The top reported proficiency rate is 38% in Science. The lowest is 0% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Tomorrow Center
Tomorrow Center is a small, charter middle and high school in Cardington, serving grades eight through twelve. It is located in rural Morrow County, in a historic agricultural village that has recently begun attracting commuter-driven residential growth from the Columbus area, though the overall population and economic base remain modest.
The school has an enrollment of roughly the size typical for a charter serving its immediate region, with a student body that is predominantly white, drawn from the local area and surrounding townships. The specific makeup of the student population beyond race and ethnicity—including rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, those with disabilities, and English learners—is not available in the data, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the population it serves and the support systems it has in place.
Academic performance is a significant concern. State testing data for eighth grade in mathematics and English language arts shows zero proficiency in both subjects in the most recent school year. Eighth grade science shows modestly higher results, with roughly a third of students meeting proficiency. In ninth through twelfth grade, the only available data point is a four-year average for social studies that shows about a quarter of students meeting state proficiency standards. Overall, when looked at across all tested subjects and grades, the school's proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Morrow County. The school does not report a graduation rate, which is an important metric a parent should request directly from the school.
The school's small size carries both characteristics worth understanding. A school of this enrollment can mean closer relationships between staff and students, more personalized attention, and less anonymity. It also means fewer course sections, fewer electives, and less ability to offer the breadth of programming—such as extensive AP courses, career pathways, or specialized support services—that larger schools can provide. The data does not include information about what specific programs, pathways, or support services Tomorrow Center offers beyond its core academic program, so prospective families should ask the school about its curriculum design, any career or dual-credit partnerships, how it structures its courses and instruction, and what additional supports it has for students who are struggling academically.
Cardington itself is a quiet village of a few hundred residents set in farmland, anchored by a small downtown and surrounded by rural townships. The area is experiencing gradual commuter-driven growth from Columbus, about an hour's drive away, and light manufacturing remains a steady employer. The local school district (Cardington-Lincoln Local Schools) is separate from Tomorrow Center; Tomorrow Center operates as its own charter entity. Housing in the zip code is modestly valued and has shown modest appreciation, and the area's unemployment and general economic indicators are stable.
A parent considering Tomorrow Center should be prepared to have a detailed conversation with the school about its approach to instruction, particularly in mathematics and English language arts, given the state test results; about its graduation and college-readiness outcomes; and about what academic and social-emotional supports it provides to students who are not yet meeting grade-level standards. The school's charter status means it has autonomy in its operations, but it also means families should understand explicitly what educational model it is pursuing and how it is designed to serve its students.
See more original research from School Decision →