why it matters
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Early learning gaps begin before kindergarten: Only 48% of Summit County children were ready for kindergarten in the 2023–24 school year, down from 61% in 2019–20. When children start school behind, they are more likely to need additional academic and developmental support throughout their education.education.ohio
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Too many Akron students face early-literacy challenges: In Akron Public Schools, 45% of third graders were reading proficiently in 2025, compared with Ohio’s 57% benchmark. Third-grade reading is a critical milestone because students shift from learning to read to reading to learn in later grades.signalakron
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Education affects Akron’s future workforce and economic mobility: Nearly 44% of Summit County adults have an associate degree or higher, but 5% of young people ages 16–19 are neither enrolled in school nor working. Supporting graduation, career exploration, mentoring, and postsecondary pathways helps ensure more Akron youth can participate in the local economy.
Akron by the numbers
45%
third-grade students reading proficiently compared to the Ohio benchmark at 57%.
3.5
stars out of 5 for the overall state report-card rating.
48%
children are ready for kindergarten.
66%
of APS high school students are chronically absent
>50%
of students feel a strong sense of belonging or support at school.
>40%
of students rate learning as "relevant" or feel they have active self-direction in their education
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