Akron Early College Earns Top State Rating
The high school secured a five-star status on the latest state report card.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Akron Early College has achieved a five-star rating on the state annual report card. The school recorded the highest cumulative point total among traditional high schools in Ohio over the past three years.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the success of the school's small-enrollment model in fostering academic achievement. Students consistently maintain high graduation rates and earn college credits before completing high school.
Akron Early College maintains a 100 percent four-year graduation rate and a chronic absenteeism rate under 4 percent, significantly lower than the 40.9 percent rate seen across the Akron Public Schools district in 2025-26. Over 33 percent of its 400 students are identified as gifted.
The players
Akron Early College
This educational institution located in the Polsky Building provides a small-school environment for approximately 400 students.
Akron Public Schools
This local school district oversees the educational programming and reported a 40.9 percent chronic absenteeism rate in 2025-26.
The details
Located in the Polsky Building, the school serves about 400 students who apply for admission as eighth graders based on academic potential and attendance. Participants spend their freshman year taking high school courses before transitioning into college-level work for the remainder of their education.
Timeline
2012: The school's first graduating class included 57 students.
2021-22 school year: APS chronic absenteeism reached nearly 50 percent.
2025-26: APS chronic absenteeism was 40.9 percent.
Nov. 5: A celebratory parade will take place in downtown Akron.
Culture Shift
The school's performance reflects a broader shift toward specialized, small-environment secondary education models that prioritize college readiness. By integrating higher education requirements early, the institution demonstrates a departure from traditional high school formats.
Local families may see the five-star rating as a key factor when evaluating educational options for incoming high school students. The school's consistent performance and graduation outcomes serve as a benchmark for student success within the city.
The takeaway
The success of Akron Early College illustrates how focused enrollment environments can significantly improve student attendance and college credit attainment. Parents looking for high-performing secondary options should note the school's rigorous application criteria for prospective eighth graders.
What happens next
A parade to celebrate the school's achievements is scheduled to occur in downtown Akron on Nov. 5.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic standards on the Secondary Education page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Signal Akron.
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