2023 Best Districts with Gifted and Talented Programs in Ohio

• Solon, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  79 reviews

Senior: The culture at Solon is generally very competitive. At certain times this is a good thing, but in other instances it can be harmful. It is definitely positive in terms of preparing students for college and pushing them academically. However, sometimes the pressure that results from taking all these difficult classes and being compared to your classmates can have a negative affect on a students mental health. Solon is trying to make changes to this negative mental health culture, but it just doesn't seem like enough because it isn't fixing the root cause of the issue. However, I will say a lot of the teachers at the school are very supportive and understanding if you communicate with them.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,521

• Blue Ash, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.49 out of 5  57 reviews

Parent: We moved from rural Kentucky, (90 minutes away), for my son to attend a school with more resources for AUTISM. He transferred to Sycamore from a private Cincinnati Autism school where he attended from 1st grade-7th grade. We held him back upon transfer, so he started in 6th grade and went from having a full-time aide in 6th grade, to no aide in 7th grade. (Spanish 7th grade teacher quickly realized my son's unique abilities in languages and was instrumental in achieving this). His testing scores raised from 2 grade levels behind his peers to almost proficient in his grade level in reading comprehension, his biggest struggle. He has stated that he would rather be at school because he truly enjoys the atmosphere and inclusiveness. He bowls on the bowling team, skis with the ski club, and loves the choir! I will never be able to thank the District for all of the encouragement, the resources, the extra time and the sense of caring we have felt throughout our time at Sycamore. .... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 5,522

• Cincinnati, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.34 out of 5  44 reviews

Middle School Student: As a student at this school, Indian Hill has provided me with numerous educational opportunities, provided me a safe place to learn, and has proven to be an excellent school overall. There is little to no bullying or social conflict, the facilities are superb, and the academics are strong. The reason I put only 4 stars is that Indian Hill is not for everyone. Let me make this very clear. About 90% of the students in the school are affluent, white, and somewhat sheltered. Most students are unaware of any world beyond the 10 miles radius of their house. Being a person of color at this school is also very alienating, but not as much as lack of privilege. There are kids in my class who complain about having to fly to Florida in commercial first-class instead of a private plane, who have never cleaned a kitchen or a bathroom. This of course is not everyone, but it is normal to have a maid at home. If you don't like being around kids like that, Indian Hill isn't the best choice.... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,160

• Mason, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  54 reviews

Parent: Mason is the perfect place to be challenged and grow. Many people in Mason (unlike a lot of other Greater Cincinnati school districts) are not originally from Ohio. The school district has incredible cultural diversity, and defining "cool" in Mason means so many things depending on which activities you're in. Science Olympiad? Yep, that's dope. Nationally-ranked Marching Band and Strings? Uber commitment. Perennial-champion cross country teams? Very cool. As big as the school district is, it somehow still seems small. The teachers and administrators are very hard-working and dedicated.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 10,267

• Dublin, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.53 out of 5  102 reviews

Senior: Within the Dublin City School District, Dublin Jerome High School has ranked the highest out of the three high schools that make up Dublin City. Ranked #17 within Ohio and #477 in National rankings, Jerome is one of the highest rated schools based on above average college readiness index scores, AP test scores, AP passing grades,and proficiency in both mathematics and english. Following Jerome High School is Dublin Coffman High School with a National ranking at #484 and a state ranking at #18. While Dublin Scioto High School scored well above average, almost perfect scores in both english and mathematics proficiencies, the school’s rating dropped it to #725 nationally and #29 in the state of Ohio, based on the college readiness index and AP placement, testing and passing scores. Determining Dublin City School’s overall score were a 4.2 out of 5 satisfaction rating, an A+ grade based on the school’s teachers, an A+ grade for clubs.... Read 102 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 22

• Students 16,254

• Beachwood, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  23 reviews

Senior: Beachwood is a welcoming community that is very diverse and friendly. It is a close community where you can count on your neighbors and everyone looks out for one another. It is they type of community where when you drive down the street, children are playing and waving to someone you pass is common. Beachwood City Schools are an extension of this warm, close knit environment. Beachwood City Schools earned three U.S. Department of education Blue Ribbon Awards, the highest ranking of excellence from the State of Ohio Department of Education. Beachwood City Schools are also nationally ranked. Teachers and administrators genuinely care about the students and their successes. There is a vast variety of courses to choose from and the classes are challenging. I feel that this challenge has significantly enabled me to be prepared for college. Beachwood City Schools invests in their students and their futures. I am proud and fortunate to becoming a graduate of Beachwood High School.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,631

