Original Research by School Decision on Fort Hayes Arts and Academic Hs
Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School is a regular public high school in Columbus serving grades nine through twelve, located on Jack Gibbs Boulevard on the city's south side. The school enrolls a relatively modest population of high schoolers, with a student body that is predominantly Black, reflecting the demographic composition of its immediate attendance area.
The school's most recent state assessment data shows mixed performance across tested subjects. English language arts proficiency stands at a moderate level, and social studies proficiency is closer to the midpoint statewide. Science proficiency is notably lower, and mathematics proficiency is substantially below state benchmarks, which a parent may want to explore further with the school when considering fit. Data on the school's four-year graduation rate, chronic absenteeism, and other outcome measures were not available. No free-or-reduced-price lunch figures or special population counts were reported in the available data. The school does not report course offerings, staffing levels, or attendance data publicly, so prospective families cannot assess program breadth or class sizes from these records.
The school's name signals an arts and academics focus, which suggests potential dual-track coursework or performance opportunities, though the specific programs, course catalog, and arts facilities are not documented in the available materials. A family interested in this school should contact the school directly to understand what arts pathways it offers, whether enrollment in the arts track is selective, and how arts courses are integrated with academic requirements.
Fort Hayes sits within Columbus City Schools, which in December 2024 voted to close and consolidate five schools, and then in December 2025 approved closure of four additional schools along with major budget cuts, elimination of busing for most K-8 students attending non-neighborhood schools, and staffing reductions. These district-wide changes are material to any family considering the district, as they affect transportation access, program availability at nearby schools, and class-level staffing. The district is also implementing the science of reading in all elementary grades as of 2021, reflecting Ohio's 2024 statewide mandate.
Columbus itself is one of the fastest-growing large metros in the United States, with a diversified economy anchored by major employers including Ohio State University, JPMorgan Chase, OhioHealth, Nationwide Insurance, and others, along with planned Intel semiconductor manufacturing nearby. Housing values in the school's zip code area are moderate relative to the national benchmark, though rental costs have remained relatively stable. The city offers free unlimited COTA transit access to Columbus City Schools students in grades 9-12 through the Student Success Card, and the school is located in an urban setting with walkable downtown and neighborhood commercial corridors nearby.
See more original research from School Decision →