed and opened at 1435 Indianola Avenue at a cost of $36,000.

Eighth Avenue Elementary in 1922.

1891- The former Town Street First Methodist Episcopal Church building, built in 1853, begins remodeling to become the Columbus Public School Library at 40 E. Town Street.
1891- Fieser Elementary School (1873) is expanded at a cost of $31,773.
1892- Medary Avenue Elementary School is completed at 2500 Medary Avenue.

Medary Avenue Elementary in 1922.

1892- The new Columbus Public School Library building, formerly the Town Street First Methodist Episcopal Church built in 1853, is opened on April 7th.

The Columbus Public School Library in 1897.

1893- All adult school staff is required to be vaccinated, whereas it had previously only applied to students.
1893- Ohio Street School, AKA Ohio Avenue Elementary, is completed at 505 S. Ohio Avenue.

Photo of Ohio Street School in 1915.

1893- Avondale Elementary School is completed at 141 Hawkes Avenue.
https://www.ccsoh.us/AvondaleES

Avondale Elementary in 1916.

1893- Felton Avenue Elementary School is completed at 920 Leonard Avenue.

Felton Avenue Elementary in 1922.

1893- North High School is completed and opened at 100 W. 4th Avenue. The school is build to address rampant overcrowding at Central High School (1862).

North High School around 1900.

1893- Columbus High School’s (1862) name is officially changed back to Central High School to avoid confusion with the newly-constructed North High (1893).
1894- St. Clair Avenue Elementary School is opened at 844 St. Clair Avenue.

St. Clair Avenue Elementary in 1922.

1894- Atcheson Elementary School is completed at 1771 Joyce Avenue.

Atcheson Elementary in 1922.

1894- Milo High School is completed at 617 E. 3rd Avenue. Milo was once a separate village until it was annexed by Columbus on May 22, 1908.

Milo High School in 1909.

1895- The Clintonville School is completed at 10 Clinton Heights Avenue. It replaces a smaller red brick school on the site.

The Clintonville School around 1897.

1895- South High School temporarily begins using part of Ohio Street School (1893). It otherwise does not exist as its own school.
1895- Columbus school enrollment is 13,747.
1895- Southwood Elementary School is completed at 1500 S. 4th Street.

Southwood Elementary in 1922.

1895- Hubbard Avenue Elementary School is completed at 104 W. Hubbard Avenue.

Hubbard Avenue Elementary in 1900.

1896- Columbus school enrollment is 14,472 students.

1897- East High School begins construction at 1390 Franklin Avenue.

School and education history East High rendering

An 1897 rendering of East High School.


1897- South High School students are moved to Central High School (1862) during the construction of their own building.
1897- Medary Avenue Elementary School (1892) gets a black principal at an all-white school, the first school in the state with mixed-race leadership.
1897- Ninth Avenue Elementary School is completed at 221 W. 9th Avenue and dedicated on May 31st.

Ninth Avenue Elementary in 1922.


1897-1898- School enrollment reaches 17,943 in both day and evening classes. There are 450 teachers earning monthly salaries of between $40 and $135.
School and Education history 1897-1898 board of education

The 1897-1898 Board of Education member list.

1898- Chicago Avenue School is opened at 40 N. Chicago Avenue in April at a cost of $38,000.

1898- East Main Street Elementary School (1876) is heavily damaged by fire on February 2nd.
1899- East High School is completed at 1390 Franklin Avenue and opens on February 17th.

East High School in 1900.

1900-1924

1900- Franklinton Elementary School (1878) is expanded.
1900- Fair Avenue Elementary School (1890) is expanded.
1900- South High School at 345 Deshler Avenue is dedicated. South High students are moved into the building from Central High School (1862). It costs $62,000 to construct.

South High School around 1905.

1900- In August, the Anti-Cigarette League is granted permission to set up clubs within schools.
1900- School enrollment in Columbus reaches 15,089 students taught by a total of 473 teachers. An additional 3,602 students attend 9 private schools.
1900- Total city school expenditures reach $736,828.81 in 38 buildings.
1902- Livingston Avenue Elementary is completed and opened at 825 E. Livingston Avenue.
https://www.ccsoh.us/LivingstonES

Livingston Avenue Elementary in 1908.

1902- North High School (1893) is expanded with a 25-room addition.
1902- Siebert Street School (1888) is expanded.
1902- Dancing is banned in high school buildings.
1902- Douglass Elementary School (1876) gets a new eastern annex, which opens in April.
1903- First Avenue School is closed because of a smallpox epidemic.
1904- Clinton Township School is completed at 10 Clinton Heights Avenue, just behind the Clintonville School (1895).

Clinton Elementary around 1907.

1904- Leonard Avenue Elementary School is completed at 1655 Leonard Avenue.

Leonard Avenue Elementary School in 1922.

1905- The first track meet is held.
1905- Bellows Avenue Elementary School is completed and opened at 725 Bellows Avenue.

Bellows Avenue Elementary in 1922.

1905- The second Rich Street School (1860) becomes a passenger station for the Scioto Valley Traction Company.
1905- Linden Elementary School is completed and opened at 2608 Cleveland Avenue.

Linden Elementary School in 1908.

1905- Eastwood Elementary School is completed and opened at 1355 Eastwood Avenue.

Eastwood Elementary in 1916.

1905- Michigan Avenue Elementary School is completed and opens at 1200 Michigan Avenue on January 4th. It is also known as the Fourth Avenue School.

The Michigan Avenue Elementary School building in 2010.

1905- Dancing is reinstated in high schools after a student petition.
1906- Free textbooks are authorized for grades 1-4.
1906- Eighth Avenue Elementary School (1890) is expanded.
1906- East Main Street Elementary School (1876) is remodeled.
1906- Eleventh Avenue Elementary School is completed at 880 E. 11th Avenue.

Eleventh Avenue Elementary in 1916.

1907- Vandals break into East High School (1899) on May 30th and destroy the modern equivalent of about $700 worth of Latin and history books belonging to female students.
1907-Columbus school superintendent John H. Francis is part of a national committee that recommends a 12-year school system.
1908- West High School is completed and opened in September at 120 S. Central Avenue.

West High School in 1916.

1908- A new Scioto Riverfront Civic Center plan is drawn up, which calls for the 3rd iteration of Central High School (1862) to be build across the river in Franklinton.
1909- Champion Avenue Elementary School is completed at 1270 Hawthorne Avenue.

Champion Avenue Elementary in 1959.

1909- In August, a black parent sues the Columbus Board of Education for designating Champion Elementary as a black school, violating state and local laws, such as the 1881 resolution banning segregated schools.
1909- The Spring Street Elementary School, AKA Boys Trades High School (1868), is moved to Front Street.
1909- Indianola Junior High School opens at 140 E. 16th Avenue on September 7th, becoming the first junior high in the United States.

The first Indianola Junior High School in 1915.

1910- Front Street School (1884) is renamed to the Trades School.
1910- Twenty Third Street Elementary (1888) becomes Mt Vernon Junior High School.
1910- Hague Avenue Elementary School is completed at 2744 W. Broad Street

Hague Avenue Elementary in 1915.

1910- Central High School (1862) becomes the High School of Commerce.
1910- Heyl Avenue Elementary School is completed at 760 Reinhard Avenue.

Heyl Avenue Elementary in 1910.

1910- School enrollment grows to 28,590.
1911- Lisle Avenue Elementary is completed at 2366 Lisle Avenue.

Lisle Avenue Elementary in 1922.

1911- Reeb Avenue Elementary is opened at 280 Reeb Avenue.

Photo taken in 1912.

