The Christopher Program was founded in 1990 and has been recognized as one of
Ohio’s Best Practices by Ohio’s Education Partnership. The
program serves high school juniors and seniors from public schools across Franklin
County. Implementing a project-based, integrated humanities curriculum, the
Christopher Program challenges students to become analytic thinkers, effective
communicators, successful collaborators, and responsible citizens. Students
prepare for life in the global society by pursuing in-depth research projects,
examining international connections in Central Ohio, engaging with the local arts
community, and making major presentations in a variety of forums.
Christopher Program students learn skills that are necessary for success
in today’s information-based world. The program operates on a set of
guiding principles including:
- We focus on projects, first hand experience and papers rather than textbooks, lectures and tests.
- We are a relationship-based, small learning community focused on individual solutions rather than one-size-fits-all rules.
- We believe students learn best in a diverse setting so we promote effective collaboration between students across racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
- We value learning for learning sake rather than to “get the grade”.
- We believe that students deserve to be treated like adults and are capable of being accountable for that responsibility.
- We believe learning is a way of life and therefore provide students a vast range of learning opportunities in class and beyond.
Christopher Program is designed for learners who are:
- Independent, original thinkers
- Intellectually curious, creative, or unique
- Motivated by “real life” learning experiences
- Interested in the arts and creative expression
- Committed to having a voice and making a difference
The most successful candidates have a strong commitment to independent learning,
are capable of assuming responsibility for self-direction, work well with others
and have an interest in multicultural/global issues and/or the arts.
Christopher Program is designed as a two year experience for high school juniors and seniors,
although seniors may enter the program for a one year experience. The curriculum is project-based,
integrating English, social studies, art and cultural studies. Students receive one credit each for
English and social studies and one-half credit each for cultural studies and art.
The assessment of each student’s performance will be based on portfolios, presentations, and other
products that demonstrate the student’s learning. Other criteria that will be incorporated into
the assessment are how well the student uses and manages his/her time, how well the student works
with others on group projects, and how the student demonstrates responsibility. Christopher Program
staff assigns letter grades at the close of each district’s grading period and reports them to the
appropriate school personnel.
Students attend their district high school in the morning and the Christopher Program in the afternoon.
The program operates daily from 12:45-2:50 p.m.
In the spirit of community involvement, Christopher Program classes are held at a “mobile campus” which
includes Columbus Metropolitan Library, Ohio State University, First Congregational Church, Wexner
Center for the Arts and the Columbus Museum of Art.
The student’s family is responsible for assuring that daily round trip transportation is provided for
their student. While students are permitted to drive, we strongly encourage the “buddy system”
when traveling.
Are you interested in the arts and world cultures?
Do you want to expand your knowledge and express your creativity?
Do you like to learn by being out in the world and getting involved?
Would you like to make new friends from high schools across Franklin county?
Are you mature enough to handle lots of trust and responsibility?
Do you crave a life-changing experience?
Are you looking to make your mark on the world?
For more information, contact Christopher Program director Steve Shapiro at (614) 292-0317 or Kim Leddy at (614) 202-8634.
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“I attribute much of my daughter’s success at OSU to the technology and research skills learned
through the Christopher Program. Since it was such a positive experience for her, my son is
looking forward to attending in the fall.”
Marvin Blank, Parent
“Hiring employees who can relate confidently to the public is critical in my business. I have
seen Christopher Program students display that confidence, especially when interacting with
adults. They are truly developing a stronger sense of self in the larger community.”
Kathy Frank- Owner of the Drexel Theaters
“The CP facilitators treated me as a person of worth, giving me great personal confidence.
The speakers, events, and projects opened up an idealism inside of me that makes me want to
try to make my world better.”
Raychel- CP Class of 2004
The success of the Christopher Program is evidenced by the fact that program students,
drawn from diverse academic, ethnic, racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, are
making their mark in the global society. Nearly all Christopher students choose to
continue their education and have assumed leadership roles in college and graduate
school. Graduates continue to reaffirm the significance of the ideas that shape the
Christopher experience, reporting that the skills they developed in the program play
a vital role in their success.
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2007-2008 Academic Calendar
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