Battelle, OSU and Educational Council Unveil Metro High School

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- An unprecedented partnership of Battelle, The Ohio State University and the Educational Council today unveiled a new public high school that will emphasize math, science and technology and will open with as many as 100 ninth graders this fall. The announcement was made at Metro High School's future site at 1929 Kenny Road, in the research park adjacent to Ohio State's campus.

In addition to Battelle President & CEO Dr. Carl Kohrt, The Ohio State University President Dr. Karen A. Holbrook and Educational Council CEO Dr. Brad Mitchell, other leaders speaking at the announcement included: Columbus City Council President Matthew D. Habash, State Senator Steve Stivers, Columbus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Gene T. Harris and Upper Arlington City School District Superintendent Dr. William F. Schaefer, III.

Metro is a small, public high school, for grades nine to 12, with an emphasis on math, science and technology that will prepare students for success in college. The school is unique in that 11th and 12th graders will participate in hands-on, self-directed learning outside the classroom with teachers and mentors from the community. This includes:

  * Independent research projects
  * Group projects with other students
  * Community internships at "learning centers" around the community. Sites
    include: Battelle, Ohio State, COSI, the Columbus Museum of Art, WOSU,
    the Wexner Center for the Arts, as well as other businesses and
    organizations.

The school will phase in enrollment over the next four years with a maximum capacity of 400 students. The number of students attending Metro from each of the county's 16 schools districts will be determined on a formula based on district size and student interest.

The Educational Council, a partnership of the county's 16 school districts, will operate Metro. The Metro Partnership Group, with representatives from Battelle, Ohio State and the Educational Council, will advise and assist in the design, operation and assessment of the school's academic program. It will also be responsible for evaluation and research, professional development and community engagement. Other school partners include COSI and the Ohio Center for Essential School Reform.

Battelle is contributing $560,000 for the school's initial year of operations; assisting in the development of the school's curriculum; and establishing programs for mentoring students.

Ohio State is committing $1.2 million for the school's building lease for three years; assisting in the development of the school's curriculum through its colleges of Education, Math and Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences; hosting students at learning centers throughout campus -- in academic departments as well as at the Wexner Center for the Arts, the WOSU Stations and others; and conducting research on best educational practices including the dynamics of mentoring and how to train scientists to be educators.

Metro also received a $200,000 planning grant from the National Coalition of Essential Schools, funded by the Gates Foundation. Ongoing funding comes from the home districts of students attending Metro.

While at Metro, students stay enrolled in their home high schools and can continue to participate in extracurricular activities there.

Metro also will have a school council that includes parents.

"Battelle has an ongoing and long-term commitment to Columbus. By investing in Metro, we're investing in the future of our community," said Battelle's President and CEO Carl Kohrt. "We're proud to continue our commitment to support science and math education, contribute to educational innovation and shape how high schools will look in the future. Preparing our students in science and math skills bodes well for the future competitiveness of our region, state and nation."

"Ohio State has a strong commitment to educating Ohio's children at all grade levels through our College of Education, our campus-wide P-12 Project and other programs within the colleges. Our partnership with the Educational Council and Battelle expands that commitment dramatically, as we seek to increase the success of students throughout the state," said Ohio State University President Karen A. Holbrook. "Metro School's unique academic focus and learning opportunities will be a research model for high schools around Ohio and the country."

"Metro High School affords us wonderful opportunities for our young people and for our economy. It will help us keep our best and brightest, our smart capital, here in Columbus and boost the growth and potential of the 315 Research and Technology Corridor," said Columbus City Council President Matthew D. Habash.

"The global economy is demanding that we enhance and mobilize the creative capacity of our children. Metro does that by bringing together the assets of our local schools, the state's flagship university and one of the world's leaders in science and technology," said Educational Council CEO Dr. Brad Mitchell. "Metro offers students a high school experience customized to their aspirations, talents and educational needs."

Metro's admission process begins in February. Details about Metro High School and its admission packet are available online at http://www.themetroschool.org/, by calling 614-247-2276, or by sending an email to: themetroschool@edcouncil.org.

Battelle is a global leader in science and technology. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, it develops and commercializes technology and manages laboratories for customers. Battelle, with the national labs it manages or co- manages, oversees 19,000 staff members and conducts $3.3 billion in annual research and development. Advancements in K-12 education is one of its key community service commitments. Battelle innovations include the development of the office copier machine (Xerox), pioneering work on compact disc technology, medical technology advancements, and fiber optic technologies. Learn more at http://www.battelle.org/.

Founded in 1870, Ohio State University is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. The university is ranked by the National Science Foundation among the Top 10 public research universities based on total research expenditures and has been named among the Top 25 public research universities every year U.S. News & World Report has done the ranking. With more than 50,500 students enrolled at its main Columbus campus, 18 colleges and 170 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences, and the professions. Details are at http://www.osu.edu/.

The Educational Council is a partnership of Franklin County's 16 school districts. Its mission is to help educational systems personalize learning so each child can succeed. Learn more at http://www.edcouncil.org/.

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