1912- The first school student bathing area is established in the basement of Reeb Avenue Elementary (1911). It has 5 showers and 5 bathtubs.
1912- On February 1st, the first school-owned athletic field is purchased by North High School.
1912- On February 7th, the Columbus Board of Education votes to install bathrooms in all high schools.
1912- The Columbus fire department bans the showing of movies in school buildings.
1912- Columbus begins hiring female school janitors for the first time.
1912- Dana Avenue Elementary School is completed at 300 Dana Avenue and opened on December 8th.

Dana Avenue Elementary in 1923.

1913- In January, Dora Bachman becomes the first woman elected to the Board of Education.
1913- On January 6th, the Champion Elementary school case is finally resolved when the Circuit Court rules that the Columbus Board of Education had the jurisdiction to create and manage the school district. The ruling essentially ends efforts begun in 1881 to stop racially-segregated schools such as Champion from being created.
1913- The former Esther Institute building (1853) is demolished to build the Columbus Athletic Club.
1913- The Open Air School for anemic children is opened at 2571 Neil Avenue in cooperation with the Tuberculosis Society.

The Open Air School in 1922.

1913- The Great Flood of March 1913 closes 7 schools and kills over 100 students.
1913- Fieser Elementary School (1873) is flooded to its second floor in March.
1914- The first Franklin County board of education is formed.
1914- About 25% of the city’s enrollment is studying German at the start of WWI.
1915- Evening High School begins offering courses to immigrants wanting to become citizens.
1915- Crestview Elementary School is completed at 251 E. Weber Road.

Crestveiw Elementary in 1915.

1915- Smith Road Elementary School is opened at 1249 Smith Road.

School and education history Smith Road Elementary School

Smith Road Elementary School, perhaps in the 1980s.

1916- Ohio Street School, AKA Ohio Avenue Elementary School (1893) suffers a fire that causes $20,000 damage and delays its opening for the school year.
1916- John H. Francis becomes superintendent of Columbus schools. Francis eliminates final annual exams.
1916- Studer Avenue School is completed at 1046 Studer Avenue.

Studer Avenue School in 1959.

1916- The Trades School (1884) has 8 teachers with 128 students.
1916- Crestview Elementary School (1915) becomes Crestview Junior High School.
1917- Spring Street Elementary School (1868), AKA Boys Trades School, is expanded.
1918- German language courses are ended and German textbooks are burned in a wave of anti-German sentiment.
1918- The Trades School, AKA Front Street School (1884) is demolished to build a YMCA.
1918- The Columbus school board approves a schedule of homework for students stuck at home due to the Spanish Flu pandemic, which closed schools for 2 1/2 months in the fall.
1919- Studer Avenue School (1916) has its name changed to Roosevelt Junior High School.
1920- School enrollment reaches 32,442.
1920- Jacob G. Collicott becomes superintendent of Columbus schools. He restarts annual final student exams.
1921- John Burroughs Elementary School is completed at 2585 Sullivant Avenue. The cost of the building was a little more than $417,000.
https://www.ccsoh.us/BurroughsES

John Burroughs Elementary around 1925.

1921- The Clintonville School (1895) is demolished in order to build a new school on the site.
1921- The original Linden Elementary School building (1905) is moved in September to make room for a new school under construction.
1921- The second Linden Elementary School is completed and opened 2626 Cleveland Avenue.

The second Linden Elementary School (foreground) with the original 1905 school behind it.

1922- The first teacher’s union for city elementary school teachers organizes in January.
1922- Fulton Street Elementary School is completed and opened at 450 E. Fulton Street. It is the first Columbus school for children with physical disabilities.

Fulton Street Elementary in 1922.

1922- The new Clinton Elementary School is completed at 10 Clinton Heights Avenue on the site of the Clintonville School (1895). The Clinton Township School (1904) is maintained as an annex.
https://www.ccsoh.us/ClintonES

School and education history Clinton Elementary

Clinton Elementary in 1924.

1922- 42 one-room schools are counted throughout Franklin County.
1922- Siebert Street School (1888) begins enrolling only 7th and 8th grade students.
1922- Champion Avenue Elementary School (1909) is renamed Champion Junior High School on September 5th.
1922- Olentangy Elementary School is completed and opened at 335 W. Poplar Avenue.

Olentangy Elementary School in 1923.

1923- The first female school bus driver is hired.
1923- The second iteration of East High School is completed at 1500 E. Broad Street.

School and education history East High School

East High School in 1968.

1923- Eleventh Avenue Elementary School (1906) receives an addition.
1923- The original East High School (1899) is renamed Franklin Junior High School, absorbing students from Douglas Avenue Elementary (1876).
1923- Douglass Avenue Elementary (1876) becomes the Normal School.
1923- The second Sullivant Elementary School (1871) discontinues use as a school building.
1924- The second iteration of South High School is completed and opens on March 31st at 1160 Ann Street.

The second South High School in 1953.

1924- The original North High School (1893) is demolished and replaced with a new building- except for the 1902 addition, which is maintained. The school is renamed Everett Junior High School.

Everett Junior High in 1959.

1924- The second North High School is completed and opened at 100 E. Arcadia Avenue on September 2nd.

1924- The original South High School (1900) is renamed Barrett Junior High School when South High students are moved to their new building.
1924- Atcheson Elementary School (1894) is closed.
1924- The original Central High School building (1862) closes as a school in May.
1924- Lincoln Park Elementary School is completed and opened at 1665 S. 19th Street.

School and education history Lincoln Park Elementary

Lincoln Park Elementary School in around 1961.

1924- The third iteration of Central High School opens on September 4th at 75 Washington Boulevard on the Scioto Peninsula. The school has a student capacity of 2,000. Construction is ongoing at the time of open. Construction costs reached $2,102,833.

The second Central High School in 1930.

1924- Fairwood Elementary School is opened at 726 Fairwood Avenue.
https://www.ccsoh.us/FairwoodES

Fairwood Elementary around 2015.

1924- Northwood Elementary School (1898) and Indianola Junior High School (1909) are the first Columbus schools to offer classes in religion, beginning in September.

1925-1949
1925- Homedale Elementary School is completed and opened at 50 Westview Avenue.

School and education history Homedale Elementary School

The Homedale Elementary building in 2020.

1925- Columbus school enrollment reaches 40,000.
1925- First Avenue Elementary School (1874) is remodeled.
1925- Beck Street Elementary School (1884) is remodeled.
1925- East Main Street Elemenary School (1876) is remodeled.
1926- Clarfield Elementary School is opened at 3220 Groveport Road. It is originally outside of the Columbus district and not part of the city’s school system.

School and education history Clarfield Elementary School

The Clarfield Elementary School building in 2011.

1926- Crestview Elementary School (1915) receives an addition.
1926- Hague Avenue Elementary School (1910) receives an addition.
1926- Stewart Avenue School (1875) is expanded.
1926- Dana Avenue Elementary School (1912) is expanded.
1926- Central High School #3 (1924) is finally completed more than 2 years after opening.
1927- McGuffey Middle School is opened at 2632 McGuffey Road.

School and education history McGuffey Middle School

Photo taken in 1972.

1928- William-McKinley Junior High School is completed and opened on September 4th at 1320 Duxberry Avenue. The school costs $480,000 to build.

William McKinley Junior High in 1959.

1928- Scioto Trail Elementary School is completed at 2951 S. High Street. It is originally part of the Marion Township School District.

School and education history Scioto Trail Elementary School

Scioto Trail Elementary School in the 1990s.

1928- Courtright Elementary School is completed at 1712 Courtright Road. It is not originally part of the Columbus district.

