Ohio School District Among Top 20 for Student Growth

A small Ohio school district is proving that every student can thrive when educators show up with high expectations and heart.

Ada Exempted Village Schools received the District Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, recognizing exceptional academic growth and continued student achievement. Only 20 districts out of 611 across Ohio earned this distinction.

The award honors districts that demonstrated significant improvement in their Performance Index, gaining three or more points year over year while maintaining a four or five star rating on progress measures. Recipients must also show strong overall performance without any accountability flags, ensuring the growth is meaningful and sustained.

Ada Elementary School also received the Building-Level Momentum Award, ranking among just 238 schools out of 3,117 statewide. This dual recognition highlights excellence from kindergarten through high school.

"This recognition is a direct reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and high expectations that Ada staff bring to work each day," said Superintendent Julie Simmons. "Achievements like this only happen when 100% of our staff members show up every day committed to doing what is best for our students."

The Ripple Effect

When a school district commits to continuous improvement, the impact extends far beyond test scores. Students gain confidence as they master new skills, teachers feel energized by visible progress, and families see their children reaching new heights.

Ada's success demonstrates that sustained growth happens when every educator embraces the same mission. The district's commitment to excellence in all areas of the school experience creates an environment where students don't just learn, they flourish.

In a state with hundreds of school districts competing for resources and recognition, Ada's achievement shows what's possible when an entire community rallies around student success.