State education officials have released the 2026 school report cards, outlining academic performance, progress, and operational metrics across Ohio school districts for the 2025–2026 academic year. The newly published data highlights a wave of improvements across central Ohio, alongside broader statewide indicators demonstrating academic gains and declining rates of student absenteeism.
In Franklin County, public school districts achieved an overall average performance mark exceeding 3.5 stars. Four districts within the county earned the highest possible recognition by securing flawless five-star overall ratings: Bexley City Schools, Upper Arlington City Schools, Grandview Heights City Schools, and New Albany-Plain Local Schools.
Just north of Franklin County, Delaware County’s Olentangy Local Schools also secured a top five-star designation. Olentangy, recognized as the fourth-largest school district in the state, continues to hold the distinction of being the largest Ohio district to achieve top-tier ratings on the state’s annual evaluations.
Despite broad regional success, two Franklin County school systems failed to meet the state baseline expectation of three stars. Both Columbus City Schools and Hamilton Local Schools fell short of the state standard, continuing to face performance hurdles in multiple measured categories.
However, Columbus City Schools recorded notable forward momentum this year by increasing its overall evaluation by a half-star, rising to 2.5 stars after previously logging consecutive two-star ratings. District officials viewed the upward movement as a positive indicator of recovery, though still below where the district aims to be.
Columbus City Schools Superintendent Angela Chapman addressed the updated score, emphasizing that the district will not rest on modest gains. Chapman noted that while the half-star increase demonstrates forward trajectory, the administration remains unsatisfied with a 2.5-star rating and is committed to working daily to provide a safe, high-quality learning environment that prepares students for future leadership.
The current evaluation structure stems from an overhaul established in 2021, when the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce abandoned the legacy A-through-F letter grade system in favor of a five-star scale. Under this system, districts receive an aggregate star score alongside distinct star ratings across six specific evaluation components: gap closing, achievement, progress, graduation rates, early literacy, and readiness for college, career, workforce, and the military.
The state’s scoring formula assigns heavy emphasis to core student learning and growth metrics. The achievement and progress components together account for half of a district’s overall grade, weighted at 25% each. The remaining 50% is divided equally among the other four measures—gap closing, early literacy, graduation, and college, career, workforce, and military readiness—with each assigned a 12.5% weight.
Stephen Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, explained that the report card framework is designed to serve as an actionable diagnostic tool rather than a final judgment on a school system. Dackin emphasized that these metrics provide the foundational data needed to allocate local and state resources effectively, urging educators and leaders to act urgently in addressing growth gaps and expanding existing successes.
Several other central Ohio communities celebrated upward movement on their latest evaluations. Pickerington Local Schools improved from a 4-star rating in the 2024–2025 school year to 4.5 stars in the 2025–2026 release. Pickerington Superintendent Charles Smialek attributed the advancement to the daily dedication of classroom educators, support staff, and local families, adding that the district will build on these results to assist every student.
South Western City Schools also recorded measurable advancement, moving up from a 3-star rating in the previous cycle to 3.5 stars this year. Brian Bowser, the district's assistant superintendent of curriculum, stated that the credit belongs to the teachers, leadership teams, and support staff who have worked to deliver necessary instruction and resources to students.
Other major suburban districts maintained strong consistency across the board. Dublin City Schools secured a 4.5-star rating once again, with district representatives noting that the repeated score mirrors dependable student achievement and a sustained organizational commitment to rigorous academic instruction.
Statewide figures revealed broad academic stability, with more than 90% of Ohio school districts meeting or exceeding state benchmarks by earning overall ratings of three stars or higher. Across all evaluated public schools, English language arts proficiency climbed to 62.2% from 60.4% the prior year, while mathematics proficiency increased to 56.4% compared to 55.3% in the previous evaluation cycle.
Attendance data also showed substantial post-pandemic recovery across the state. Ohio documented its third consecutive year of declining chronic absenteeism, with the statewide rate dropping to 23.9% in 2025–2026 from 25.1% the prior year. This reflects an eight-percentage-point decrease from the peak rate of more than 30% recorded during the 2021–2022 school year, establishing the lowest absenteeism level seen since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on the statewide outcomes, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine commended the sustained commitment shown by educators, administrators, and support staff across the state. DeWine affirmed that Ohio must maintain its focus on expanding academic performance and career readiness to guarantee that all students leave the public education system equipped with the practical knowledge and skills required for lifelong success.
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