School and education history Courtright Elementary School

The Courtright Elementary School building in 2011.

1928- The original Central High School building (1862) is demolished in December.
1928- The Columbus Public School Library (1853/1892) is demolished.
1928- Champion Avenue Elementary School, AKA Champion Junior High School (1909) receives an addition.
1928- The original Open Air School is demolished and replaced by the second iteration at 2571 Neil Avenue.

The second Open Air School in 1931.

1929- The second iteration of West High School is completed at 179 S. Powell Avenue.

School and education history Columbus, Ohio

The second West High School around 1940.

1929- The original West High School (1908) has its name changed to Starling Junior High School.
1929- The second Indianola Junior High School is completed in September at 420 E. 19th Avenue.

The 2nd Indianola Junior High in 1929.

1932- The second Linden Elementary School (1921) is expanded.
1937- St. Clair Avenue Elementary School (1894) is closed.
1937- Lisle Avenue Elementary School (1911) is closed.
1937- George A. Roudebush becomes superintendent of Columbus schools.
1940- The Lisle Avenue Elementary School building (1911) is purchased by OSU and used for storage.
1940- Fornof School is opened at 156 Dering Avenue. It is originally part of Marion Township School District.

School and education history Fornof Elementary School

The former Fornof Elementary School building in 2009.

1940- School enrollment hits 42,170.
1942- William McKinley Junior High School (1928) is expanded and its name is changed to Linden-McKinley Junior Senior High School.
1948- Opportunity School (1867) is demolished on April 29th.
1949- School enrollment is 44,531.
1949- School expeditures in Columbus reach $7,622,00 in 78 buildings.
1949- Novice G. Fawcett becomes superintendent of Columbus schools.
1949- Fair Avenue Elementary School (1890) is remodeled.
1949- Sharon Elementary School is completed and opened at 5400 Foster Avenue. It is originally located in Worthington.

School and education history Sharon Elementary School

Sharon Elementary around 2007.

Late 1940s- The last one-room schools in Franklin County are phased out.

1950-1974

1950- The Columbus school district has a total of 69 buildings, including 51 elementary schools, 1 elementary-junior high, 8 junior highs, 2 junior-senior highs, 4 senior highs and 3 special schools.
1950- School enrollment reaches 46,406 students.
1950- School district income is $9,020,355.56 and expenditures are $9,131,997.31.
1950- District operating costs per student are $182.46.
1950- Hubbard Avenue Elementary School (1895) is remodeled.
1950- North Linden Elementary School is completed and opened at 1718 E. Cooke Road in February. Cost of construction is $550,627 and has a capacity of 726 students.

North Linden Elementary in 1956.

1950- New departments are created for radio and audio visual programs, as well as curriculum and inservice in April.
1950- Felton Avenue Elementary School (1893) is remodeled.
1950- Fairmoor Elementary School is completed at 3281 Mayfair Park Place in February. Cost of construction is $534,506 and has a capacity of 792 students.
https://www.ccsoh.us/FairmoorES

Fairmoor Elementary in 1956.

1951- School enrollment reaches 48,548.
1951- The first widespread report of marijuana use in schools is released in August. It finds 100 known users in the district, with East High School (1923) leading.
1951- Drivers Education classes are begun for high school seniors as an elective. 1800 students sign up.
1951- Garfield Elementary School (1882) is demolished to build a new school.
1952- School enrollment reaches 52,397.
1952- Lincoln Park Elementary (1924) is expanded.
1952- West Mound Elementary School is opened at 2051 W. Mound Street in September. Cost of construction is $449,357 and has a capacity of 726 students.

West Mound Elementary in 1956.

1952- Westgate Elementary School is completed at 3080 Wicklow Road in September. Construction costs $442,855 and has a capacity of 660 students.
https://www.ccsoh.us/WestgateES

Westgate Elementary in 1956.

1952- James Road Elementary School is opened at 979 S. James Road in September. Construction costs $292,745 and has a student capacity of 528.

James Road Elementary in 1956.

1952- Eighth Avenue Elementary School (1890) is closed.
1952- Kingswood Elementary School is completed and opened at 1091 King Avenue in October. Construction costs $436,252 and has a student capacity of 660.

Kingswood Elementary School in 1956.

1952- Glenmont Elementary School is completed and opened at 470 Glenmont Avenue in September. Construction costs $409,281 and has a student capacity of 594.

Glenmont Avenue in 1956.

1952- Weinland Park Junior High School is opened at 211 E. 7th Avenue in November. Construction costs $521,519 and the school has a student capacity of 825.

Weinland Park Junior High in 1959.

1952- Oakland Park Elementary is completed and opened at 3392 Atwood Terrace in February. Construction costs $369,735, with a student capacity of 528.

Oakland Park Elementary in 1956.

1953- The second Garfield Elementary School is completed and opened at 825 Mt Vernon Avenue in Septembers. Construction costs $590,642, and there is a student capacity of 627.

The second Garfield Elementary in 1953.

1952- Douglass Elementary School (1876) is expanded and renovated.
1953- The third Sullivant Elementary School is opened at 791 Griggs Avenue.

Sullivant Elementary in 1956.

1953- Fieser Elementary School (1873) is closed.
1953- Hamilton Elementary School is completed and opened at 2047 Hamilton Avenue in September. Construction costs $677,367, and the school has a student capacity of 990.

Hamilton Elementary School in 1956.

1953- Marion-Franklin High School is completed at 1265 Koebel Road on September 4th. It has a student capacity of 1,000. It is constructed outside of the district, however, and is not originally part of Columbus schools.
https://www.ccsoh.us/MarionFranklinHS

Marion Franklin High in 2019.

1953- The Ohio Institute for the Education of the Blind (1837), by then known as the Ohio School for the Blind, moves to a new location at 5220 N. High Street. The school is taken over by the city for offices.
1953- The first Franklinton Elementary School (1878) is closed.
1953- Beck Street Elementary School (1884) is remodeled and expanded.
1953- Eleventh Avenue Elementary School (1906) is remodeled.
1953- Livingston Avenue Elementary School (1902) is remodeled.
1953- Fair Avenue Elementary School (1890) is remodeled.
1953- School enrollment reaches 55,367.
1953- Michigan Avenue Elementary School (1905) is remodeled.
1953- Deshler Elementary School is completed at 1234 Deshler Avenue and opens on September 8th. Construction costs $467,231, and the school has a student capacity of 726.

Deshler Elementary in 1956.

1953- The second Franklinton Elementary School is completed at 617 W. State Street in February. Cost of construction is $353,698, and the school has a student capacity of 528.

Franklinton Elementary in 1956.

1954- Broadleigh Elementary School is completed at 3039 Maryland Avenue in February. Construction costs $478,719, and it has a student capacity of 792.
https://www.ccsoh.us/BroadleighES

Broadleigh Elementary in 1956.

1954- School enrollment reaches 58,848.
1954- The first televised art class in city schools occurs in February.
1954- Bellows Avenue Elementary School (1905) is remodeled.
1954- The original Linden Elementary School (1905) is remodeled.
1954- East Main Street Elementary School (1876) is remodeled.
1954- First Avenue Elementary School (1874) is remodeled.
1954- Eastgate Elementary School is completed at 1939 Stratford Way in September. Construction costs $312,854, and there is a student capacity of 495.
https://www.ccsoh.us/EastgateES

School and education history Eastgate Elementary School

Eastgate Elementary in 1954.

1954- Beatty Park Elementary School is opened at 284 N. 22nd Street in September. Construction costs $400,885, with a student capacity of 660.

Beatty Park Elementary in 1956.

