The top reported proficiency rate is 29% in English language arts. The lowest is 16% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Explorers Academy of Science and Technology
Explorers Academy of Science and Technology is a tuition-free public charter school in Toledo serving kindergarten through eighth grade, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It opened in 2021 as a new school choice option for families in the area and currently enrolls a small student body across its grade span.
The school's student body is predominantly Black, with a substantial white minority and a smaller Latino population. The enrollment is small, and the school draws from Toledo's residential base in a city that is experiencing active downtown revitalization and positioned as a regional hub for healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
State assessment results show that proficiency rates in tested grades three through eight are well below state benchmarks across all three assessed subjects. In English language arts, a modest share of students scored at proficient levels or above. In mathematics, proficiency is notably lower. In science, proficiency sits between the two. These results place the school in the bottom quartile when compared with other districts in Lucas County. Only one year of testing data is available, so trend direction is unknown.
A parent considering this school should note that while the STEM curriculum design is a distinguishing feature, the current academic performance data does not reflect strong achievement outcomes relative to county peers. The school is small, which may appeal to families seeking a more intimate setting but also means fewer resources and program options than larger schools. Because the school is charter-operated, it operates independently from Toledo's traditional district schools and is accountable directly to its charter sponsor.
Housing in Toledo's 43609 zip code, where the school is located, is relatively affordable compared to state and national benchmarks. Rents in the area have risen modestly. Toledo itself is undergoing significant economic development, with new residential conversions, a revitalized downtown with cultural amenities, and employment anchored in healthcare, automotive manufacturing, and education.
The school's strength lies in its choice design and STEM emphasis. For families drawn to a specialized curriculum and smaller school environment, it represents a different path from traditional district schools. However, prospective families may want to investigate the school's specific instructional practices and longer-term academic trajectory before enrolling, given the current performance gap relative to peers.
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