mission
The mission of the Aurora City Schools is to ensure that through providing a nurturing environment, with high expectations and effective programs, all students will reach their full potential and graduate prepared to become responsible, productive members of society.
purpose
This Quality Profile helps to characterize the overall educational value of our school district in areas that matter most to our community as a companion publication to the annual State of Ohio Report Card. We have so much to be proud of in the Aurora City School District. Our students are coming to us as avid learners, fluent in technology like never before and eager to evolve into the 21st century learners students we strive to create. Our highly trained teachers, staff and support members put our student learning and emotional well-being above all else. Our students continue to shine both inside and outside of the classroom. Our student body actively participates in the arts and the district’s extracurricular offerings. Our faculty and students are philanthropic minded and prove once and again how much they care and are always ready to help those in need. Our parents, volunteers, community members and businesses are also a very large part of our success with their invaluable support of our children and district. We hope that you take great pride in the school district you have helped to build.
beliefs
Kids come first · Student growth is our priority · All students can reach their potential given the appropriate educational opportunities · The home, the community, the student and the school share the responsibility for learning · Everyone has dignity and worth · Everyone learns in different ways and at different rates · Education is life-long for everyone · Self-confidence and adaptability to change are essential to success · Effective communication is essential to success · Education is fundamental to a successful democratic society and to enable its citizens to compete in an ever changing global community
greenhouse analogy
Nurturing and growth take place in both a greenhouse and a school. These are the main focus and number one priority of each. Correspondingly, our students' roots are the competencies within our strategic vision. Ultimately, the success of a school district, like a greenhouse, will be measured by how healthy, how strong, and how deeply rooted the young people are that leave the district.
21st CENTURY LEARNING
Technology/Initiatives
"We leverage the awesome power of technology in the development of young people who are good at knowing how to learn, not just good at knowing how to be taught." - Andrew Sams, Aurora City Schools’ Instructional Technology Director
- One to One Initiative ~ The Aurora City School District offers students exciting opportunities to grow by creating new learning environments and redefining and revolutionizing assessment. The “One to One” technology initiative provides Chromebooks to each student in grades K-12 which provides limitless opportunities for students to learn. This initiative expanded student educational opportunities and integrated 21st century technology skills in both the classroom and at home. Staff members design assignments that are empowering and engaging for learners through the use of this technology allowing students to learn and discover anytime, anywhere.
- Makerspaces ~ Areas that provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering. A makerspace is not solely a science lab, wood shop, computer lab or art room, but it may contain elements found in all of these familiar spaces.
- Independent Learning Experience ~ The goal of the Independent Learning Experience at AHS is to provide an experience that allows students to define and pursue learning according to their own intrinsic interests and curiosities. Students not only define their personal topic of study, but they are given the freedom to decide how they will demonstrate accomplishment relative to the learning goals they themselves set forth.
- Aurora Service Learning Class ~ Students learn about various types of community service and are required to spend time outside of school hours for service projects. Collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication and leadership are some of the essential skills that will be developed throughout the student’s course experience.
- Robotics ~ Numerous robotics teams compete both locally and nationally earning various awards and titles, including championships.
- Cybersecurity ~ Aurora High School has launched a new Cybersecurity program beginning with the 2024-25 school year. AHS is only the second district to currently offer a cybersecurity program in Northeast Ohio. The District partnered with an organization named Paradigm Cyber Ventures, which creates a robust cybersecurity curriculum, programming and professional development for staff at high schools nationwide. Students learn about Cyber Ethics, Fundamentals of Computing, Networking, Cryptology, Linux, System Administration, Cybersecurity Threats, Risk Identification, Participate in Internships and much more. The AHS Cybersecurity Class has partnered with Kent State University (KSU) thanks to the efforts of AHS teacher Nick Kukarola and Superintendent Dr. Paul Milcetich. AHS has an articulation agreement in place with KSU to offer AHS cybersecurity students college credit.