1954- Fifth Avenue Elementary School (1886) is remodeled.
1954- William McKinley Junior High, AKA Linden-McKinley Junior Senior High School (1928) is expanded.
1954- Mohawk Elementary Junior High School is opened at 471 S. 6th Street on February 1st. Construction costs $1,489,957 and student capacity is 1,300.

Mohawk Elementary Junior High in 1956.

1954- Como Elementary School is completed at 2989 Reis Avenue in November. Construction costs $432,383, with a student capacity of 660.

Como Elementary in 1956.

1954- Hamilton Elementary School (1953) is expanded.
1955- Huy Elementary School is completed at 1545 Huy Road in September. Construction costs $496,874, and the school has a student capacity of 891.

Huy Elementary School in 1956.

1955- In April, South High School (1924) becomes the first city school- and one of the first nationally- to build a closed-circuit television station.
1955- Eastwood Elementary School (1905) is remodeled.
1955- Douglass Elementary School (1876) suffers damage from a fire.
1955- Fourth Street Elementary School (1870) is closed and auctioned off to Heer Printing Company.
1955- The Boys Trades High School (1868) graduates its final class on June 3rd.
1955- Clinton Junior High School is opened at 3940 Karl Road in September. Construction costs $1,193,446, and the school has a student capacity of 900.

Clinton Junior High in 1956.

1955- School enrollment reached 61,719.
1955- Glenmont Elementary School (1952) is expanded.
1955- Fairmoor Elementary School (1950) is expanded.
1955- Deshler Elementary School (1953) is expanded.
1955- Eastmoor Junior-Senior High School is completed and opened at 417 S. Weyant Avenue in September. Construction costs $1,586,988, and it has a student capacity of 1,500.

School and education history Columbus, Ohio

Eastmoor in 1959.

1955- Heimandale Elementary School is completed at 695 Koebel Road. It is not originally part of the Columbus district. The school has a student capacity of 264.

School and education history Heimandale Elementary School

The former Heimandale Elementary School building in 2014.

1955- Leonard Avenue Elementary School (1904) is remodeled.
1955- Heyl Avenue Elementary School (1910) is expanded.
1956- School enrollment reaches 64,253.
1956- Final student exams, discontinued sometime in the 1920s, are resumed in January for high schools.
1956- Franklinton Elementary School (1878) is demolished on March 13th in preparation for freeway construction.
1956- Northridge Elementary School is opened at 935 Northridge Road in February. Construction costs $439,194, and it has a student capacity of 660.

Northridge Elementary School in 1956.

1956- The Fieser Elementary School building (1873) is auctioned off to the Columbus Paper Box Company in January.
1956- Scioto Trail Elementary School (1928) is annexed into the Columbus district on June 18th.
1956- Hilltonia Junior High School is completed and opened at 2345 W. Mound Street on November 12th. The building costs $1,162,109, and it has a student capacity of 900.

Hilltonia Junior High School in 1959.

1956- Kingswood Elementary School (1952) is expanded.
1956- Dominion Junior High School is completed and opened at 330 Dominion Boulevard in September. Construction costs $1,187,735, and the school has a student capacity of 900.

Dominion Junior High in 1959.

1956- Crestview Elementary School (1915) receives a second addition and extensive remodeling.
1956- Berwick Elementary School is completed at 2595 Scottwood Road in September. Construction costs $300,978, and it has a student capacity of 462.
https://www.ccsoh.us/BerwickES

Berwick Elementary in 2019.

1956- Shady Lane Elementary School is completed at 1444 Shady Lane Road in March. Construction costs $375,724, and there is a student capacity of 693.

School and education history Shady Lane Elementary

Shady Lane Elementary in 1956.

1956- Beery Junior High School is opened at 2740 Lockbourne Road. It has a student capacity of 600. It is originally constructed outside of the district and not part of Columbus schools.

School and education history Beery Junior High School

Beery Junior High in 1959.

1956- Sharon Elementary School (1949) becomes part of Columbus City Schools on December 31st. It is part of an annexation from Worthington.
1957- Beery Junior High School (1956) is annexed into the Columbus district on January 21st.
1957- Marion-Franklin High School (1953) is annexed into the Columbus district on January 21st.
1957- Heimandale Elementary School (1955) is annexed into the Columbus district on January 21st.
1957- Smith Road Elementary School (1915) is annexed into the Columbus district on January 21st.
1957- Fornof School (1940) is annexed into the Columbus district on January 21st, after which it becomes Fornof Elementary.
1957- Binns Elementary School is completed at 1080 Binns Boulevard and opened in September. Construction costs $435,389, and it has a student capacity of 792.
https://www.ccsoh.us/BinnsES

Binns Elementary in 1957.

1957- Beaumont Elementary School is completed and opened on September 4th at 2155 Fenton Street. Construction costs $305,776, with a student capacity of 462.

School and education history Beaumont Elementary School

Beaumont Elementary in 1958.

1957- Valleyview Elementary School is opened at 2989 Valleyview Drive in September. Construction costs $139,116, and it has a student capacity of 264.

Valleyview Elementary in 1957.

1957- South High School (1924) is renovated and expanded.
1957- Cranbrook Elementary School is completed and opened in September at 908 Bricker Boulevard. Construction costs $259,760, with a student capacity of 459.

School and education history Cranbrook Elementary School

Cranbrook in 2014.

1957- Linmoor Junior High School is completed and opened at 2001 Hamilton Avenue in September. Construction costs $1,282,912, and it has a student capacity of 1,000.

School and education history Linmoor Middle School

Linmoor Junior High (Middle) School around 2011.

1957- School enrollment reaches 71,152.
1957- School district income is $19,987,655.46 and expenditures are $20,415,064.33.
1957- Huy Elementary School (1954) is expanded.
1957- Fair Avenue Elementary School (1890) is expanded.
1957- Clearbrook Elementary School is completed and opened in September at 31 N. 17th Street. Construction costs $161,647, with a student capacity of 330.

School and education history Clearbrook Elementary School

Clearbrook Elementary in 1958.

1957- Colerain Elementary School is completed and opened at 499 E. Weisheimer Road in September. Construction costs $142,200, with a student capacity of 264.

School and education history Colerain Elementary School

Colerain Elementary around 2011.

1957- Arlington Park Elementary School is completed and opened in September at 2400 Mock Road. Construction costs $307,075, with a student capacity of 429.

School and education history Arlington Park Elementary

Arlington Park in 1958.

1957- Clarfield Elementary School (1926) is annexed into the Columbus district on December 30th.
1957- Hamilton Elementary School (1953) is expanded.
1957- Michigan Avenue Elementary School (1905) is expanded.
1957- Dana Avenue Elementary School (1912) is remodeled.
1957- Glenmont Elementary School (1952) is expanded.
1957- William McKinley Junior High, AKA Linden-McKinley Junior Senior High School (1928) is expanded.
1958- School enrollment reaches 75,884.
1958- School district income is $21,361,122.28 and expenditures are $22,386,227.89.
1958- The School district contains 114 schools within 109 buildings. This includes 84 elementary schools, 2 elementary-junior high schools, 12 junior highs, 3 junior-senior highs, 5 senior highs and 3 special schools.
1958- The Columbus Board of Education rents an IBM “scoring machine” for $75 a month beginning in October. It can grade up to 600 tests per hour.
1958- Everett Junior High School (1924) is expanded.
1958- Mt Vernon Junior High School (1888) is closed after the school year.
1958- The former Eighth Avenue Elementary School building (1890) is demolished.
1958- Eastgate Elementary School (1954) is expanded.
1958- Deshler Elementary School (1953) is expanded.
1958- Westmoor Junior High School is opened at 3001 Valleyview Drive in September. Construction costs $1,196,285, with student capacity of 1,000.