• Wyoming, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  14 reviews

Parent: As a working parent of two students during the pandemic, I would have to say that Wyoming has done a tremendous job balancing safety for both students and staff along with maintaining excellent instruction for all students, whether in-person, remote or hybrid. We have always been impressed with the quality of the teachers our children have had in the classroom. This year they have all risen to the challenge and our students (3rd and 6th grade) have continued to learn and progress despite the plethora of challenges presented by the pandemic. The approach of educating the "whole child" is evidenced by the inclusion of the extraordinary arts and music programs within the curriculum. The community itself is a pleasant place to live and the neighborhoods are safe. We have been residents since 2014 and have no regrets with our decision to move here.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,930

• New Albany, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  55 reviews

Senior: The campus contains grades 1-12, allowing a cohesiveness I have never experienced before (This is my 7th school), but is still separated by school (elem, Intermed, middle, HS). This brings a sense of unity and school spirit, as well as many other advantages. Diversity is welcomed, and socioeconomic acceptance was much better than expected. Many teachers care about the student, and want you to understand the subject matter with deeper thought behind it. Beautiful campus!... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 5,043

• Hudson, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.38 out of 5  53 reviews

Parent: We moved to Hudson 10 years ago and the schools were a big factor in our decision in choosing Hudson. Our 3 children have now graduated and were fully prepared for college. All three received significant academic scholarships and two are playing sports at the collegiate level. Hudson is an excellent school system, striving for continuous improvement. Minor point: The only change I would recommend is to not give grace to seniors who turn in their assignments late. This became a habit for one of our children and he found a rude awakening in college when he tried to turn in his assignments after the due date.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 4,571

• Rocky River, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  31 reviews

Junior: The Rocky River School District is full of amazing opportunities, teachers, and students. In my time as a student at Rocky River, I have learned not only many things relating to my scholastic education, but also valuable life lessons from doing activities such as cross country. I’ve met tons of people, some of whom I consider to be some of my best friends. Not only are the experiences truly wonderful in the Rocky River City School District, but the educational system is also quite good. I am going to be a senior next year, and I feel as though I am in good hands to help with my transition into college. My teachers have always been helpful and willing to work with me, and usually I’ve found that many of them were/are very approachable. I am very grateful to have been a student in the Rocky River School District and I can truly say that I have genuinely enjoyed being a part of the school system.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,596

• Ottawa Hills, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.43 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: Ottawa Hills has teachers who are caring, willing to work with their students, and love their jobs. The community has a multitude of activities, sports and arts programs for students to become involved with.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 2

• Students 1,035

• Lewis Center, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.42 out of 5  206 reviews

Senior: For as large of a district it is, I feel that it is overall very united. After many worldwide and local struggles, the district was able to bounce back and allow for students to have a positive experience! After being in the district for all twelve years of schooling, I couldn't leave any happier. I genuinely could not have asked for a better experience, and I am very satisfied with my time there!... Read 206 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 26

• Students 22,089

• Cleveland, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.44 out of 5  18 reviews

Freshman: I am a freshman at Orange and I've gone to this school since kindergarten. I love the school- the food is not great and the people are nice. Our sports are not very good but our Marching band and Lionettes (color guard) are amazing. The libraries are great and I love the teachers. Our honors/AP program is terrific as well. There is amazing diversity and so many kids of different races, religions, and ethnicities. I will say that some of the kids do drugs, use slurs, but mostly everyone is really nice. People call our school the public-private school because the education is amazing. Our school spirit is ok. At football games, we have a student section and a great halftime show, but our football team is really bad. In the 2021-2022 season, I think we won 1 or 2 games and that was because we were playing against the worst team in our conference. However, our spirit teams are really good (cheerleaders, color guard.) We also have a really pretty campus such as a courtyard.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,042

• Dayton, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  18 reviews

Junior: Oakwood is a great place for those who want to challenge themselves academically. The school has lots of AP options, as well as College Credit Plus and Career Tech partnerships. The school building itself is a little small for the number of students and, being an older building, does have some issues with climate control(it's literally freezing or a sauna). One issue, however, is the English classes, which barely prepare students for standardized testing.The administration is also very respectful of its students, and accommodating when needed. Of course, there have been some problems transitioning to online learning(due to the COVID-19 crisis), but most teachers have been understanding of the shift. In terms of teachers, I would definitely say that they are above average-- with a few exceptions. The food is also very good(with restaurant chains bringing in food as well as some simple alternatives) and generally provides options for vegetarians. However, diversity is extremely poor.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,005

