Olentangy is the name of the river that runs south through the area into Columbus. Historically, this waterway was known to settlers as the Whetstone River, translating an earlier Delaware (Lenape) name meaning “sharp-tool river,” a reference to shale used as whetstones.
Olentangy Local School District (OLSD) is a public K–12 district based in Lewis Center, Ohio, serving suburban communities north of Columbus in Delaware County and a small portion of Franklin County. SEARCH 40.2542459, -83.0053555 Olentangy Berlin High School, 3140, Berlin Station Road, West Berlin, Berlin Township, Delaware County, Ohio, 43015, United States 40.1718699, -82.9790577 Olentangy Orange High School, East Orange Road, Orange Township, Delaware County, Ohio, 43035, United States 40.2038864, -83.0202217 Olentangy High School, Weeping Rock Drive, Lewis Center, Orange Township, Delaware County, Ohio, 43035, United States 40.2019306, -83.0982262 Olentangy Liberty High School, Royal Belfast Boulevard, Liberty Township, Delaware County, Ohio, 43065, United States 40.2530497, -83.0753023 The district is pursuing a **fifth high school** on **Bunty Station Rd** in the northwest part of the district, targeted for completion in **2028** if the 2025 bond passes.)
In 1833, the Ohio legislature attempted to restore Indigenous names to several rivers but mistakenly applied “Olentangy” (commonly glossed as “river of red face paint”) to the Whetstone; that name originally referred to a different stream in the region (often identified as Big Darby Creek). Despite the mix-up, “Olentangy” stuck and became the district and river’s modern name.
# Olentangy Local School District Olentangy Local School District (OLSD) is a public K–12 district based in Lewis Center, Ohio, serving suburban communities north of Columbus in Delaware County and a small portion of Franklin County. The district’s stated focus is “maximum learning for every student,” with strong academics, arts, and athletics across multiple campuses.
# Geography & Communities The district spans parts of the cities of Columbus, Delaware, Powell, and Westerville, and portions of Berkshire, Berlin, Concord, Genoa, Liberty, and Orange townships.
# Programs & Culture OLSD offers Advanced Placement and college-prep coursework, career and technical pathways in partnership with regional providers, extensive fine arts and performing arts, competitive athletics (Ohio Capital Conference), and a wide range of student clubs and service organizations. Each high school maintains its own identity while sharing district-wide supports for student wellness and college/career readiness.
# Governance OLSD is governed by an elected Board of Education and led by a superintendent and central office team. Board meetings, policies, and strategic plans are published for public review, and the district operates multiple community advisory and parent engagement channels.
- Olentangy River (history, restoration, scenic river designation) - Local watershed and conservation groups supporting the Olentangy basin
# Sources
1. Olentangy High School: Home 
1. "Liberty High School - Olentangy Local School District"
1. "Orange High School - Olentangy Local School District"
1. "Berlin High School - Olentangy Local School District"
1. "2025 Ballot Overview"
# See Also