Excel Technical Education Career Consortium
Clubs/Extracurricular Activities
Some of the over 20 clubs available to students include, Key Club, National Honor Society, Interact Club, Harmon Beta Club, Fishing Club, Robotics, Save Promise Club, Car Club, Science Olympiad, AHS Drug Free Club, Leighton Sprouts Gardening Club, Coding Club, Yearbook, Quiz Bowl and the Zonta Club. Various other opportunities inside and outside the classroom include, Rotary Students of the Month, the Aurora High School Service Learning Class, Leighton Leaders, Freshmen Mentorship Program, Harmon 8th Grade Washington, D.C. trip and the Aurora High School Independent Learning Class.
ACADEMICS
Today's schools must not only build a solid foundation of academic knowledge, but also nurture a deep sense of purpose and self in young people. The following six competencies of the District's Strategic Vision paint a portrait of the areas of emphasis for all young people (PK-12) in the Aurora City Schools as defined by community stakeholders: INNOVATIVE, COLLABORATIVE, EMPATHETIC, RESILIENT, BALANCED and CRITICAL THINKER. To view the ACSD Strategic Vision, please click HERE
OPPORTUNITY
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses - AHS
Art-Drawing, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Government, Computer Science, Economics - Macro, Economics Micro, Environmental Science, Human Geography, English - Language, English - Literature, French, U.S. Government, Music Theory, Physics C: Mechanics, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, Precalculus, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, U.S. History, World History Physics C: Mechanics
Based on Spring of 2025 data: 460 AHS students took 998 exams which is the most in school history with an 88.26% passage rate which is also the best in school history. A total of 208 students earned the distinction of being named AP Scholar (51), AP Scholar with Honor (45) or AP Scholar with Distinction (112)
Activities
Various activities take place throughout the ACSD that allow students to explore, excite and express their individual interests.
DISTRICT/BUILDIING RECOGNITION
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce releases an annual state school district report card that uses a star rating scale. A 3-star rating means a district is meeting state requirements and 4-5-star rating means the district is exceeding or significantly exceeding state expectations. The six featured report card components include, Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing, Graduation Rates, and Early Literacy The new and final category of College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness (CCWMR) was added this year and is aimed at measuring how prepared our students are for their future opportunities. The Aurora City School District was deemed as significantly exceeding state standards in the first four areas and exceeding state standards in the last two. The ACSD was one of only 47 districts out of over 600 in the state to earn a 5-star rating in 2025 for the 4th consecutive year.
Aurora High School, Harmon Middle School and Leighton Elementary School named Blue Ribbon Schools by the Ohio Department of Education
Miller Elementary School Received the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 2019 and 2020 Silver Award and Gold Award 2022 for implementing the PBIS program that seeks to reduce or eliminate poor behavior school-wide through the encouragement of "positive behaviors."
Leighton Elementary School Received the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 2021 Silver Award for implementing the PBIS program that seeks to reduce or eliminate poor behavior school-wide through the encouragement of "positive behaviors."
This year, U.S. News & World Report magazine analyzed data on more than 24,000 public high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. From there, nearly 18,000 schools were ranked as the highest-scoring public high schools in the nation. Aurora High School (AHS) was ranked by the publication at #2 in the Akron Metro Area, #4 in Northeast Ohio and #15 in the State of Ohio in their Best High Schools 2025 article. This puts AHS in the top 2% of high schools, out of 715 ranked high schools, in the State. AHS is ranked at #502 in the country.
Based on Spring of 2025 data: 460 AHS students took 998 exams which is the most in school history with an 88.26% passage rate which is also the best in school history. A total of 208 students earned the distinction of being named AP Scholar (51), AP Scholar with Honor (45) or AP Scholar with Distinction (112)
AHS Cybersecurity Instructor Nick Kukarola was nominated for the Youth Initiative Award at the 11th annual Celebrate Portage event.
