New Metro School campus opens

The newest addition to the Metro Schools opened its doors earlier this year. Now Metro@ Indianola offers students a public STEM (science, technology, education and math) education in the University District.

The historic Indianola Middle School building was purchased by The Ohio State University in 2017. In 2021, the university leased it to Metro Schools. An extensive renovation was funded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission at $15 million, Battelle at $13.5 million, and other community donors.

“Metro Early College High School offers a mastery-based learning approach with a strong emphasis on STEM education, equipping students for success both in high school and their future endeavors,” said Stephanie Elliot, Ohio State’s College Credit Plus program director. “Through a partnership with The Ohio State University Academy (College Credit Plus) Program, students have the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school, with comprehensive support to ensure both their social and academic success.”

Metro@Indianola, 420 E. 19th Ave., is situated on nine acres of land just west of the Ohio History Connection. Ohio State has leased the facility to Metro for 30 years, ensuring that a new generation of students has access to a quality STEM education.

“The expanded Metro campus represents Battelle’s enduring commitment to STEM education in Central Ohio,” said Wes Hall, senior vice president for philanthropy and education at Battelle. “By forming key partnerships to return this historic building to a meaningful community use, Metro will be able to accept and prepare more students for success in our state’s future economy.”

Metro’s original location, the Metro Early College High School on Kenny Road, is opening as Metro Elementary School this fall as older students are migrated to the newly renovated building. 

“This historic building has been reimagined as a cutting-edge learning space where students will develop the skills and mindset needed for success in a rapidly evolving world,” said Meka Pace, superintendent of Metro Schools. “We’re grateful to our partners for helping us create a campus that honors Indianola’s legacy while preparing students for the future of work and learning.”

Famous alumni of the Indianola Middle School include Wil Haygood, celebrated author and journalist, and the late Curt Moody, founder of America’s largest Black-led architectural firm.

Applications for the second round of admissions are open, with seats still being awarded as available. The school will serve up to 1,200 students, an expansion from the 900 currently enrolled at the Kenny Road facility. Seats will be held for students who reside within the University District. Half of the Metro Schools student body is composed of students from the Columbus City School district.

Metro’s expansion is part of Battelle’s philanthropic mission to offer STEM educational opportunities to students in central Ohio. Metro opened in 2006 as one of the first STEM schools in Ohio through a partnership with Ohio State, Battelle and some Franklin County school districts. Students from all over central Ohio apply to join the school, which has a diverse student body, recorded a 100% graduation rate since opening, and has seen almost all graduates enroll in college.

Indianola Middle School was designed by Howard Dwight Smith, the architect of the Ohio Stadium “Horseshoe,” St. John Arena, Columbus City Hall and many other buildings of note on campus and in Columbus. It opened in 1929 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Interested families should visit the Metro School’s website for more information: https://www.themetroschool.org/o/metro-schools/page/new-admissions.