Nordonia earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on state report card

by Laura Bednar

The Nordonia Hills City School District earned 4.5 stars on the state repot card, a .5 drop from its 5-star rating last year.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s star-based system defines 4.5 stars as “exceeding state standards.”

The state rates schools in five categories: performance on state tests; student progress; reducing learning gaps for student subgroups; measuring four- and five-year adjusted class graduation rates; and reading improvement and proficiency for students in kindergarten through third grade.

“The 4.5-star rating reflects the dedication of our educators, staff and the entire community to fostering student success,” said Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development Todd Stuart. “Our focus on high academic standards, innovative teaching and robust extracurricular programs helps ensure a well-rounded education. We also prioritize strong partnerships with parents and local stakeholders, which enhances our ability to meet student needs.”

The district retained its five-star rating in graduation rates, and only fell from five stars to four stars in the achievement (state tests) and gap closing (reducing learning gaps between subgroups) categories. Early literacy, measuring reading improvement in grades K-3 remained at four stars, and progress – measuring overall student growth – fell from four stars to three.

“The challenges posed by ongoing adjustments to having less tutor support have impacted overall scores,” said Stuart. “Additionally, like many districts, we are navigating the effects of learning gaps from the pandemic, which continue to influence student performance in certain areas.”

He attributes the high marks in graduation, early literacy and achievement to Nordonia’s curriculum emphasizing foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, and using research-based teaching practices to meet student needs.

Nordonia High School offers college preparatory courses, career and technical education and advanced placement opportunities, which Stuart said contributed to the graduation rates.

At least 80% of students in each grade level from kindergarten through third grade were on track in reading. “Our success is supported by targeted interventions and small-group instruction, ensuring that struggling readers receive the support they need to catch up and excel,” said Stuart.

Ledgeview Elementary, Rushwood Elementary and Nordonia High School each received two stars for progress, while Lee Eaton Intermediate, Northfield Elementary and Nordonia Middle School each earned four stars. This is a measure of students’ year-over-year progress.

In addition to learning gaps resulting from the pandemic, Stuart said the two-star ratings were due to “evolving curriculum demands and requirements,” which can “sometimes result in slower-than-expected growth as students and teachers adjust.”

In response, Stuart said educators are focusing on targeted interventions, enhanced instructional strategies and data-driven practices to support student growth more effectively. Nordonia is also refining curriculum to align with state standards.

“With ongoing collaboration between teachers, parents and the broader community, we are confident that the district will continue to make progress and see even greater success in the future,” said Stuart. “We view this slight decline as an opportunity for growth and are confident in the steps we’re taking to improve outcomes in the coming year.” ∞