MANSFIELD — Traditional schools aren’t the only ones getting a grade card from the state’s education department.
Public charter schools and dropout recovery programs are also analyzed as part of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s annual school report cards.
Public charter schools, also known as community schools, are evaluated by the same criteria as traditional public schools.
Private schools do not receive report cards.
Community schools
Richland County’s public charters include Foundation Academy, Richland School of Academic Arts and Legacy Academy of Excellence.
Foundation Academy received an overall rating of 3 stars, including:
- Achievement: 2 stars
- Progress: 4 stars
- Gap Closing: 3 stars
- Early Literacy: 1 star
The school increased its overall rating from 2.5 stars last school year, with one star increases in progress and gap closing.
Supt. Joann Hipsher said the improvement was a boost to morale.
“We’re very pleased with our growth. Like many schools since COVID, we’ve had to pick up the pace on getting us back on track. I think we’re doing a good job.”
Hipsher said the school’s team will use the state report card data to look inform future decisions on instruction and what interventions (like after school tutoring and summer programming) are most needed to help students succeed.
Richland School of Academic Arts received an overall rating of 2.5 stars, including:
- Achievement: 2 stars
- Progress: 2 stars
- Gap Closing: 2 stars
- Early Literacy: 2 stars
RSAA’s overall score went down slightly from a three star rating in the 2023-2024 school year.
Legacy Academy of Excellence Mansfield received an overall rating of 1.5 stars, including:
- Achievement: 1 star
- Progress: 1 star
- Gap Closing: 1 star
- Early Literacy: There was no rating calculated because there were not enough students.
Representatives from Legacy Academy did not respond to a request for comment.
Dropout and recovery prevention programs
Community schools that primarily serve students through dropout prevention and recovery programs receive the Dropout Prevention and Recovery Report Card.
These report cards offer an alternative rating system specifically designed for these community schools.
While the components (achievement, progress, graduation rates) are similar, the requirements for meeting or exceeding expectations are different than traditional school districts.
GOAL Digital received an overall rating of “meets standards.” The statewide blended learning school met standards in achievement, progress and gap closing. It exceeded standards in the graduation rate category.
Supt. Tish Jenkins said the results are a testament to dedicated staff working to expand opportunities, strengthen programs, and elevate student success.
“This accomplishment is the result of a true community effort, teachers, families and staff working hand in hand, and we are honored to celebrate this success together,” Jenkins said.
“These results reflect our mission of ensuring every student is Known, Valued, and Successful,” Jenkins added.
“We are proud of the progress reflected in this year’s report card, but more importantly, we see it as a foundation for continued growth. Our students inspire us daily, and we will keep building on this momentum to ensure every learner has the opportunity to succeed!”
Cypress High School was deemed to have exceeded standards overall and in three categories. There was not enough data available for a progress metric, which looks at student’s test scores in reading and math.
Director Danielle Kelley said she was enthused with the results.
“We work really hard. The team that I have really truly gives their all in trying to make sure they are preparing the students not only academically, but wholeheartedly,” Kelley said.
“We really do focus on the whole student, the whole child, and that’s something we’re proud of.”
Buckeye Community received an overall “exceeds standards” grade. The school met standards for achievement and progress and exceeded standards for gap closing and graduation.
