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Today, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) released the 2025 Ohio School Report Cards, which highlight the continued progress of districts and schools across the state in their efforts to prepare students for the future.
The Highland Local School District has once again earned the highest overall rating of 5 Stars on this year’s Report Card – a reflection of the dedication, focus and hard work of Highland’s students, teachers and staff.
Districts and schools receive overall ratings of 1-5 stars in half-star increments. Each district and school’s overall rating is derived from its star ratings in six components: Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing, Early Literacy, Graduation, and College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness.
This achievement is a testament to the strong culture of learning that exists across the district and the support of families and the Highland community that continue to prioritize educational excellence for all students.
“We commend our teachers and staff for their tireless efforts in helping students achieve at the highest levels,” stated Superintendent Catherine Aukerman. “Our success is never taken for granted. It is the result of daily dedication, high expectations and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. We are proud to see that hard work recognized with this exemplary rating.”
While the Highland Board of Education remains proud of these results, no single rating can fully capture the heart of a school district. Test scores and accountability data are important, but they do not measure the character, compassion and growth that is seen in Highland students every day. At Highland, academic success is valued– but there is also great importance placed on developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared not just for the next test, but for what comes next in life.
Today, Highland celebrates – not just a high rating, but the people, values and commitment behind it.
Highland High School has again earned one of the highest national and metro-area rankings among the 2025-2026 Best High Schools, released by U.S. News on August 19, 2025.
Highland High School now ranks #3 out of 133 high schools in the Cleveland Metro area, #19 among 903 Ohio high schools, and #580 out of nearly 18,000 high schools nationally, with an overall score of 96.76/100. The school saw a significant improvement in the rankings over last year, jumping from #8 to #3 in the Cleveland Metro Area, #32 to #19 in the state, and #808 to #508 nationally.
“Highland students continue to perform and excel at the highest levels. Being recognized as one of the top high schools in the State of Ohio and at the national level reflects the strong commitment and dedication of our outstanding staff members, students, and families to education,” stated Highland Local Schools Superintendent Catherine Aukerman. “The ranking is based on math, reading, and science proficiency, college readiness, and graduation rates. We are pleased to be ranked as one of the best in the state and nation and are proud to be recognized in this way.”
U.S. News evaluated over 24,000 public high schools nationwide, with nearly 18,000 schools ranked. The highest-ranked public schools are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, science and reading state assessments, passed a diverse array of college-level exams, and graduated in high proportions.
To learn more, visit: https://www.usnews.
The Highland Local School District is pleased to announce that Kristine Nerlich and Koula Makris have been selected as the recipients of the 2026 Highland Pride Awards.
The Highland Local School District is pleased to announce that Kristine Nerlich and Koula Makris have been selected as the recipients of the 2026 Highland Pride Awards. They will be recognized at the Highland Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6 p.m., in the Highland High School Media Center, with a reception to follow immediately after the meeting.
Nerlich and Makris were chosen by an ad hoc committee of The Highland Local School District staff and community members who were tasked with evaluating community-submitted nominations and identifying extraordinary individuals whose work within and for the district exemplifies a true spirit of Highland Pride.
“Kristine Nerlich and Koula Makris have made incredible contributions of their time in service to and support of our Highland students and families, and they are very deserving recipients of the Highland Pride Awards,” stated Catherine Aukerman, Superintendent. “Both exemplify Highland excellence in action through their unwavering commitment to the care of our students – Kristine, through providing STEM-based learning opportunities, and Koula, through her donation of time and resources to provide students and staff with any support they may need.”
Kristine Nerlich
Kristine Nerlich has been a science teacher at Highland High School for the past 19 years, where she has made lasting impacts on her students. For the past three years, she has volunteered her time organizing, planning, and chaperoning the science-based student trip to Costa Rica.
Beyond the planning for the trip, she prepares trip participants academically and culturally by introducing them to Costa Rican traditions. Nearly 100 Highland students and staff have experienced the biodiversity and culture of Costa Rica through these trips. Students conduct authentic scientific fieldwork, cook alongside Costa Rican chefs, explore diverse ecosystems, and observe wildlife. They experience meaningful cultural exchange and the life-changing opportunity to travel abroad. She also is the Advisor of the Environmental Club and HOSA where she works to expand STEM learning opportunities for Highland students.
Her nominator said, “Because of her generosity, leadership, and passion, the Highland community offers richer opportunities, broader perspectives, and transformative experiences for students.”
Koula Makris
Since moving to the district in 2014, Koula Makris has entrenched herself in service to Highland students. She started as a volunteer at Hinckley Elementary and currently donates her time and talents at Highland High School.
When she was at Hinckley, she ran staff appreciation week lunches and breakfasts, fed bus drivers, helped volunteer in any classrooms where she was needed, stuffed folders when needed, and hopped in to help anyone in any way. At the high school, she is the President of the PTO, runs the after-prom parent committee, plans dinners for conferences, and takes care of everything related to teacher appreciation. She also does volunteer work for the robotics program and the art department. She continues to lead fundraising efforts to help ensure that students have what they need. Additionally, the Makris family makes financial contributions to organizations within the district to help meet the needs of student organizations and activities.
Her nominator wrote, “Mrs. Makris deserves the Highland Pride Award for the incredible time and resources she dedicates to school activities and teacher support. From organizing food for conference nights to recognizing teachers during teacher appreciation week, Mrs. Makris makes the teachers of Highland High School feel honored.”
The Highland Local School District congratulates these two outstanding individuals and thanks them for their continued dedication and exemplary service to the district's students, staff, and families!