AHS Excel TECC and Media Arts Instructor, Patrick Fenner, earned an Emmy Award at the 56th Great Lakes Award Ceremony. He earned the award for a moving documentary titled Sheltering Hope which shares stories of formerly unhoused individuals in Cleveland, Ohio who find new homes through the City of Cleveland’s, "A Home for Every Neighbor" program.
Aurora High School congratulated two National Merit Scholarship Finalists, Andrew Mueller and Alexander Jin, in the Class of 2026. Three AHS National Merit Commended Scholar students included, Preston Duncan, Benjamin Hercik and Benjamin Kang.
STUDENT RECOGNITION
National Merit Scholarship and Commended Scholars and Semifinalists
Academic Signing Day
AHS Outstanding Greenmen Awards
Athletic Signing Days
Athletic Signing Days Highlight the District's Athletes as they Sign their Letter of Intent to Play at their Respective University typically with Administrators, Coaches, Staff, Family and Guests in Attendance.
ARTS
VISUAL ARTS
Participation in visual arts, some of which include, ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, photography, video, film making and architecture, allows students to explore and express creativity while expanding their imagination. The Aurora City School District fosters the use of various mediums within our art programs throughout the district at every age level.
New in 2025 was the Craddock School Art Show that took place in April. This art show was a family friendly evening of celebrating the arts and featured student artwork that was framed and available for purchase. The show also featured a food truck, Craddock musician performances, interactive art stations, henna art and cafeteria treats.
AHS Course Offerings
Art I, II, III, IV, AP Drawing, Photography I, II, Computer Art and Design, Computer Design, and Illustration, Computer Graphic Interface, Pottery and Sculpture I,II
Annual Competition/Shows
Northeast Central Ohio Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Competition, Beachwood Arts Council, Ohio Governor's Art Show
The Aurora City Schools' performing arts programs enrich our student's academic curriculum by allowing students to engage their brain and body which encourages self confidence and adds positivity in self-expression.
- 75% ~ Students participating in AHS and middle school band, choir, orchestra, drama club & art
- DISTRICT MUSIC DEPARTMENT ~ Recognized as one of the "2013 Best Communities for Music Education" by the National Association of Music Merchants
Participation
2,000 ~ Community Members attending AHS band annual Thunder Over Aurora - A Marching Band Spectacular performance featuring guest marching bands from nearby cities
Accomplishments
- Performed at Severance Hall in Cleveland, Ohio
- Annual Participation in the City of Aurora 4th of July Parade
- SYMPHONIC BAND ~ Continually earns superior ratings at OMEA large group contests
- MARCHING BAND ~ Performed at Disney's Magic Kingdom (2015, 2018, 2023)
Evergreen Ensemble
Evergreen Ensemble meets twice a week after school for an hour and a half, and sings a variety of pop, jazz, rock, and contemporary a cappella music. They perform each year at the Nordonia A Cappella Festival, and have received glowing reviews from the student body and community for their performances of modern hits such as From the Start by Laufey and Die With a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. The group will travel to Chicago this spring, and will perform at concerts and various other live music events throughout the school year.
Chamber Choir
The AHS chamber choir recently competed for the first time at OMEA large group contest and received a superior rating. The group currently has 16 members, and performs four-part music that is extremely challenging, and largely unaccompanied. The chamber choir sings the national anthem at a Cleveland Cavaliers game every year, and will travel to Chicago this year to perform at VanderCook College of Music and the Holy Name Cathedral.
Concert Choir
The AHS concert choir has doubled in size over the course of the past two years, and is now consistently performing four-part SATB music. Starting next school year (2026-2027), they will also compete at OMEA large group contest, and perform at both community events and sporting events such as the Cleveland Monsters hockey games. This group will also travel to Chicago this year to perform at VanderCook College of Music and the Holy Name Cathedral.
Participation/Accomplishments
- EVERGREEN ENSEMBLE (Previously the UNACCOMPANIED MINORS) ~ They perform a variety of pop, jazz, rock, and contemporary a cappella music each year at the Nordonia A Cappella Festival, and have received glowing reviews from the student body and community for their performances of modern hits such as From the Start by Laufey and Die With a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. The group will travel to Chicago in spring 2026 and will perform at concerts and various other live music events throughout the school year.
