Akron Early College Marches in Downtown Parade

Hundreds of students celebrated the school's five-star state report card rating with a parade up South Main Street.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Civic

Wide photograph of an empty downtown Akron street of red brick buildings leading toward a canal lock under soft overcast light. — Hundreds of Akron Early College High School students marched down South Main Street on Thursday to celebrate a five-star state report card rating. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Hundreds of Akron Early College High School students marched up South Main Street on Thursday to celebrate a five-star state report card rating. The school also received accolades and proclamations from the city, Statehouse, and Congress.

Why it matters

The school was ranked the top-performing public high school in Ohio for the third consecutive year, highlighting its sustained academic results in Akron. The recognition reflects the school's model of allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school.

The school earned five stars on the latest state report card and has been Ohio's top-performing public high school for three consecutive years. An estimated 150 family and community supporters joined the celebration at Lock 3.

The players

Akron Early College High School

A public high school that allows students to earn college credits from the University of Akron while still enrolled, drawing students from throughout Akron Public Schools and neighboring districts.

The details

Students marched up South Main Street from near the Polsky Building to Lock 3, bookended by Akron's safety forces. Families, alumni, and community members joined students at Lock 3 to celebrate the recognition.

Thursday, Nov. 5: Students marched in the downtown parade celebrating the state report card rating.

Civic Recognition

The school's recognition came from Ohio's state report card system, which rates public schools on a five-star scale. Its three consecutive years as the state's top-performing public high school place it at the top of that ranking.

Akron families considering public high school options can look to Akron Early College's record of top state rankings and its college-credit program. Students in the district may find expanded opportunities to earn college credits while still enrolled in high school.

The takeaway

Sustained high performance on state report cards reflects consistent academic results, and a school's college-credit program can give students a head start on higher education.