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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.