Q: Tell me about your program…
A: The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University (TCS@ODU) is a five year, early college high school. Our students spend the first two years taking just high school classes in our building. Starting their third year, if they have met all of our requirements they have the opportunity to begin taking their first college courses at Ohio Dominican University. By the end of their 5 years, they can graduate with a high school diploma and up to 62 credit hours from Ohio Dominican for an Associate’s Degree. An additional pathway to Columbus State Community College is also part of our program. TCS students at ODU and CSCC receive support and guidance from high school teachers and counselors and college professors and advisors.

Q: Do you have uniforms?
A: No.

Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Yes, there is a dress code. Appropriate attire is expected and addressed when necessary. More information can be found in our Student handbook that is available online at: www.TheCharlesSchool.org.

Q: Are your teachers certified?
A: Yes. All of our teachers are licensed by the State of Ohio in their academic discipline.  All teachers hold Bachelor’s Degrees and many of our teachers hold Master’s Degrees.

Q: What is your School Day?
A: 7:45AM - 2:30PM (Monday-Friday). Our building opens every morning at 7:30AM and closes at 4:00PM.

Q: Do you provide busing?
A: If you live in the Columbus City School district (CCS) then you may sign up online for busing to The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University through CCS. Applications for bus transportation are available at: Transportation / Charter & Non-Public Requests. All families are encouraged to apply by June 30. Routing can take up to 14 days. Wait times for a route at the beginning of the school year can be longer than two weeks. 

 

If you live outside of the CCS district you will not receive bussing but we can put you in contact with other families from your area if you are interested in carpooling. Please contact the front office to find out more information about carpooling.

Q: Who is eligible to attend The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University?
A: Any Ohio resident who has completed the 8th grade.

Q: How do I apply to The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University? Where do I get a TCS@ODU application?
A: Fill out an online application (link) or print the application and return it to the school. Then set up a family meeting time with Gail Collins ([email protected]). Bring a copy of your student’s birth certificate, immunization record, their most recent report card, and your proof of residence to the family meeting. During the building closure, meetings will be online or over the phone, and documents may be scanned and emailed or mailed to the school. 

 

To submit a paper application to The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University mail to: 
The Graham School
Attn: Gail Collins
3950 Indianola Ave
Columbus, OH 43214

Q: Why is there a family meeting? 
A: We require a family meeting of every prospective family. We want to get to know each family, making an important first connection. We are a public school, but we are not a typical high school, so we want to explain the program to you more in depth, make sure you understand the expectations, and answer any questions you may have.

 

Q: Can I visit The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University at Ohio Dominican University? 
A: Currently our building is closed; as soon as it is safe, we will host opportunities to see the building.  In the meantime, we are hosting virtual meetings.  Contact Gail Collins at: [email protected] to schedule a time.

Q: Will I still be able to apply if I don't attend an Enrollment Information Session? 
A: Yes. You are not required to attend an Enrollment Information Session before scheduling your  family meeting. Please email Gail Collins at [email protected] to set up your  family meeting time.

Q: Do you have a lunch program? 
A: Yes, we have a lunch program; families may apply for free or reduced lunches.

Q: Do you have a breakfast program? 
A: Yes, free breakfast is available to all students every day.

Q: Do you accept students who have an IEP? 
A: Yes. We have intervention specialists on staff to support our  IEP students. We would ask that you bring a copy of your students IEP and MFE/ETR to your family meeting and we will have that reviewed by our intervention specialists to make sure that we have all of the accommodations in place that your student needs. While the building remains closed, IEPs and MFE/ETRs may be scanned and emailed or mailed to Gail Collins at: [email protected]. 

Q: How can I get more information on The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University at Ohio Dominican University if I don’t have a chance to visit the school? 
A: On the website, www.TheCharlesSchool.org, you can find information about our mission, curriculum, staff, extra- curricular activities, enrollment, essential forms, and much more.

Q: What tests are required?
A: We administer all state-mandated exams including the Ohio State Tests (OST).  Further, we utilize Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and other assessments to help gauge student progress and achievement. We also administer the PSAT 8/9, the PSAT/NMSQT, and the SAT for college preparedness.

Q: Is there an advisory program?
A: All students participate in daily CREW, a small group advisory program that focuses on building community, college and career planning, interpersonal communication skills, social and emotional learning, and academic support., 

Q: Are students whose primary language is not English able to attend The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University?
A: Yes, English Language Learners are welcomed at The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University and supported in typical classrooms.

Q: How do you focus on School Culture?
A: School culture is an essential aspect of student success.  We are a small community in which all teachers know all students.  Our core values are outlined in our Panther Pillars:

 

Community: Engaging and connecting with others for learning, growth, and support.  
Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals.
Courage: The willingness to take healthy risks academically, socially, and personally.
Integrity: Honesty and trustworthiness; doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.

 

In addition to Crew classes we also use a platform called HERO to collect and award points for exemplary behavior within our school community

Q: What does TCS do to prepare students for careers after graduation?
A: TCS@ODU begins freshman year with career exploration and planning.  Each year career planning increases in scope and focus.  Students explore careers in classes, crew, Ohio Dominican coursework, and through our CTE (career technical education) Information Technology program.  We believe strongly in preparing our students with life long skills that will enhance their abilities to have successful and meaningful careers and lives post graduation.
 
Q: Does TCS@ODU have an ODE approved CTE (career technical education) program?
A: Yes, in Information Technology.  Courses are taught at TCS@ODU and through a partnership with Columbus State Community College.  Students will have the opportunity to earn industry recognized certifications, OhioMeansJobs work readiness seal for diplomas, and work related internships in technology sectors and others.