A grand opening ceremony has been held to celebrate the completion of the new Metro@Indianola campus in the former historic Indianola Middle School. The new building is a complete restoration of the 1929 school into a modern, high-tech learning environment.
Metro School leaders joined partners from The Ohio State University and Battelle this week to mark the occasion.
“Metro@Indianola is a shining example of what’s possible when partners across the community come together around a shared vision to invest in students and the future of our state,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “After today, Metro@Indianola will be able to do even more to prepare a strong pipeline of STEM talent for Ohio’s workforce. Ohio State is proud to be a partner in Metro Schools’ success story and we look forward to this new chapter of growth.”
The building at 420 E. 19th Ave. now houses 40 flexible classrooms and a community health clinic. Combined with Metro’s plan to convert its original Kenny Road location into a dedicated elementary school, Metro will serve 40% more students this fall.
“Battelle is proud to be a co-founder of the Metro School with Ohio State and steadfast in our support of a model that delivers life-changing opportunities for the school’s students,” said Lou Von Thaer, president and CEO of Battelle. “This renovation allows more students to benefit from a STEM education and shape the future of our region.”
The historic Indianola Middle School building was purchased by Ohio State in 2017. In 2021, the university leased it to Metro Schools. Funders of an extensive renovation included the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission at $15 million, Battelle at $13.5 million and other community donors.
“We celebrate not just the future we are stepping into, but also the footsteps we follow. As you entered, you likely noticed our beautifully refurbished walls, ceilings and furnishings,” said Meka Pace, superintendent of Metro Schools. “As you explore further, you may notice something more subtle, the worn terrazzo floors, marked by generations of footsteps. Thousands of students have passed through these halls, each step part of a journey towards their future.”
The building was originally designed by architect Howard Dwight Smith, who also designed Ohio Stadium, “The Horseshoe,” making Indianola a structure of both educational and architectural significance. The late Ohio State alumnus and acclaimed architect Curtis Moody helped lead the reimagining of the building.
Metro’s expansion is part of Battelle’s philanthropic mission to offer STEM educational opportunities to students in central Ohio.
Metro opened in 2006 as one of the first STEM schools in Ohio through a partnership with Ohio State, Battelle and some Franklin County school districts. Students from all over central Ohio apply to join the school, which has a diverse student body, recorded a 100% graduation rate since opening, and has seen almost all graduates enroll in college.