Westmoor Junior High in 1959.

1959- North High School (1924) becomes the first Columbus school with a full-time activity coordinator.
1959- The Fieser Elementary School building (1873) is demolished.
1959- Johnson Park Junior High School is opened at 1130 S. Waverly Street in September. Construction costs $1,265,268, and it has a student capacity of 900.

Johnson Park Junior High in 2011.

1959- All city school students are required to receive the polio vaccine.
1959- School district income is $26,847,327.95 and expenditures are $25,571,035.79.
1959- School operating costs per student are $299.29.
1959- The school district contains 121 schools within 116 buildings. This includes 89 elementary schools, 2 elementary-junior highs, 14 junior highs, 3 junior-senior highs, 5 senior highs and 3 special schools.
1959- Duxberry Park Elementary School is completed and opened at 1779 E. Maynard Avenue in September. Construction costs $269,870, with a student capacity of 528.

School and education history Duxberry Park Elementary

Duxberry Park Elementary in 1966.

1959- Stockbridge Elementary School is completed and opened at 3350 S. Champion Avenue in September. Construction costs $229,938, and it has a student capacity of 396.

School and education history Stockbridge Elementary School

Stockbridge Elementary in 2011.

1959- Shady Lane Elementary School (1956) is damaged by a fire.
1960- Eakin Elementary School is completed and opened at 3774 Eakin Road in September. Construction costs $259,891, and it has a student capacity of 330.

School and education history Eakin Elementary School

Eakin Elementary in 2011.

1960- Marburn Elementary School is completed and opened at 4141 Rudy Road in September. Construction costs $317,129, and it has a student capacity of 462.

School and education history Marburn Elementary School

The Marburn Elementary building in 2019.

1960- Leawood Elementary School is completed and opened at 1677 Hamilton Road in September. Construction costs $376,804, and it has a student capacity of 627.

School and education history Leawood Elementary School

Leawood Elementary in 2011.

1960- The Columbus school district contains 123 schools, including 95 elementary schools, 2 elementary-junior highs, 15 junior highs, 3 junior-senior highs, 5 senior highs and 3 special schools.
1960- The second Sullivant Elementary School (1871) is demolished in order to build a new Columbus Public Schools administration building.
1960- School enrollment during the year begins at 83,631 before passing 85,000. Columbus becomes the state’s 2nd largest district. An additional 20,500 students attend private schools. The 83,631 includes 9,032 in kindergarten, 9,584 in 1st grade, 8,139 in 2nd, 7,604 in 3rd, 7,297 in 4th, 6,785 in 5th, 6,524 in 6th, 6,196 in 7th, 6,031 in 8th, 4,839 in 9th, 4,134 in 10th, 3,461 in 11th, 2,883 in 12th and 1,122 that are considered “ungraded”.
1960- School district income is $28,713,829.16 and expenditures are $28,599,794.27.
1960- District operating costs per student are $317.49.
1960- The school district has 128 schools within 123 buildings. This includes 95 elementary schools, 2 elementary-junior highs, 15 junior highs, 3 junior-senior highs, 5 senior highs and 3 special schools.
1960- Mt Vernon Junior High School (1888) is demolished to build an apartment building.
1960- Livingston Avenue Elementary School (1902) is expanded.
1960- Spring Street School/AKA Boys Trades High School (1868) is demolished.
1960- Maize Elementary School is completed and open at 4360 Maize Road in September. Construction costs $375,560, and it has a student capacity of 627.

School and education history Maize Elementary School

Maize Elementary School in 2011.

1960- Parsons Elementary School is completed and opened at 3231 Lee Ellen Place in September. Construction costs $310,731, and it has a student capacity of 396.
No older photo could be found, but photos of the school from the 2000s can be found here: https://www.ohioexploration.com/structures/parsonsschool/
https://www.ccsoh.us/ParsonsES
1960- East Main Street Elementary School (1876) is demolished to build a new school.
1960- Medina Junior High is completed and opened at 1425 Huy Road in September. Construction costs $1,242,160, and it has a capacity of 1,000 students.

School and education history Median Junior High

Medina Junior High in 1960.

1960- Kent Elementary School is completed at 1414 Gault Street in September. Construction costs $216,190, and it has a student capacity of 297.

School and education history Kent Elementary School

Kent Elementary School in 2009.

1960- South High School (1924) receives a renovation and expansion.
1961- The second Rich Street School (1860) is demolished.
1961- Duxberry Park Elementary School (1959) is expanded.
1961- The new Columbus Public Schools administration building at the Sullivant Elementary site opens on September 10th.
1961- Calumet Elementary School is completed at 2744 Calumet Street.

Calument Elementary School around 1980.

1961- Lincoln Park Elementary (1924) is expanded.
1961- Alum Crest Elementary is completed and opened at 2200 Winslow Drive in September.

School and education history Alum Crest Elementary

Alum Crest around 2001.

1961- District operating costs per student are $327.57.
1961- The second iteration of East Main Street Elementary is completed at 1469 E. Main Street.

The second East Main Street Elementary building in 2019.

1962- School enrollment reaches 93,666 in October.
1962- District operating costs per student are $343.97.
1963- District income is $34,834,705.45, while expenditures are $33,899,319.39.
1963- School enrollment hits 98,439 in October.
1963- District operating costs per student are $339.25.
1964- In January, the Columbus Board of Education sends an application to the US Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare in the first steps to acquire the former Fort Hayes for education purposes.
1964- The apple logo is first adopted for Columbus Schools in September.
1964- Duxberry Park Elementary School (1959) is expanded.
1964- Economic literacy tests- the first in the nation- are administered at Eastmoor Junior High (1955) in January.
1964- District income is $37,860,742.15, while expenditures are $37,011,093.80.
1964- School enrollment hits 102,193 in October. This includes the following breakdown by grade: Kindergarten- 10,550, First- 11,311, Second- 10,022, Third- 9,066, Fourth- 8,472, Fifth- 7,987, Sixth- 7,195, Seventh- 7,017, Eighth- 6,822, Ninth- 6,380, Tenth- 6,320, Eleventh- 5,218, Twelfth- 4,300 and Ungraded- 954.
1965- Cedarwood Elementary School is completed at 775 Bartfield Drive.
https://www.ccsoh.us/CedarwoodES

Cedarwood Elementary in 2009.

1965- A fire at the Columbus Board of Education Maintenance Shop at 160 S. Champion Avenue injures two firefighters.
1965- The Board of Education creates the ICE Council in January to study racial issues within the Columbus district.
1965- The Project Head Start program is first implemented in April.
1965- The Rev. Arthur Zebbs, with the Congress on Racial Equality, declares “war” against Columbus Board of Education on November 16th after it approved an $11 million, 9-school construction plan in which 3 of the new schools would be segregated. Zebbs is quoted saying, “We’re going to declare war on building more segregated schools. I promise you there will be conflict and I’ll be a part of that conflict. We’ll tolerate no more Jim Crow schools in Columbus.”
1965- Gladstone Elementary School is completed and opened at 1965 Gladstone Avenue in September.

School and education history Gladstone Elementary School

Gladstone Elementary in 1966.

1965- Columbus City School District and Schools
1965- South High School (1924) gets a renovation and expansion.
1966- Columbus school enrollment is 105,417 students.
1966- Parkmoor Elementary School is opened at 1711 Penworth Drive in September.
https://www.ccsoh.us/ParkmoorES

Parkmoor Elementary in 2019.

