The top reported proficiency rate is 69% in Social studies. The lowest is 35% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Horizon Science Academy Elementary School
Horizon Science Academy Elementary School is a charter school in Columbus serving grades three through five. The school sits in a fast-growing city where major employers like Ohio State University, JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Insurance, and OhioHealth anchor a diversified economy, and where the metro is adding residents at double the national growth rate. The school itself operates as part of the Horizon Science Academy network, which recently earned Cognia Accreditation and STEM Certification Seals—credentials that signal a sustained commitment to STEM-focused, college-preparatory curriculum across its campuses.
The student body is predominantly Black, with most students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The enrollment is small to modest for an elementary span, spread across three grades. Nearly all students tested in math and English language arts on Ohio's State Tests in 2024-25, with full participation in science testing as well.
State test results show mixed proficiency. In English language arts, just over half of students met or exceeded state proficiency standards. Math proficiency ran somewhat lower. Science proficiency was notably lower, with only about a third of students meeting the bar. When averaged across these three subjects, the school's overall proficiency sits below the midpoint among the schools tested in Franklin County. The school has only one year of recent comparable data, so trend information is not available to assess whether proficiency is moving or stable.
The school's name and network affiliation emphasize science and STEM. That credential matters if a family values science-focused academics and college-preparatory rigor in elementary grades. The school's location in Columbus places it in a city with major research institutions, growing tech sector interest (including Intel's planned semiconductor plant nearby), and strong early workforce pathways through community colleges and established employers.
Housing in the school's zip code runs at values modestly above the Ohio state median, with rental costs in the mid-range for the region. The neighborhood itself is within Columbus, where transit options exist through the Central Ohio Transit Authority, though service varies by location.
A parent considering this school may want to look further into the school's approach to closing the gap in science proficiency, and into how the network's STEM focus translates into classroom practice and student experience in these early grades. The small enrollment and charter status mean the school operates outside some district structures; clarity on curriculum, daily schedule, and extracurricular offerings would help a family decide fit.
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