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These are the 10 best Ohio high schools, US News & World Report says

By Sundi Rose
One Ohio school made the top 100 schools in the US.
One Ohio school made the top 100 schools in the US. Photo by Emily Ranquist

Ohio families have no shortage of strong choices when it comes to their K through 12 students. According to the latest rankings from US News and World Report, Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati not only topped the state but also earned a spot in the Top 100 nationwide, continuing Ohio’s strong academic presence.

Out of more than 24,000 schools surveyed across the country, Walnut Hills scored very highly nationally and in the state rankings. They lead Ohio schools and rank 91st in the US.

Walnut Hills is among top schools in the US

Walnut Hills High School has consistently been a fixture in Ohio’s top five and routinely outperforms both district and state averages.

In 2025 it ranked #1 in Ohio and placed in the top 100 nationwide according to US News and World Report.

  • Graduation Rate: >95%
  • Reading Proficiency: 94%
  • Math Proficiency: 94%
  • Science Proficiency: 94%
  • Minority Enrollment: 40%

How the rankings work

U.S. News & World Report evaluate schools based on several key measures. Each measure is weighted with a percentage toward the greater score and contributes to larger educational outcome for students.

  • College readiness (30%): Based on how many students take and pass AP or IB exams.
  • State assessment proficiency (20%) and performance (20%): How students perform on statewide tests compared to expectations.
  • Underserved student performance (10%): Closing achievement gaps for low-income, Black, and Hispanic students.
  • College curriculum breadth (10%): The number of AP/IB courses students complete successfully.
  • Graduation rate (10%): The percentage of students graduating within four years.

Top schools in Ohio

According to Education Week, Ohio ranks 21st nationally in K-12 achievement, placing it in the middle of the pack compared to other states.

  • 1 - Walnut Hills High School, Cincinnati
  • 2 - Bexley High School, Bexley
  • 3 - Ottawa Hills High School, Toledo
  • 4 - Solon High School, Solon
  • 5 - Rocky River High School, Rocky River
  • 6 - Wyoming High School, Wyoming
  • 7 - Indian Hill High School, Cincinnati
  • 8 - Madeira High School, Cincinnati
  • 9 - Oakwood High School, Dayton’
  • 10 - Mariemont High School, Cincinnati

With just one school in the national Top 100, Ohio shows pockets of strong performance, but the rankings also highlight plenty of room for growth across the state.

Do you have questions or ideas concerning education or schools you’d like to read? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

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