1966- Lexington Elementary School is completed at 1077 Lexington Avenue in October.

The Lexington Elementary building in 2015.

1966- Oakmont Elementary School is completed and opened at 5666 Oakmont Drive in September.
https://www.ccsoh.us/OakmontES
*No photo available at this time*
1966- A fire breaks out in building materials during the construction of Alpine Elementary School on August 17th. The building is undamaged.
1966- In April, a citizen’s action committee is formed to address racial issues in the district.
1966- Alpine Elementary School is opened at 1590 Alpine Drive in November after several delays.
https://www.ccsoh.us/AlpineES

Alpine Elementary in 2017.

1966- Livingston Avenue Elementary (1902) is expanded with a 10-classroom annex.
1967- Columbus school enrollment is 105,967 students.
1967- The first WBNS-TV education documentary for the school system is aired in color in April.
1967- The Fourth Street Elementary School building (1870) is demolished on December 6th.
1967- Woodward Park Junior High School is completed and opened at 5151 Karl Road in September.
https://www.ccsoh.us/WoodwardParkMS

Woodward Park Junior High in 2017.

1967- Yorktown Junior High School is completed at 5600 E. Livingston Avenue in September.
https://www.ccsoh.us/YorktownMS

Yorktown Junior High School in 2019.

1968- Columbus school enrollment reaches 108,959 students among 167 buildings.
1968- Mohawk Middle School’s (1954) recreation fields are greatly expanded, but require the demolition of nearly 3 blocks of existing historic buildings.
1968- The Columbus school system general budget is $60.1 million.
1969- Parsons Elementary School (1960) is expanded.
1969- Leonard Avenue Elementary School (1904) is closed.
1969- Columbus school enrollment is 109,372 students among 168 buildings
1969- The Columbus school system general budget is $68.3 million.
1970- Cassady Elementary School is completed at 2500 N. Cassady Avenue.
https://www.ccsoh.us/CassadyES

Cassady Elementary in 2019.

1970- Gettysburg Elementary School is completed and opened at 5707 Olentangy River Road.

The former Gettysburg Elementary School building in 2022.

1970- Columbus school enrollment is 107,950 students in 167 buildings.
1970- The Columbus school system general budget is $82.2 million.
1971- 50 acres of the former Fort Hayes is transferred to Columbus Schools in June.
1971- Columbus school enrollment is 110,173 in 175 buildings. This is the highest level reached before desegregation and changes in busing begin causing an enrollment collapse as mostly White city residents start fleeing to the suburbs.
1971- The Columbus school system general budget is $80.8 million.
1972- Columbus school enrollment is 106,146 students in 169 buildings.
1972- The Columbus school system general budget is $91.7 million.
1973- The first public hearing is held as to the question of Columbus school desegregation in June. The case is being tried by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
1973- Columbus school enrollment is 101,622 in 167 buildings.
1973- The Columbus school system general budget is $92.7 million.
1974- Fulton Street Elementary School (1922) is closed.
1974- On January 6th, Columbus teachers go on strike for the first time in city history demanding, among other things, a 12% raise. The strike runs 5 days before a judge orders teachers back to work.
1974- First Avenue Elementary School (1874) is closed.
1974- Eastwood Elementary School (1905) is closed.
1974- Columbus school enrollment is 98,016 student in 166 buildings.
1974- The Columbus school system general budget s $99.2 million.

1975-1999

1975- East High School/AKA Franklin Junior High School (1899) is demolished.
1975- Third Street School, AKA Third Street Elementary (1866) is closed.
1975- Felton Avenue Elementary School (1893) is closed.
1975- Parsons Elementary School (1960) is expanded.
1975- Columbus school enrollment is 95,799 students in 169 buildings.
1975- The Columbus school system general budget is $114 million.
1976- Third Street School, AKA Third Street Elementary (1866) is sold to the City of Columbus and renovated into the Golden Hobby Shop.
1976- Avalon Elementary School is completed at 5220 Avalon Avenue.
https://www.ccsoh.us/AvalonES

Avalon Elementary in 2015.

1976- South High School (1924) receives its 4th renovation and expansion since originally opening.
1976- Michigan Avenue Elementary School (1905) is closed as a school.
1976- Douglass Elementary School (1876) is demolished to build the second iteration.
1976- Fifth Avenue Elementary School (1886) is closed and subsequently demolished.
1976- Siebert Street School (1888) is demolished to build a new school.
1976- Columbus school enrollment is 96,060 students in 169 buildings.
1976- The Columbus school system general budget is $114.4 million.
1977- US District Court rules on March 8th that Columbus schools are illegally segregated and orders the district to create a desegregation plan within 90 days.
1977- The former Atcheson Elementary School building (1894) is demolished for a parking lot.1977- An 8.7-mill continuing levy fails 76,845 votes to 74,036 votes in November.
1977- Heimandale Elementary School (1955) is closed in June.
1977- The 2nd Douglas Elementary is completed and opened at 51 S. Douglass Street.

School and education history Douglas Elementary

Douglas Elementary in 1979.

1977- Columbus school enrollment is 90,463 students in 176 buildings.
1977- The Columbus school system general budget is $115.3 million.
1978- The second Siebert Street School, now known as Siebert Street Elementary School, is completed at 400 Siebert Avenue.

The second Siebert Street School in 2019.

1978- Northwood Elementary (1879) is purchased by Ohio State to be a community center.
1978- Columbus school enrollment is 83,409 students in 168 buildings.
1978- The Columbus school system general budget is $127.7 million.
1978- Alum Crest Elementary School (1961) becomes the Alum Crest Instructional Services Center.
1979- The second North High School (1924) is closed as part of desegregation efforts in the district.
1979- Fulton Street Elementary School (1922) is demolished to build the Columbus schools food services building.
1979- Parsons Elementary School (1960) is closed.
1979- An 8.3-mill emergency school funding levy fails 42,631 votes to 41,517 votes in March.
1979- Columbus school enrollment is 77,609 students in 154 buildings.
1979- The Columbus school system general budget is $134.1 million.
1979- Homedale Elementary School (1925) is closed. It is subsequently purchased for use by local church.
1979- Gettysburg Elementary School (1970) is closed.
1980- Beatty Park Elementary School (1954) closes as an elementary and becomes special district school.
1980- Sharon Elementary School is closed.
1980- Calumet Elementary School (1961) is closed.
1980- St. Clair Avenue Elementary (1894) is demolished for a parking lot.
1980- Kingswood Elementary School (1952) is closed as a school, but continues as a district building.
1980- Ninth Avenue Elementary School (1897) is demolished to build apartments.
1980- Columbus school enrollment is 73,698 students in 139 buildings.
1980- The Columbus school system general budget is $143 million.
1980- Smith Road Elementary School (1915) is closed.
1980- Ohio releases a racial enrollment breakdown for every school in Ohio.
1980 Enrollment by Race
1981- Michigan Avenue Elementary School (1905) is renovated and opened as an apartment building.
1981- The Columbus Board of Education puts Courtright Elementary (1928), Milo High School (1894), Lexington Elementary (1966), Heimandale Elementary (1955), First Avenue Elementary (1874) and the Marburn Elementary (1960) school buildings up for public auction in June.
1981- Columbus school enrollment is 69,759 students in 139 buildings.
1981- The Columbus school system general budget is $143 million.
1982- Fornof Elementary School (1940) is closed.
1982- The third Central High School (1924) closes as a school on June 6th.
1982- Beaumont Elementary School (1957) is closed.
1982- Bellows Avenue Elementary School (1905) is closed.
1982- Northwood Elementary (1879) is largely destroyed by fire on December 6th.
1984- Bellows Avenue Elementary School (1905) is sold to a private owner.
1985- Felton Avenue Elementary School (1893) is demolished.
1985- Northwood Elementary School (1879) demolished in July.
1985- Apple Inc. chooses Columbus Schools as one of 5 nationwide districts for its Apple Classroom of the Future program.
1985- On June 10th, the Columbus Board of Education decides to demolish Central High School (1924) and redevelop the site.
1987- The second Garfield Elementary School (1953) is renovated to become the Martin Luther King Center for the Performing Arts.
1987- Olentangy Elementary School (1922) is demolished.
1987- Studer Avenue School, AKA Roosevelt Junior High School (1916) is demolished.
1989- Eastwood Elementary School (1905) is demolished.
1990- Ohio releases its school enrollment breakdown by race.
1990 School Enrollment by Race
1990- St. Dominic’s School (1889) is demolished for a parking lot.
1992- Smith Road Elementary School (1915) is demolished.
1994- Eleventh Avenue Elementary School (1906) is destroyed by a fire on August 13th.
1995- School enrollment is 62,812.
1997- Valleyview School (1957) becomes Valleyview Elementary School.
1997- Mohawk Middle School becomes the Columbus Africentric School for the 97-98 school year.
1999- The former Central High School (1924) becomes COSI in November.



