Schools

No community can expect to remain appealing and competitive without dedicating considerable attention and resources to education. In Upper Arlington, few things are as celebrated as the city's school system.

With nearly 5,600 students, the Upper Arlington City School District strives to provide each student with a superior, innovative education that instills integrity and promotes personal achievement. All receive every possible opportunity to learn and excel in a challenging, nurturing, modern educational environment.

At the Burbank Early Childhood School, teachers work with children from ages 2 to 8 years old in small, mixed-age groups and engage them in fun and enlightening learning experiences during the school year and in the summer. Upper Arlington has five neighborhood elementary schools in Barrington, Greensview, Tremont, Wickliffe and Windermere. Each offers a core curriculum of language arts, social studies, mathematics, science and health. Students also are exposed to a variety of experiences to enhance their education, develop their individual skills and talents, and allow them to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

UA has two middle schools for grades 6 through 8. Hastings and Jones Middle Schools boast a team teaching approach through what's called a House Program. A group of three to six teachers works with each House, or group of students, to teach core subjects. The structure enables students and teachers to directly interact in a more family-like setting for much of the middle school day.

Upper Arlington High School offers academic programs that strive to meet the needs of all students in grades 9-12. A long list of advanced placement courses, college preparatory courses, and adjusted courses is available to challenge students to their fullest potential. A career exploration program, academic internships and senior service are just a few of the supplementary programs offered.

Students in UA schools excel academically, artistically and athletically because of the strong partnership among home, school and community. The high school produced 18 National Merit Semifinalists, superior ratings for its music programs, and state championships in tennis, lacrosse and water polo - all in 2004. Students aren't the only award winners, though. Eight UA teachers won state, regional or national recognition for their efforts and programs.

In addition to the fine public schools available to Upper Arlington residents, several private and parochial schools are located here and provide parents and students with additional educational choices. The Wellington School offers classes from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, while St. Andrew School and St. Agatha School welcome students from kindergarten through 8th grade. All three offer exceptional academic opportunities and other student enrichment programs.