The former Indianola Junior High (now known as Indianola Middle School) was opened in 1909. It is the first junior high school ever used in the United States. Before 1900 students did not attend middle school, or Junior high. Instead, there was only elementary school and high school. However, many students finished eighth grade and then dropped out of school to get a job. The idea for junior high, or a separate school for grades 7-9, was developed by the Superintendent of The Ohio State University school of Agriculture, A.B. Graham, and the Superintendent of Columbus City Schools, Dr. Jacob A. Shawan, in 1909 as a way to hopefully help students stay in school past eighth grade.
Eventually the original Indianola Junior High building became overcrowded so a new building needed to be built. The new building, located at 140 East 16th Avenue, was designed by architect Howard Dwight Smith. Indianola Junior High maintains most of its historic architectural features and significant spaces, including wood trim, built-in shelves and cabinetry. It is listed in the National Register for Historic Places and the Columbus Register of Historic Places. The building designed by Smith still stands today. However, the building is now used by a charter school called Graham Expeditionary Middle School instead of Columbus City Schools
Eventually the original Indianola Junior High building became overcrowded so a new building needed to be built. The new building, located at 140 East 16th Avenue, was designed by architect Howard Dwight Smith. Indianola Junior High maintains most of its historic architectural features and significant spaces, including wood trim, built-in shelves and cabinetry. It is listed in the National Register for Historic Places and the Columbus Register of Historic Places. The building designed by Smith still stands today. However, the building is now used by a charter school called Graham Expeditionary Middle School instead of Columbus City Schools