- CHORAL MUSIC ~ Cedar Point State Choral Music Festival ratings of Excellent (2011-2015); Superior Rating (2016, 2022)
- CHAMBER CHOIR (Previously Chamber Choir) ~ Performed nationally televised National Anthem for the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016, 2022, 2024); The AHS chamber choir recently competed for the first time at OMEA large group contest and received a superior rating. The group currently has 16 members, and performs four-part music that is extremely challenging, and largely unaccompanied. The chamber choir sings the national anthem at a Cleveland Cavaliers game every year, and will travel to Chicago this year to perform at VanderCook College of Music and the Holy Name Cathedral.
- AHS CHOIR ~ Performed in Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). The AHS concert choir has doubled in size over the course of the past two years, and is now consistently performing four-part SATB music. Starting next school year (2026-2027), they will also compete at OMEA large group contest, and perform at both community events and sporting events such as the Cleveland Monsters hockey games. This group will also travel to Chicago this year to perform at VanderCook College of Music and the Holy Name Cathedral.
- AHS ORCEHSTRAS ~ Orchestras consistently receive Superior Ratings at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) state level Adjudicated Events. The high school orchestras currently have earned 6 State Superior rating plaques
- Both AHS Orchestras regularly earn Superior Ratings at OMEA STATE Large Group contests. The orchestras currently have earned 7 State Superior rating plaques
- In 2023, both the AHS Concert and Philharmonic Orchestras earned perfect "Superior" Ratings from every judge at the OMEA STATE Orchestra Adjudicated Event (Class A and Class B). This is the first time in school history that a performing group has earned perfect ratings at an OMEA State contest.
- The AHS Orchestras regularly travel domestically (Disney: 2016, 2019, 2022) and internationally (Bahamas: 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2025).
- In spring of 2025, the AHS Orchestras performed on board Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas and earned a 95.5% score as part of the competition in the Bahamas
Participation
- 400 ~ students in grades 4-12 in the orchestra program (making it one of the largest orchestra programs in Northeast Ohio)
- 86 ~ students in the high school orchestras
- Several Orchestra students participate in the region's most prestigious youth orchestras including the Akron Youth Symphony (AYS), Contemporary Youth Orchestra (CYO) and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra (COYO)
- Orchestra members Preston Duncan and Julia-Marie Cooch performed throughout Europe over the summer with the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Orchestra
- 30 ~ Orchestra students participate in the AHS Ensemble Club. Students learn the business side of the "gig" as they perform in small groups for weddings, nursing homes, holiday parties and fundraiser events for community organizations ASF-29_Original.jpg
- The annual Spring Strings Orchestra Benefit Dinner Concert hosts a catered meal for 400 people and raises more than $15,000 for the orchestra program (1st weekend in March)
- STUDENT SOLOIST ~ Every December a soloist is featured performing a professional level concerto and several orchestra members have composed or arranged pieces that have been performed by the AHS Philharmonic Orchestra
- AHS ORCHESTRAS ~ Both orchestras consistently receive Superior Ratings at the Ohio Music Education Assocation (OMEA) state level Adjudicated Events The high school orchestras have earned 6 State Superior Rating plaques
Accomplishments
- Both AHS Orchestras regularly earn Superior Ratings at OMEA STATE Large Group contests. The orchestras currently have earned 7 State Superior rating plaques
- In 2023, both the AHS Concert and Philharmonic Orchestras earned perfect "Superior" Ratings from every judge at the OMEA STATE Orchestra Adjudicated Event (Class A and Class B). This is the first time in school history that a performing group has earned perfect ratings at an OMEA State contest.
