Highland nets five-star rating for fourth-consecutive year 

by Melissa Martin 

The Highland Local School District earned a five-star rating by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce on its 2025 school report card based on the district’s overall performance during the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Superintendent Catherine Aukerman said the five-star rating is an ongoing reflection of the dedication, focus and hard work put in daily by Highland’s students, teachers and staff. 

“This achievement is a testament to the strong culture of learning that exists across the support of families and the Highland community that continue to prioritize educational excellence for all students,” she said. 

A five-star rating is the DEW’s highest-possible rating on the state’s annual report cards, which were released Sept. 15. Since 2022, the agency has measured school district performance using star ratings on a scale of 1 to 5 instead of the former A-to-F grades. 

The state report cards continue to analyze school district performance in six areas: achievement; progress; early literacy; gap closing; and graduation. Starting in 2025, a new component has been added, college, career, workforce and military readiness, which measures how well the graduating class is prepared for postsecondary education, entering the workforce or joining the armed forces. 

According to the Ohio DEW, 16% of 2024 graduates earned at least 12 college credits, which is up from 13.8% in 2023. Additionally, 25.6% earned 12 or more industry-recognized credential points in a single career field or a state-recognized license, which is up from 19.5% in 2023. 

“I applaud the continued dedication from school leaders, educators and staff who are working hard to provide Ohio students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a Sept. 15 press release issued by the Ohio DEW. “We must keep working to ensure our students grow in all areas of academic achievement and career readiness. This is especially important as schools strengthen literacy instruction through the science of reading and as we continue investing in opportunities that prepare students for their futures after graduation.” 

According to the Ohio Department of Education, more than 90 percent of school districts earned overall ratings of three stars or higher this year, meeting the state’s expectations for performance. 

Highland was the highest-ranking district in Medina County, earning five-star ratings in achievement, gap closing and graduation categories. It received four-star ratings progress, early literacy and college, career, workforce and military readiness. 

For its performance, Highland ranks 21st out of all 607 school districts in Ohio, according to the DEW. 

Individually, Highland High School earned a five-star rating, while Highland Middle School earned 4.5 stars. Hinckley and Granger Elementary also scored five stars, while Sharon Elementary earned 4.5 stars. 

“We commend our teachers and staff for their tireless efforts in helping students achieve at the highest levels,” Aukerman said. “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.”