Best School Districts Near Columbus for Families
Central Ohio offers an impressive collection of highly rated school districts that consistently rank among Ohio’s best. School quality is a primary driver of housing demand in the Columbus suburbs, and understanding the districts helps families make informed decisions. Here’s your guide.
Dublin City Schools
Dublin City Schools is consistently rated among the top districts in Ohio. The district serves Dublin and portions of western Franklin and Delaware counties. Three comprehensive high schools offer extensive AP and IB programs, and the district’s commitment to technology integration has made it a model for other Ohio districts.
Dublin’s schools are a primary reason the community ranks among the best suburbs near Columbus. Housing in the Dublin district typically ranges from $350,000 to $800,000.
Upper Arlington City Schools
Upper Arlington maintains one of Ohio’s most prestigious school districts. The compact, walkable community wraps around a school system that produces strong academic outcomes and offers comprehensive extracurricular programming. Upper Arlington High School’s college placement rate is among the highest in the state.
The district’s smaller size creates a tight-knit community where families know teachers and administrators. Housing ranges from $400,000 to $900,000, reflecting the premium families place on the district.
Olentangy Local Schools (Delaware County)
Olentangy has grown from a small rural district into one of Ohio’s largest and most highly rated. Serving Powell, Lewis Center, and portions of Delaware County, the district operates multiple high schools with strong STEM and arts programs. The rapid growth has been managed with significant facility investment.
Housing in the Olentangy district ranges from $350,000 to $700,000. The district’s combination of quality and relative affordability compared to Upper Arlington or Dublin makes it particularly popular with families relocating to Columbus.
Worthington City Schools
Worthington City Schools serves the charming community of Worthington with a strong academic tradition. The district is known for arts and music programs alongside academic excellence. Worthington’s walkable downtown and neighborhood character complement the school experience.
Housing ranges from $300,000 to $600,000, making Worthington a strong value for school quality. The community’s proximity to Ohio State University adds cultural and educational resources.
New Albany-Plain Local Schools
New Albany’s district has risen alongside the community’s growth, and the anticipated Intel impact is expected to bring additional resources and families. The district operates a campus-style complex that consolidates facilities for efficient programming. Strong academics, athletics, and arts create a comprehensive educational experience.
Housing in the New Albany district ranges from $400,000 to $900,000.
Hilliard City Schools
Hilliard serves the west side of the metro with three high schools and strong district-wide programming. The district offers a comprehensive education at more accessible price points than some eastern suburbs. Housing ranges from $250,000 to $500,000.
Bexley City Schools
The small city of Bexley, surrounded by Columbus, operates its own highly rated district. Bexley’s walkable community and excellent schools create a village-within-a-city experience. Housing ranges from $350,000 to $700,000.
Columbus City Schools and Choice Options
Columbus City Schools is a large urban district with significant variation between schools. Notable options include Columbus Alternative High School, Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School, and STEM-focused programs. The district also has a robust charter school landscape.
The Bottom Line
Columbus’s school landscape is one of its strongest assets for families. The suburban ring offers multiple highly rated districts at various price points. Factor school district boundaries into your neighborhood search and visit schools before making housing decisions.