Education system and best schools in Ohio: Compulsory education ages: 6-18 years. State-funded public school system. High graduation rates statewide. Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT) requirements. Advanced Placement (AP) course availability. Top schools: Indian Hill Exempted Village School District. College Credit Plus (CCP) program. STEM-focused school options available. Extracurricular activity opportunities statewide. School choice options: charter and magnet schools.
Compulsory education ages: 6-18 years.
In Ohio, Compulsory Education Laws require children between the ages of 6 and 18 to attend school. However, there are exceptions for those who have received a high school diploma, are lawfully employed, have a physical or mental condition preventing attendance, or are homeschooled. To learn more about these requirements and exceptions, you can visit the Ohio Compulsory Education Laws section. Understanding these laws is vital for both parents and guardians to ensure compliance and provide the necessary education for their children.
State-funded public school system.
Ohio's state-funded public school system relies on a combination of state funds, local property taxes, and minimal federal funds. The state funding, which has been increasing, is distributed through a foundation funding formula implemented in FY 22, aiming to equalize opportunities across school districts despite variations in local property wealth. For more information on how funding is allocated and its impact on the educational landscape, you can visit the Overview of School Funding on the Ohio Department of Education's website.
High graduation rates statewide.
Ohio's education system employs a weighted approach to assess graduation rates, assigning a 60% weight to the four-year graduation rate and a 40% weight to the five-year rate. This strategy is designed to enhance overall graduation outcomes, with a targeted effort to elevate the graduation rate for students with disabilities to 70% by 2025. For more detailed insights into this initiative, visit the Ohio Report Card Graduation Rates page.
Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT) requirements.
In Ohio, students who first enrolled in grade 9 before July 1, 2014, are required to take and pass the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT) to earn a high school diploma. However, starting July 1, 2022, these students have the option to take applicable subject end-of-course (EOC) tests as an alternative pathway to meet graduation requirements. For more information on the requirements and available alternatives, you can visit the Ohio Graduation Tests FAQs page provided by the Ohio Department of Education.
Advanced Placement (AP) course availability.
In Ohio, Advanced Placement (AP) courses are widely available, allowing high school students to earn college credit by achieving a minimum score of 3 or above on AP exams. These credits can be applied towards general education requirements or as elective credits at Ohio's public colleges and universities. For more details on how these programs are structured, visit the Ohio Transfer Credit website.
Top schools: Indian Hill Exempted Village School District.
The Indian Hill Exempted Village School District is highly regarded, ranking as the top school district in Ohio and seventh nationally. It boasts high academic standards, with 88% of students proficient in reading and 84% in math, a 95% graduation rate, and strong extracurricular opportunities. The district includes state-of-the-art facilities and diverse club options, making it a model for academic excellence and comprehensive student experience. For more detailed information, visit the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District website.
College Credit Plus (CCP) program.
The College Credit Plus (CCP) program in Ohio enables high school students to simultaneously earn both high school and college credits by enrolling in courses at participating colleges and universities. This innovative program provides learners with early exposure to the rigor of college academics while offering a cost-effective path to accumulating credits. The objective is to build a strong foundation for future college success, enhancing students' educational journeys. For more detailed information and resources, visit the Ohio Schools Overview.
STEM-focused school options available.
Ohio boasts nearly seventy schools recognized as STEM or STEAM schools, including seven independent institutions that play a pivotal role in advancing STEM education. These independent STEM schools are fully immersed in project-based learning and cultivate robust partnerships with businesses and higher education institutions. Geographically diverse, they cater to middle and high school students, with standout examples such as Metro Early College High School and iSTEM Geauga Early College High School. For more insights into the impact and framework of these educational facilities, visit the Thomas B. Fordham Institute.
Extracurricular activity opportunities statewide.
In Ohio, students educated at home or enrolled in nonpublic schools have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities at the public school they would typically attend. This participation is possible if the activity is not available through their current school, and they must meet the same eligibility criteria as public school students. To learn more about these opportunities and requirements, you can visit the Westerville School District's website, which provides detailed information for home-educated and private school students. This initiative ensures that all students have access to a wide range of educational experiences, regardless of their primary instructional setting.
School choice options: charter and magnet schools.
In Ohio, families have several school choice options, including Charter Schools (known as "Community Schools") which offer innovative curricula and learning methods, and Magnet Schools that focus on specific subjects like engineering, performing arts, or STEM, providing specialized education tracks for students with particular interests. To explore more about the diverse educational opportunities, visit the Ohio School Choice page.