Hinckley charter school earns top ratings

by Melissa Martin

The Hinckley Preparatory Academy has been named one of the state’s highest-performing schools based on the overall results of its state assessments for the 2024-2025 school year. 

According to Principal Emily Benni, the school scored an 115.5 on its state assessment, which is higher than other elementary schools in the Highland district, as well as North Royalton, Strongsville and Medina. That score makes it the No. 1 community school in the state of Ohio and the fourth-highest ranked elementary school overall in the state.

Additionally, a handful of Hinckley Preparatory School’s students in grades 3, 4 and 5, received top-scorer awards for their performance and two teachers received awards for having top-performing classes. 

Olivia Althen’s third-grade class scored a perfect score of 120 on the test. Dixie Casal’s fifth- and sixth-grade class was also recognized for its outstanding performance, Benni said.

The school also scored a 4.5 on its state report card for the 2024-2025 school year, earning five stars in both the achievement and early literacy components.

To celebrate the achievements, the school hosted a ceremony attended by students and their families, as well as several neighbor and business partners. Guest speakers included Hinckley Township Chamber of Commerce President Mark Stanton; former NFL players Braxton Miller and DeVier Posey; and Dr. Chad Carr, superintendent of Accel Schools. Hinckley Township Trustees Monique Ascherl and Jack Swedyk, Hinckley Women’s Club Founding President Heather Liccardi and Hinckley Preparatory Academy Board President Dave Rice were also in attendance.

Photo caption: Students and staff of the Hinckley Preparatory Academy recently celebrated the school’s high marks on state tests and the 2024-2025 state report card with members of the community. Photo submitted.