Best High Schools in Akron, OH

The city of Akron, Ohio is home to 17 high schools that serve grades ranging from 6-12, including a mix of public, public charter, and community learning centers. The data reveals a stark contrast in performance between the top-performing schools like Akron Early College High School and Manchester High School, and the lower-performing charter and alternative schools, suggesting significant disparities in educational outcomes within the Akron City school system.

Akron Early College High School stands out as the 2nd-ranked high school in Ohio, with exceptional test scores and a 88% 4-year graduation rate. Manchester High School is also a high performer, ranked 246th in the state with a 99.1% 4-year graduation rate and test scores well above state and district averages. In contrast, schools like Cascade Career Prep High School struggle, with a low 30.3% 4-year graduation rate and test scores well below the district.

Chronic absenteeism appears to be a major issue across many Akron high schools, with several reporting rates over 40%. Spending per student does not seem to directly correlate with school performance, as some of the higher-spending schools have relatively low test scores. The data highlights the importance of school choice and access to high-quality educational options, as the standout schools demonstrate that with the right resources and approach, students in Akron can achieve exceptional results.