The top reported proficiency rate is 84% in Social studies. The lowest is 53% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Cherrington Elementary School
Cherrington Elementary serves kindergarten through fifth grade in Westerville, a northeastern suburb of Columbus. The school has a mixed-income enrollment of roughly average size for its grade band. Across third through fifth grades, where Ohio administers state tests, Cherrington's students show proficiency in math and English language arts that sits below the midpoint when compared to other elementary schools in Franklin County. In math, about two-thirds of tested students reached proficiency; in English language arts, a similar share did. Science proficiency, however, was noticeably lower, at around half. These results are based on the most recent state testing data available. The school tests all students in the assessed subjects with full participation, and the earlier social studies score from 2016-17 showed stronger performance, though that measure is no longer part of the state testing program at the elementary level.
The school community reflects considerable economic need alongside economic diversity. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that many families have lower incomes. Racially and ethnically, the enrollment is roughly balanced between white and Black students, with smaller populations of Hispanic, multiracial, and Asian students. Special education and English learner enrollment data were not available. Data on chronic absenteeism and other school environment measures such as discipline, staffing levels, or attendance patterns were also absent.
Cherrington sits in Westerville, a city that blends character and growth. The older core near State Street and Otterbein University, which anchors the town, has walkable streetscapes and independent shops, but most of the city spreads as typical suburban development: newer subdivisions north of Schrock Road with cul-de-sacs and commercial corridors. The housing market is moderately priced relative to national benchmarks but has climbed steadily; renting is more affordable than buying for many households. The city is in an active development phase. The "East of Africa" employment site is under infrastructure development, a proposed mixed-use hotel and apartment complex is being planned near Uptown, and new residential subdivisions are ongoing. An affordable apartment complex is also in development. This growth context shapes the schools' enrollment and local tax base.
The Westerville City School District itself has undergone real fiscal turbulence in the last two years, a context that affects programming and staffing across all schools including Cherrington. In November 2024, voters rejected a combined bond and operating levy, prompting the district to cut over a hundred positions, eliminate some gifted enrichment services, and delay facility improvements at four schools, including renovations. In November 2025, a new earned income tax measure passed with substantial margins, generating roughly new annual revenue beginning in 2026. This reverses the cutting trajectory and signals restored funding, though the lag between cuts and new revenue means 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years operated or are operating under the constraints imposed by the levy failure. Additionally, the district ended and then reinstated an optional religious release time policy in response to new state law, meaning families' access to voluntary religious programming during the school day shifted twice in recent months.
For families considering Cherrington, the school offers a stable neighborhood elementary setting in a mixed-income community with strong civic anchors and active growth. Parents may want to look further into current staffing levels and the school's specific programming, particularly given the district-level cuts that have already taken place and the timing of the newly approved funding. The performance data shows room for growth in science, especially.
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