Ohio releases school report cards showing gains in math achievement and career readiness

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) has released the 2025 Ohio School Report Cards, showing continued progress in student achievement and readiness for life after graduation. The report cards evaluate districts and schools using a star rating system from one to five stars, with more than 90% of districts earning three stars or higher this year. These ratings are based on six components: Achievement; Progress; Gap Closing; Early Literacy; Graduation; and College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness.

Governor Mike DeWine commented on the release, stating, “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. 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.”

Stephen D. Dackin, Director of DEW, said, “Meaningful progress happens when we understand where growth is needed and where success can be amplified. We must act with urgency to ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge and life skills they need for the future. The Ohio School Report Cards are never an end point, but a building block for data-driven decisions that guide where to focus state and local resources, and, most importantly, how best to support Ohio students."

For the first time this year, the report cards include a star rating specifically for College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness. The class of 2024 showed gains across several key indicators: 61.4% met at least one postsecondary readiness measure (up from 56.3% last year), 16% earned at least 12 college credits (up from 13.8%), 25.6% obtained industry-recognized credentials or licenses (up from 19.5%), and 24.1% demonstrated proficiency on multiple technical assessments (up from 22.3%). These results highlight ongoing investments in career-technical education aimed at preparing students for in-demand careers.

Math achievement statewide reached its highest level in five years with improvements noted across nearly all grade levels including algebra and geometry proficiency rates rising as well. English language arts proficiency saw a slight decrease but overall performance on state tests hit a five-year high in this subject area too.

Chronic absenteeism has declined for three consecutive years—now at its lowest since before the COVID-19 pandemic—reflecting efforts across Ohio to address barriers to attendance by supporting student well-being.

Community members are encouraged to stay informed about local schools by engaging with parents, educators, district websites or browsing resources available online such as those found at reportcard.education.ohio.gov.

Guides explaining each type of report card—including traditional district reports as well as those focused on career technical planning or dropout prevention—are also available online.