2000-Present

2004- The third Sullivant Elementary School (1953) is demolished to build a new school.
2004- The third iteration of Linden Elementary School is completed at 2626 Cleveland Avenue in April at a cost of $7.5 million.

The third Liden Elementary in 2019.

2004- Beatty Park Elementary School (1954) is closed and demolished to build a new school.
2004- The original Linden Elementary School (1905), as well as the second Linden Elementary (1921) are both demolished after the completion of the third iteration.
2005- Kent Elementary School (1960) is closed.
2005- Weinland Park Junior High School (1952) is demolished to build a new school.
2005- Parsons Elementary School (1960) is demolished in January to build a new school on the site.
2005- The fourth Sullivant Elementary School opens at 791 Griggs Avenue.

The fourth Sullivant Elementary School in 2019.

2006- Clarfield Elementary School (1926) closes in December.
2006- The original Binns Elementary School (1957) is demolished to build a new school.
2006- The second East Main Street Elementary (1961) is closed.
2006- The second Champion Middle School is completed at 284 N. 22nd Street, the former location of Beatty Park Elementary School (1954).

The second Champion Middle School in 2019.

2006- Fairmoor Elementary School (1950) is demolished in to build a new school.
2006- The original West Mound Elementary (1952) is demolished in order to build a new school on the site.
2006- Lincoln Park Elementary School (1924) is demolished to build a new school.
2006- Barrett Junior High School, AKA as the original South High School (1900) is closed.
2006- The second Parsons Elementary School is opened at 3231 Lee Ellen Place.

The second Parsons Elementary School in 2019.

2006- Scioto Trail Elementary School (1928) is closed in June.
2006- McGuffey Middle School (1927) is closed.
2006- The original Leawood Elementary School (1960) is demolished to build a new school.
2006- Berwick Elementary School (1956) closes and the building is demolished for a new school.
2007- The Columbus district renames to “Columbus City Schools” after previously being known as “Columbus Public Schools”.
2007- School enrollment is 55,235.
2007- Livingston Avenue Elementary School (1902) is demolished to build a new school.
2007- Huy Elementary School (1955) is demolished to build a new school.
2007- The second West Mound Elementary is completed at 2051 W. Mound Street.

The second West Mound Elementary in 2019.

2007- Oakland Park Elementary School (1952) is demolished to build a new school.
2007- The second Binns Elementary School is completed at 1080 Binns Boulevard.

The second Binns Elementary in 2019.

2007- Weinland Park Elementary School is built on the former site of Weinland Park Junior High (1952) at 211 E. 7th Avenue.

Weinland Park Elementary in 2019.

2007- The second iteration of Fairmoor Elementary school is opened at 3281 Mayfair Park Place.

The second Fairmoor Elementary School in 2015.

2007- The second iteration of Lincoln Park Elementary School is completed and opened at 1665 S. 19th Street.

The second Lincoln Park Elementary in 2019.

2007- Barrett Junior High School, AKA South High School (1900) temporarily is reopened for students when the second South High School (1924) is closed for renovations.
2007- Oakmont Elementary School (1966) is demolished to build a new school.
2008- The second iteration of Oakland Park Elementary school is completed and opened at 3392 Atwood Terrace.

The second Oakland Park Elementary in 2019.

2008- The second Leawood Elementary School is opened at 1677 Hamilton Road.

School and education history new Leawood Elementary

The second Leawood Elementary in 2009.

2008- The second Oakmont Elementary School is completed and opened at 5666 Oakmont Drive.

The new Oakmont Elementary in 2008.

2008- Scioto Trail Elementary School (1928) is demolished to build another school.
2008- The second Livingston Avenue Elementary School is completed and opened at 825 E. Livingston Avenue.

The second Livingston Avenue Elementary School in 2019.

2008- Avondale Elementary School (1893) is renovated.
2008- Berwick Alternative School is completed and opened at 2655 Scottwood Road.

School and education history Berwick Alternative School

Berwick in 2019.

2008- Sharon Elementary School (1949) is demolished. Sharon Meadows Park is expanded onto the former school site.
2009- The second Huy Elementary School is completed at 1545 Huy Road.
https://www.ccsoh.us/HuyES

Photo taken in 2019.

2009- Crestview Elementary School (1915) has its named changed to Indianola Informal School.
2009- Champion Avenue Elementary School, AKA Champion Junior High School (1909) is demolished.
2009- Barrett Junior High School, AKA South High School (1900) is closed again when the second South High School’s remodeling is completed.
2009- The Lisle Avenue Elementary School building (1911) is demolished.
2009- South High School (1924) gets a significant, $32 million renovation and addition that adds a new cafeteria and gymnasium. It is the 5th expansion and renovation in its then 85-year history.
2010- Clinton Junior High (Middle) School (1955) is closed.
2010- Six Columbus schools are rated among the worst 5% in Ohio in a February 2nd report.
2010- Stewart Avenue School (1875) suffers from a fire and is closed for repairs.
2010- Hubbard Avenue Elementary School (1895) is closed in June.
2010- The 2nd iteration of Indianola Junior High School (1929) closes.
2010- Fair Avenue Elementary School (1890) is closed.
2010- The second interation of Douglass Elementary School closes in June.
2010- Deshler Elementary School (1953) is closed in June.
2011- Cedarwood Elementary School (1965) is demolished to build a new school.
2011- William McKinley Junior High, AKA Linden-McKinley Junior Senior High School (1928) is remodeled.
2011- Beery Junior High School (1957), AKA Beery Middle School, is closed and becomes the Marion-Franklin Library Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library system.
2012- School enrollment is 50,784.
2012- The second East Main Street Elementary School building (1961) becomes a private charter school.
2012- Columbus Scioto 6-12 opens at 2951 S. High Street.
School and education history Columbus Scioto 6-12
2012- The original West High School, AKA Starling Junior High School (1904) is closed.
2012- Dana Avenue Elementary School (1912) is closed.
2012- Heyl Avenue Elementary School (1910) is closed.
2013- The second Cedarwood Elementary School is completed at 775 Bartfield Drive.

The second Cedarwood Elementary in 2019.

