Columbus Bilingual Academy: Meeting a Community Need with a Culturally Responsive Model
From Unmet Demand to 5-Star Success
Stats:
In 2017, ACCEL Schools took on leadership of Columbus Bilingual Academy to address a clear and growing need in the Columbus, Ohio community: a school that would celebrate language, culture, and identity while delivering strong academic outcomes. At the time, the public charter school served 265 students and was struggling academically but it had untapped potential and a uniquely bilingual mission.
ACCEL Schools implemented a specialty bilingual model staffed by educators fluent in both English and Spanish, and grounded the school in culturally rich programming and community connection. Within a year, academic performance increased by 10 points. Despite pandemic-related disruptions, the school quickly rebounded ultimately doubling its enrollment and becoming a high-demand option for families seeking inclusive, high-quality education.
Today, the school serves over 460 students, 88% of whom are English language learners, nearly all experiencing economic hardship, and 10% unhoused. It has earned a 5 out of 5 star rating in student progress from the state, significantly exceeding expectations for annual learning gains.
In 2024, ACCEL Schools opened a second bilingual school in the Columbus area to meet continued demand extending the model’s impact and reaffirming our commitment to serving students through culturally responsive design.
Proven Impact,
Student by Student
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