The Academy for Urban Scholars: Top Charter High School in Columbus (2026 List)

About The Academy for Urban Scholars

The Academy for Urban Scholars is a public charter high school for students in grades 9-12 in Columbus, Ohio. It is one of the most reputed schools for alternative education and has about 375 students with a focused student-teacher ratio of 7:1. The school has a very diverse population and 98% of the total minority enrollment are minority students. Many students are also identified as economically disadvantaged. The Academy for Urban Scholars is a specialty school and one of the nation’s premier schools offering individualized education approaches and workforce development opportunities. Students have access to critical testing such as ACT and SAT to support their post-secondary goals. Current data shows 3% proficiency in math and 20% proficiency in reading. The school is funded with a focused funding structure for urban youth and is located in a community centered on revitalization and social growth. Ultimately, the school is known as a top school for its dedication to creating a supportive, flexible learning environment designed for student success, and it is one of the best high schools in Ohio.

Academic Performance

Subject Proficiency

Mathematics 3%

Reading 6%

State average proficiency is 3% in Math and 6% in Reading.

12

Full-time Teachers

31 : 1

Student-Teacher Ratio

4

Teachers In First Or Second Year (yrs)

375

Total Students

$71518

Avg. Teacher Salary

Student Demographics

White 1.6%

Asian 0%

Hispanic 0.53%

Black 93.6%

Two+ Races 3.47%

Native Am. 0.8%

White

1.6%

Asian

0%

Hispanic

0.53%

Black

93.6%

Two+ Races

3.47%

Native Am.

0.8%

Gender Distribution

Total Students: 375

46.13%

173 Female

53.87%

202 Male

Student Population

375 Students

With a student-teacher ratio of 31 : 1

Minority Enrollment

25%

Percentage of minority students

Students per Counselor

187 : 1

Student to counselor ratio

The Academy for Urban Scholars Contact Information

Address

1808 E Broad St, Columbus, OH, 43203

View on Map

Phone

(614) 545-9890

Call Now

Website

http://www.ausohio.com

Recent News & Updates

New Playground Name

We are so excited to announce the name of our new playground! Following a school-wide and Robinson community vote we narrowed a large list of names down to four. Since our students will be using the playground on a daily basis, we gave them the final vote! 476.....

School Timings

Regular School Hours

All Grades: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Early Dismissal Days

Dismissal Time: 12:15 PM

Note: Doors open at 7:45 AM for student arrival. Please refer to the school calendar for specific early dismissal dates.

After School Activities

Information coming soon

School Session Dates

September to June

School session starts in September 1st week and ends in June 3rd week. For exact dates, please contact the school.

Remarkable Alumni

Being Updated

Map

Latest News

In 2025, Academy for Urban Scholars launched a career tech credentialing curriculum offering students industry-recognized skills in healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing and construction. The Columbus campus is working with the Ohio High School Athletic Association to increase athletic opportunities, building on the school’s current spirit in basketball and track and field. AUS is deeply embedded in the community through food drives, neighborhood cleanups and mentoring events, making the campus a hub of service. The school’s mission is to develop leaders prepared for college, careers, and citizenship through academic excellence, personal development, and real-world experience.

FAQ

Q1. How does The Academy for Urban Scholars get students ready for success in the future?

Ans. Planning, skill-building, and guidance programs help students make the transition to college, vocational training, or a job.

Q2. Does The Academy for Urban Scholars make it easy for students to learn?

Ans. Yes, The Academy for Urban Scholars stresses inclusion, staff support, and learning together to help all students do well.

Q3. What does The Academy for Urban Scholars do to help students get ready for life after graduation?

Ans. College planning, mentoring, and skill-building programs help students move on to higher education, vocational paths, or jobs.

Q4. Do students get help with standardized tests?

Ans. Yes. Yes, The school has resources to help students get ready for the SAT and ACT tests.

Q5. Are students allowed to go to cultural and arts events?

Ans. Yes, The Academy for Urban Scholars encourages students to be creative by offering programs in music, theater, and the visual arts.

Games & Extracurricular Activities

Sports

Soccer Club Grades 1-3 | Mon/Wed 3:30-4:30pm
Basketball Grades 2-4 | Tue/Thu 3:30-4:45pm
Track & Field Grades 3-5 | Fri 3:30-5:00pm

Arts

Art Club Grades K-2 | Mon 3:00-4:00pm
Drama Club Grades 3-5 | Wed 3:30-5:00pm
Choir Grades 2-5 | Thu 3:15-4:15pm

Clubs

Chess Club Grades 2-5 | Fri 3:15-4:15pm
Garden Club All Grades | Tue 3:15-4:00pm
Robotics Club Grades 3-5 | Thu 3:30-5:00pm

Note: Schedules may change during school holidays. Please contact School for exact Schedule.

Summer Suggested Reading

Horn Book Selections

Vocabulary.com +3 Horn Book +3 What to Read to Your Kids +3

ML

Maggie Lou, Firefox

by Arnolda Dufour Bowes

PS

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

MLV

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary.com Top Picks

Penguin Random House +10 Vocabulary.com +10 Wikipedia +10

F

Frindle

by Andrew Clements

WR

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

JGP

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Penguin Random House Features

Horn Book +2 Penguin Random House +2 The Guardian +2

SLB

The Secret Language of Birds

by Lynne Kelly

S

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln

Free Robotics and Stem In-person Workshop in Your Neighbourhood for 7-14 Years Tech Enthusiasts.

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What Parents Say