2013- Alum Crest High School (1961) is closed. It later becomes South Scioto Performance Academy.
2013- Shady Lane Elementary School (1956) is demolished.
2013- The Fair Avenue Elementary School building (1890) is auctioned off and becomes a private charter school.
2013- Barrett Junior High School, AKA South High School (1900) is sold to a developer.
2013- School enrollment falls below 50,000 for the first time since the early 1950s.
2014- Clinton Township School Annex (1904) is demolished.
2015- The former Barrett Elementary School (1900) is renovated and converted into apartments.
2015- Beck Street Elementary School (1884) becomes the Columbus Gifted Academy for grades 3-8.
2015- The Clinton Junior High (Middle) School (1955) building is demolished.
2015- The former Reeb Avenue Elementary (1911) completes a renovation to become the Reeb Avenue Center, a community center.
2015- Stewart Avenue School (1875) is reopened after fire damage repairs and an expansion.
2016- The Heyl Avenue Elementary School building (1910) is demolished to build apartments.
2016- The Columbus Africentric School (formerly Mohawk Middle School, 1954) moves to a new building at 3223 Allegheny Avenue.
2017- The former Clarfield Elementary School (1926) is reopened as the South Columbus Preparatory Academy.
2018- Mohawk Elementary Junior High School, AKA The Columbus Africentric School (1954) is demolished.
2020- Columbus City Schools sells Douglass Elementary (1977) and Stockbridge Elementary (1959). Columbus Recreation and Parks makes both purchases to turn the sites into recreational amenities.
2021- Enrollment at Columbus City Schools is 46,686.
2021- The district includes 118 schools.
2023- The second Douglass Elementary (1977) is demolished to make way for the Fran Ryan Center.

Suburban Districts Within Franklin County

Bexley
1907- Bullitt Park Elementary School is completed at 2200 E. Main Street.

Bullitt Park Elementary illustration in 1907

1917- Bexley elects its first school board, overseeing a single school and 130 students.
1931- Bexley High School is completed.
1947- Main Street School closes in September.
1949- School enrollment reaches 1,752.
1949- Maryland Avenue School is completed.
1976- School enrollment is 2,413 students.
1978- School enrollment is 2,164 students.
1981- School enrollment is 2,215 students.

Canal Winchester
1976- School enrollment is 1,180 students.
1981- School enrollment is 1,050 students.

Dublin
1818- Dublin’s first school is constructed on the northeast corner of Bridge and High streets.
1871- Washington Local School is completed at 75 N. High Street.

Photo taken around 1875.

1919- Washington Township School is completed at 144 W. Bridge Street.

Washington Township School in 1919.

1976- School enrollment is 1,685 students.
1978- School enrollment is 2,149 students.
1978- Washington Local School (1871) is demolished.
1981- School enrollment is 2,682 students.

Gahanna
1957- School enrollment is 1,675 students.
1976- School enrollment is 5,569 students.
1978- School enrollment is 5,590 students.
1981- School enrollment is 5,100 students.

Grandview Heights
1915- Franklin School at W. 1st Avenue and Oakland Avenue becomes Grandview’s first high school.
1922- Grandview High School is completed.
1933- Grandview Junior High is completed.
1949- St. Christopher’s School is completed.
1949- Enrollment reaches 1,210.
1957- Enrollment reaches 1,597 students.
1976- School enrollment is 1,561 students.
1981- School enrollment is 1,265 students.

Grove City
1853- Grove City’s first school, a one-room log structure, is built at 3330 Park Street.
1910- Jackson High School is completed at 3207 E. Park Street and dedicated on November 23rd

Jackson High School in 1912.

Hilliard
1957- School enrollment is 1,750 students.
1976- School enrollment is 4,400 students.
1978- School enrollment is 5,081 students.
1981- School enrollment is 4,300 students.

New Albany
1976- School enrollment is 1,232 students.
1981- School enrollment is 962 students.

Reynoldsburg
1957- School enrollment is 1,220 students.
1976- School enrollment is 5,220 students.
1978- School enrollment is 5,115 students.
1981- School enrollment is 4,980 students.

Southwestern
1957- School enrollment is 7,900 students.
1976- School enrollment is 17,500 students.
1980- A series of arson fires between January 7-15th caused evacuations and about $5,000 in damage at Westland High School.
1981- School enrollment is 16,800 students.

Upper Arlington
1918- Upper Arlington’s first school is opened in the basement of the King Thompson residence.
1920- The school system has only 2 students.
1925- The first school building is completed on Devon Road to accomodate 11 classes for grades 9-11. High school seniors attended Grandview High School.
1926- The Devon Road school is expanded to become a full 4-year high school.
1930- School enrollment reaches 675.
1949- School enrollment reaches 1,400.
1957- School enrollment reaches 5,100 students.
1976- School enrollment is 7,407 students.
1978- School enrollments is 6,222 students.
1981- School enrollment is 5,962 students.

Westerville
1957- School enrollment reaches 2,678 students.
1976- School enrollment is 9,732 students.
1978- School enrollment is 10,280 students.
1981- School enrollment is 10,792 students.

Whitehall
1957- School enrollment reaches 4,200 students.
1976- School enrollment is 4,163 students.
1978- School enrollment is 3,712 students.
1981- School enrollment is 3,504 students.

Worthington
1957- School enrollment reaches 2,718 students.
1976- School enrollment is 6,495 students.
1978- School enrollment is 6,620 students.
1981- School enrollment is 6,920 students.

Colleges and Universities

Capital University
1876- Lehmann Hall is completed at 2199 E. Main Street.

Lehmann Hall in 1899.

1988- Lehmann Hall (1876) is demolished.

Ohio State
1870- Ohio State is founded as a land-grant university as part of the Morrill Act of 1862. Its first name is the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College.
1873- Dr. Thomas Corwin Mendenhall is chosen to become the university’s first teacher.
1873- The school formally opens with 24 students on September 17th.
1873- The original University Hall is completed at 230 N. Oval Mall.
1878- The name of the school is officially changed to The Ohio State University.
1878- The first graduating class is 6 men.
1886- Master’s degrees are first awarded.
1887- Former president Rutherford B. Hayes joins the university’s board of trustees.
1890- Doctoral degrees are first awarded.
1891- The Moritz College of Law is formed.
1893- Hayes Hall is completed and opened at 108 N. Oval Mall.
1893- Orton Hall is completed and opened at 155 Oval Drive South.

Orton Hall in 1918.

1911- The first Ohio Union building (now Hale Hall) is completed at 154 W. 10th Street.
1912- The Ohio State Graduate School is formed.
1913- The William Oakley Thompson Memorial Library is opened on January 6th at 1858 Neil Avenue.
1914- The Ohio State School of Medicine is created through a merger with the Starling School of Medicine.
1914- The Ohio State School of Dentistry is formed.
1916- The Ohio State College of Commerce and Journalism is formed.
1916- Ohio State is awarded membership in the Association of American Universities.
1934- The Ohio State Research Fund is created.
1952- The school founds the Mershon Center for International Security Studies.
1968- University Hall (1873) is closed due to “safety concerns”.
1971- University Hall (1873) is demolished.
1976- The second iteration of University Hall- nearly identical in outward appearance to the old one- is completed.
1989- On November 17th, the Wexner Center for the Arts is completed and opened at 1871 N. High Street.
1993- The College of Commerce and Journalism is renamed the Max M. Fisher College of Business.
2003- The Department of Homeland Security chooses Ohio State to base its National Academic Consortium for Homeland Security.
2016- On November 28, a terrorist uses a car and then a butcher knife to attack students on Campus. 13 people are injured before the suspect is shot and killed by police. The attack is the worst of its kind in school history.
2019- The school loses its bid to trademark the word “The”.
OSU Enrollment

School aren’t the only part of Columbus with an interesting history.