- The AHS Orchestras regularly travel domestically (Disney: 2016, 2019, 2022) and internationally (Bahamas: 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2025)
- In spring of 2025, the AHS Orchestras performed on board Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas and earned a 95.5% score as part of the competition in the Bahamas image.png
- The AHS Philharmonic Orchestra was invited to perform prelude music for the Akron Symphony Concert AHS Orchestras
- Student Soloist - Every year orchestra soloists are featured performing a professional level concerto with the orchestra. They have performed works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Haydn and more
- Student Composers - Orchestra students compose or arrange pieces for the orchestra to perform. Past student composers have included Christian Traylor, Kyle Grandillo, Chris Cecere, Ben Ruiz, Bella Shorr, Philip Yao and Preston Duncan
- Guest Artists - Orchestra students have had the opportunity to work with professional artists as part of our Artist in Residency program funded by the Aurora Orchestra Association. Guest Artists have included Mark Wood (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Eric Benjamin (conductor of Akron Youth Symphony), Dr. Isaac Terceros (Kent State University)
- 8th Grade Orchestra students perform at Cedar Point Music Festival every year and consistently earn a Superior rating
RECOGNITION ~ Arjun Lokesh, who Won 1st Place in the 2023 Grand Prize Virtuoso "Brussels" Piano Competition, was Invited to Perform in the World Famous Recital Hall at the Centre for Fine Arts of Brussels. Arjun's Younger Brother, Akash, also Won 1st Place in his Category and was Invited to Perform at the Same Recital Hall.
Participation
The AHS Drama Club supports two productions at Aurora High School and one musical at Harmon each school year.
- The AHS Drama Club has approximately 20 participating members with additional cast members joining for each of the perfomances and about 8-10 students working backstage and in the booth for perfomances
- A student is not required to be in the Drama Club to perform in any of the plays
- Typically, the drama club holds two perfomances of the fall play and three performances of the spring play
STUDENT & STAFF LEADERSHIP
Our caring student body, staff members and community routinely organize events that support a wide variety of worthy charitable organizations. This instills our students with compassion, a sense of community and the leadership skills that foster well rounded, philanthropy focused and community minded leaders as adults.
Akron Children's Hospital Build-A-Bear
The Aurora High School Service Learning Class and the Aurora Schools Foundation host an annual Veterans Day Dinner for area veterans to honor those that have served. Guest speakers are featured at the event. In the past several years, the dinner has been held adjacent to the Aurora High School orchestra/choir concert evening so that veterans can also attend the concert afterward. Dinner is provided and students are responsible for the entertainment, decorations, serving guests and set up/tear down.
- AHS Service Learning Course - Homeless Shantytown Experience, Veterans Day Dinner Celebration, Fall Rake and Run (for Aurora senior citizens). The AHS Rotary Club and AHS Interact Club Advisor, Melissa Foster, and her senior students won the Celebrate Portage Awards (which recognize business development, art and cultural events, student and volunteer-led community service efforts and unsung community heroes) 2024 Community Service Award for their Rake and Run program.
- AHS National Honor Society - Fall Rake-N-Run (for Aurora senior citizens), Elementary Princess Prom, Aurora for Others Fundraiser, Trunk or Treat
- Harmon Beta Club - American Red Cross Drives, Socktober Collection
- Interact Club - Works in Conjunction with Aurora Rotary Club, Breakfast with Santa; Aurora One Fund
- Other Programs - Coats for Kids, Volunteers of America Food Drives, Build A Bear Project, Harmon 6th Grade Water.org Project
- Science Olympiad - Teams qualified for state competition
- Quiz Bowl - 30 Member Team - Has won the overall Portage County Quiz Bowl title for 17 straight years/Took 2nd place in Championship round of Academic Challenge (2016), Finished in 7th place in State Competition (2024)
- Robotics Teams - TBD team won World Championship in St. Louis (2016), Team Robobacon took 3rd place in the Innovate Award at State Competition (2022)
PARENT & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Educational experiences for students are greatly enhanced by strong partnerships between the school district, parents and the community.
Our district is privileged to receive phenomenal parental and community support in a wide variety of ways. We work together to forge unique and meaningful opportunities for our students to help them grow into confident and capable adults.
