There’s a lot to celebrate in the Groveport Madison Schools district and in several other Success by Third Grade participating districts across central Ohio! The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recently awarded local districts and schools the prestigious Momentum Award, a recognition of exceptional improvement in academic performance and growth. For Groveport Madison, earning this honor is a clear sign that the community’s support, volunteerism and generosity are making a tangible difference in children’s lives.
The Momentum Award celebrates more than just numbers on a report card. It honors schools that have increased their Performance Index by three or more points and earned a 4-star or higher progress rating, proof that students aren’t just learning, but thriving. Groveport Madison’s success, along with building-level awards to the individual schools listed below in Columbus City, South Western and Westerville school districts that are working closely with Success by Third Grade, highlights a community united behind one clear goal: helping every student succeed by third grade.
Columbus City Schools
Cedarwood Alternative Elementary School
Lindbergh Elementary School
Trevitt Elementary School
South Western
Prairie Lincoln Elementary School
Stiles Elementary School
Darby Woods Elementary School
Alton Hall Elementary School
Finland Elementary School
Westerville
Hawthorne Elementary School
Pointview Elementary School
Groveport Madison Superintendent Jamie Grube put it best: “There is so much to celebrate here because this truly represents what we can accomplish when we work together. It makes me proud to know that it takes everyone pulling in the same direction to create this kind of growth for our students, and this recognition shows what’s possible when we do just that.”
That shared effort extends far beyond the classroom. Volunteers, mentors and donors are fueling critical programs that help stabilize families and give young learners the support and confidence necessary to succeed. Each donation and hour spent volunteering helps build the momentum behind visible academic progress.
At Trevitt Elementary, Principal Keisha Fletcher-Bates, PhD, sees the award as both celebration and motivation: “Receiving the Momentum Award is a powerful reminder that growth matters—and that every child’s progress is worth celebrating. At our school, this achievement reflects the daily commitment of our students, the passion of our educators, and the unwavering support of our families and community. Together, we are building a strong foundation for lifelong success.”
That spirit of togetherness is echoed by Dr. Edmund G. Baker Jr., interim area superintendent for Region 3 of Columbus City Schools: “The Momentum Award earned by Trevitt and Cedarwood Elementary Schools is a powerful testament to the focused work, collaboration, and commitment to student growth demonstrated by staff and leadership. These schools did not just improve achievement; they sustained meaningful growth for students at every level.”
From Groveport Madison’s district-wide recognition to individual schools across Columbus, South-Western and Westerville, our Success by Third Grade school districts are proving what’s possible when communities unite around education. The results speak for themselves. Children are learning more, growing faster and building brighter futures.
Each success story is powered by community leaders, donors, neighbors and friends who believe in the promise of every child. Together, we’re not just celebrating momentum; we’re creating it. Congratulations to our Success by Third Grade partners!
