Highland High School leads in Medina County in public school ranking by U.S. News & World Report

Highland High School received the highest placement among Medina County high schools in a recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report. The ranking was conducted in coordination with social science research firm RTI International. Nearly 18,000 public high schools were ranked out of the more than 24,000 schools that were reviewed. "The highest ranked U.S. public schools in U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 Best High Schools rankings are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading and science state assessments, earned qualifying scores on an array of college-level exams and graduated in high proportions," U.S. News & World Report stated. Highland ranked third out of 133 high schools in the Cleveland Metro Area. It was also ranked 19th out of 903 high schools in the state and 580th out of around 18,000 high schools in the country. "Highland students continue to perform and excel at the highest levels," Highland Superintendent Catherine Aukerman said. "Being recognized as one of the top high schools in the state of Ohio and at the national level reflects the strong commitment and dedication of our outstanding staff members, students and families to education." Medina High School had the second-highest ranking in Medina County. It was 19th in the Cleveland Metro area, 60th for Ohio schools and 1,792th nationally. "We are incredibly proud of our students, staff and community for their continued commitment to excellence," Medina Director of Instruction Tina Cassidy said. "This recognition reflects the hard work of our educators and the dedication of our students to achieving their goals. We remain focused on providing high-quality learning experiences that prepare every student for success beyond high school." The other public high schools in Medina County received the following rankings: Buckeye was 26th in the Cleveland Metro Area, 106th in Ohio and 3,089th nationally. Wadsworth was 29th in the Cleveland Metro Area, 120th in Ohio and 3,351th nationally. Brunswick was 34th in the Cleveland Metro Area, 144th in Ohio and 3,888th nationally. Cloverleaf was 35th in the Cleveland Metro Area, 148th in Ohio and 4,003th nationally. Black River was second out of the five ranked schools in the Ashland Metro area, 368th in Ohio and 10,118th nationally. For more information on the ranking, visit tinyurl.com/ytvjju4w. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.