Support Programs
- PTO: Harmon/High PTO and Elementary PTO
- Aurora Alumni Association
- Aurora Schools Foundation
- Aurora Band Boosters Organization
- Aurora All Sports Boosters
- Aurora Choir Boosters
- Aurora Orchestra Boosters
Community Partnerships
- Thunder Over Aurora - Annual Marching Band Spectacular
- Red Cross Blood Drives
- Coats for Kids
- Camp Sunshine
- Heinen’s Teaming Up for Education Program
- Aurora for Others - AHS/District Charity
- Ganley Chevrolet - Drug Free Club
- Volunteers of America - Food Drives
- Special Olympics
- Liberty Ford
- Shop with a Cop
- ABC Club - Special Services Area Wide Buddies Bash
- City of Aurora/Fire Department/Police Department
- Habitat for Humanity
- Rotary Club of Aurora
ATHLETICS
Providing our students with the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of athletic and intramural activities supports the Aurora City School District’s objective of creating well-rounded, team-focused, active and health conscious adults.
District Athletic Opportunities
- Baseball
- Basketball, Boys
- Basketball, Girls
- Cheerleading
- Cross Country, Boys
- Cross Country, Girls
- Football
- Golf, Boys
- Golf, Girls
- Gymnastics
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse, Boys
- Lacrosse, Girls
- Soccer, Boys
- Soccer, Girls
- Softball
- Swimming/ Diving, Boys
- Swimming/Diving Girls
- Tennis, Boys
- Tennis, Girls
- Track, Boys
- Track, Girls
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Our district strives to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to enhance and expand on both an educational and social level. It is our intention that each child with special needs has the opportunity to thrive, and we see to it that they have the tools needed to help secure a bright, independent future. We are also committed to enhancing the learning experiences for our gifted students.
Our District supports parents, teachers, and principals in the location, identification and provision of educational services for students with exceptional learning needs. Our Office of Pupil Services coordinates special education evaluations, placements in instructional programs and support services throughout the district while maintaining state and federal laws. These services are provided in a variety of settings ranging from regular classroom placement to small self-contained classrooms. The Miller Integrated Preschool, that serves children with special needs and typical peers, is also supervised under the Special Services Department.
FISCAL STEWARDSHIP
Financial responsibility ensures that the majority of our funding is spent on classroom instruction. Our district is committed to continually being fiscally responsible and transparent stewards of our taxpayer dollars.
- The Aurora City School District has earned exemplary Ohio Auditor of State Awards for 12 years in a row.
- Cost Per Pupil Fiscal Year 2024: $15,712 - Academically our district ranks in the top 1-2% statewide, but spends in the 31st percentile from the top for all public schools in Ohio
- Dollars Spent on Instruction: 72% of funds in 2024 are spent on classroom instruction
- Administrator to Student Ratio: 1 to 217
- The ACSD works with two consortiums (Power 4 Schools - electricity, Ohio Schools Council - natural gas) and through these groups earned $436,759 in savings in electricity and $44,603.12 in natural gas costs
SAFETY
The safety and well being of all of our staff and students is our top priority. Our district is a recognized leader in safety and considered cutting edge in school security with the implementation of safety training for staff and students called ALICE. We have worked closely with the city and have hired School Resource Officers (SRO) that work within our district. The SRO's have tirelessly interacted with students, staff and parents in order to assess and advise our district regarding new safety protocols and technology. AHS welcomed the newest member of the Aurora Police Department K9 , Queso, at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. Queso is unique because he is trained as a weapon's detecting specialist while also becoming officially registered as a therapy dog. We have also implemented and continually upgrade many technologically advanced security devices that have allowed our district to increase security surveillance and monitor access to our buildings.
GREENMEN PROUD!
AURORA CITY SCHOOLS
CONTACT US
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Pam Mehallis, President Stephen Sabulsky - Vice President, Michael Acomb, Jennifer Klich, Molly Schneider
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Paul Milcetich, Superintendent
Bryan Schiraldi, Treasurer
MIke Hayes, Assistant Superintendent