Best High Schools in Cleveland, OH

The city of Cleveland, Ohio is home to 26 high schools serving students from grades 6-12, spanning public, public charter, and private institutions. The data reveals stark disparities in performance and outcomes across these schools, with a few standout institutions like Cuyahoga Hts High School and Cleveland School of Science & Medicine achieving exceptional graduation rates and test scores, while many others struggle with chronic absenteeism and low proficiency levels.

The highest-performing schools, like Cuyahoga Hts High and Cleveland School of Science & Medicine, rank among the top 25% of Ohio high schools and boast graduation rates over 98%. In contrast, some schools like Regent High School report chronic absenteeism rates nearing 100%. Test scores also vary widely, with a few schools exceeding state averages while many others fall far behind. Racial imbalances are prevalent, with several schools having over 80% African American or Hispanic enrollment, pointing to potential issues of segregation and unequal access.

Funding disparities may contribute to the performance gaps, as per-student spending ranges from under $9,000 at Horizon Science Academy Cleveland to over $16,000 at Cleveland School of Architecture & Design. While the data reveals significant challenges facing the Cleveland Municipal school district, a few outlier success stories demonstrate that high achievement is possible, providing valuable insights for improving educational opportunities for all students in the city.