Beachwood Schools Rank in Top 30 Statewide

ranks in the top 30 districts in the state, according to preliminary information released by the Ohio Department of Education.

These preliminary rankings were based on each district’s performance index,

Starting in 2012, official rankings will be released every year in accordance with the most recent state budget as an additional way for taxpayers and government to evaluate district performance.

The system that will be used beginning next year is based on measures including the performance index, student performance growth, spending per student and opportunities provided to gifted students. 

Beachwood's $19,500 spent per pupil is the fourth-highest in traditional school districts across the state.

Beachwood City Schools ranked 29th in performance index score out of a few more than 600 traditional school districts across the state, which places it in the top 5 percent.

Rocky River City Schools ranked highest in Cuyahoga County at third in the state, and

was 37th out of nearly 750 high schools in the state, which put it in the top 5 percent as well. ranked near the top 5 percent and was just outside the top 10 percent. was not ranked.

"Performance index is actually one component of the state report card," said Dennis Evans, Ohio Department of Education public information officer. "There are other measures on the report card as well."

The performance index scores are different than those on the last report cards because this report used updated data on state testing.

Scores are based on how well each student does on all tested subjects in grades three to eight on Ohio’s Achievement Assessments and on the 10th grade Ohio Graduation Test.

Students at all levels – advanced, accelerated, proficient, basic and limited – are included. The percentage of students scoring at each level is calculated and multiplied by the point value assigned to that performance level and the levels are totaled to determine overall score.

Evans stressed that the rankings released so far are preliminary. The final ranking released next year will also incorporate data on the amount of money devoted to classroom instruction and opportunities provided to gifted students.

"Going forward, the ranking will be based on other criteria as well. What we released last week is actually a preview," he said.