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.
- Innovative Design ~ This year-long course begins by exploring the design process in deep and formal terms, with an application toward human-centered design and engineering, along with both additive and subtractive manufacturing. This elective fuses the latest, most progressive, student-centered paradigms in human learning with among some of the most advanced technologies, including 3D printing, laser cutting, 3D modeling, and electronics; immersing and challenging participants through every facet of the design lifecycle. Actual products are created that solve actual real-world problems in and beyond the Aurora City Schools and the Aurora community. Avenues of monetization of the product are then explored. This elective brings together the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM), providing each learner the opportunity to create and learn in an innovative, high-energy, and ambitious environment.
- 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.
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
AP Pre-Calculus, Art-Drawing, Biology, Calculus AB, 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 1, 2, C, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, U.S. History, World History
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 school district report card is no longer using letter grades and is now utilizing a 5-star rating scale instead. With this new star 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 five featured report card components include, Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing, Graduation Rates, and Early Literacy. The ACSD received a 5-star rating in each of these five competency categories for the third straight year. The ACSD was one of only six school districts in Ohio to receive a perfect 25 out of 25 on the Report Card three years in a row.
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."
Best High Schools 2024 by U.S. News & World Report, #2 in Akron Metro Area, #7 in Northeast Ohio #20 in State, and #569 nationally; top 3% of high schools (out of 609) ranked high schools in Ohio
Over 977 AP tests were given at AHS in 2024, the most exams given in AHS history. The AP test passage rate was also the highest in AHS history (98%). A total of 199 students earned the distinction of being named AP Scholar (72), AP Scholar with Honor (34) or AP Scholar with Distinction.
Aurora High School congratulated 1 National Merit Scholarship Finalist in the Class of 2024
STUDENT RECOGNITION
AHS Outstanding Greenmen Awards
Academic Signing Day
National Merit Scholars
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.
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
PERFORMING ARTS
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.
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
- 75% ~ Students participating in AHS and middle school band, choir, orchestra & art
- 400 ~ Students in grades 4-12 involved in orchestra program
- 100 ~ Students in high school orchestras (making it one of largest programs in Northeast Ohio)
- 2,000 ~ Community Members attending AHS band annual Thunder Over Aurora - A Marching Band Spectacular performance featuring guest marching bands from nearby cities
- 400+ ~ Meals provided at Orchestra Program's annual benefit dinner concert
- 18 ~ Participants in Emerald Ensemble (show choir) ~ Participating in annual show choir festivals
Accomplishments
- DISTRICT MUSIC DEPARTMENT ~ Recognized as one of the "2013 Best Communities for Music Education" by the National Association of Music Merchants
- UNACCOMPANIED MINORS ~ Choral group performed throughout the district and community events
- SYMPHONIC BAND ~ Continually earns superior ratings at OMEA large group contests
- AHS ORCHESTRAS ~ Performed internationally, receiving excellent ratings and trophies
- BAND ~ Performed at Severance Hall in Cleveland, Ohio; Annual Participation in the City of Aurora 4th of July Parade
- MARCHING BAND ~ Performed at Disney's Magic Kingdom (2015, 2018, 2023)
- CHORAL MUSIC ~ Cedar Point State Choral Music Festival ratings of Excellent (2011-2015); Superior Rating (2016, 2022); Only ensemble in the district to receive a Superior rating at a music festival
- CHAMBER SINGERS ~ Performed nationally televised National Anthem for the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016, 2022, 2024)
- AHS CHOIR ~ Performed in Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). Musical performances ~ Most standing room only exhibiting strong community support
- 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 ORCEHSTRAS ~ Both 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
- RECOGNITION ~ Harmon School Student Arjun Lokesh was Named the Great Composers Competition Series 1st Place Winner in the 2020 International Music Competition Salzburg Grand Prize Virtuoso Event; won 1st Place in the Senior Category at the International Music Competition 2022 at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, England ~ Aurora High School Sophomore Kate Liang was chosen as a Top 10 Finalist in the 2020 and again in the 2021 Northeast Ohio Shining Star CLE solo singing competition sponsored by Montefiore of Menorah Park ~ AHS was represented in the 7th annual Shining Star CLE 2023 solo-singing competition for high school students from Northeast Ohio by senior Emma Robb ~ 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
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.
Leighton Leaders hold an annual Alex's Lemonade Stand Fundraiser to support the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer that is changing the lives of children with cancer by funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.
The Harmon School 6th grade student's interdisciplinary study of water in all of their subjects, English, Math, Social Studies and Science, culminated on May 22, 2024 with students experiencing first-hand the challenges and importance of clean drinking water. Students were treated to a guest speaker, BEN JUREK, prior to Water Day. He provided a comprehensive presentation about raising water awareness to students and discussed how their local organization, Drink Local Drink Tap, Inc. helps run an annual Edgewater Park clean up event. On Water Day, students carried water jugs around Harmon School to simulate the difficult task of acquiring fresh water from countries where running water is not available.
- AHS Service Learning Course - Homeless Shantytown Experience, Veterans Day Celebration
- 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
- 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 16 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
- 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 Special Services Department 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. To view a Community Focus Spotlight on Aurora Schools' Miller School Integrated Preschool video, click HERE.
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 yet another exemplary Ohio Auditor of State Award. This is the 12th year that the Aurora Schools’ Treasurer’s Department has earned this exemplary recognition.
- Cost Per Pupil Fiscal Year 2023: $16,162.47 - 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: 63.4% of funds in 2023 are spent on classroom instruction
- Administrator to Student Ratio: 1 to 210.69 is the 14th best in the State
- District earned an exemplary Ohio Auditor of State rating again in 2023
- The ACSD works with two consortiums (Power 4 Schools - electricity, Ohio Schools Council - natural gas) and through these groups earned $196,846 in savings in electricity and $37,008 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
Vice President - Stephen Sabulsky, Michael Acomb, Jennifer Klich, Molly Schneider
ADMINISTRATION
Mike Roberto, Superintendent
William Volosin, Treasurer
Paul Milcetich, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Instruction