• Chagrin Falls, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  24 reviews

Senior: Chagrin falls is a great school with many different educational and athletic opportunities. Teachers and coaches are friendly and inclusive with all their students. Students do a great job of supporting each other academically by encouraging those around them and grow better together. Likewise, the students are also athletically supportive by attending home games for pretty much every sport, along with even going to away games for some of the more popular sports like football, lacrosse, and basketball. Chagrin not only offers many different advanced placement courses, but they also have a wide selection of different art classes any student can take. For example, I was able to do three years of ceramics during my time as a student at chagrin falls high school and found that it was a great class. My other friends were able to take classes like photography, digital design, and drawing. All in all, Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools are perfect for anyone looking for a good education... Read 24 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,797

• Bexley, OH•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  21 reviews

Alum: In the two years that I attended Bexley, I had an overall really wonderful experience. The students were welcoming and the teachers were all very supportive of my transition and helped me thrive in their classes. I was able to make friends playing sports and doing theatre, art club and taking advanced courses too! I felt a strong sense of community with those I shared ideals with, which were many of my peers and felt that I was pushed academically and prepared for the college application process.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,366

• Bay Village, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.27 out of 5  22 reviews

Sophomore: Bay Village is a wonderful school district in regards to academics and resources available to it's students. The school is very focused on academics, almost to an insane degree of perfection. While I enjoy academics and pushing myself I think that my school's obsession over perfection whether it be with SAT scores, GPA, or which college you're attending, can be extremely overwhelming at times. However, most teachers and counselors are wonderful and always wanting to help if a student is struggling. In addition , the parents and community are always very involved in the school which gives the school district a sense of community. For example, our community and school district raised over $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This coupled with the small community of students at the various schools add to the atmosphere of community. Overall, I believe that Bay VIllage City School District is a wonderful place to learn and attend.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,395

• Perrysburg, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  54 reviews

Parent: I have lived in this community for 20 years. I have 3 kids. Senior, freshman and sixth grades. Educational opportunities are vast. Administration does a great job of communicating and makes very logical decisions. Great arts and stem programs! Large district with many clubs, activities and educational opportunities. Sports are very competitive. Travel teams are available as well. College prep and trade options available. Overall a great place to live and raise a family!... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 5,264

• Centerville, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  109 reviews

Parent: I feel we have the most caring teachers! They put their all into engaging all students to make learning fun. I have two students in the district at opposite ends. My student who struggles has found the extra help he needed. My student who excels and was getting bored in class had teachers who recognized this and stepped up. Centerville offers so many extra curricular options that I never had growing up! So many ways for students to find their niche. They take bullying very seriously and neither of my kids have ever witnessed it or a fight if any kind. Centerville schools are a safe place I feel good about sending my kids off to everyday to grow, learn and nurture friendships.... Read 109 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 12

• Students 7,895

• Cincinnati, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.75 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: Fantastic teachers and administration! Offers tailored educational approaches to our children based on their strengths and needs, and fosters a steady, informative channel of communication among parents and staff.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,612

• Avon, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  38 reviews

Junior: Avon Local School District has prepared me for college with their emphasis on college preparation throughout my high school career. I know that I am prepared for college-level coursework because the teachers here have shown me what is expected of me at the college level, and have given me guidance in choosing what to do in the present to help me plan and prepare for my future.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 5

• Students 4,471

• Granville, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  48 reviews

Alum: This public school provides an excellent education (it's a National Blue Ribbon School). There are plenty of AP courses available. The large majority of the teachers genuinely care for all students in the school. The Environmental Science Program, which is led by a tireless advocate, includes a community garden, land lab, chickens, etc. Food from the garden is used in the preparation of school lunches. Moreover students have an opportunity to "hands on" learn via take-action projects. Parents, out of an abundance of care and concern, are too heavily involved which makes it hard for those who parents cannot be.... Read 48 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,500

• Upper Arlington, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  33 reviews

Alum: I thought the education was incredible. Great teachers, great course offerings. However, the community can be quite cold, unwelcoming, and shallow.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 9

• Students 6,107

• Westlake, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  52 reviews

Senior: The Westlake school district overall is a very balanced place of education with a lot of opportunities as you travel your education path. As a student of Westlake I've always felt relatively welcome by the staff, never once being looked down upon. I've never felt bullied or attacked by other students and overall it's a rather calming place. As with every high school nothing is perfect and I can't say there's anything too outstanding about the school district either. It's just a nice community with a fantastic education, because that's where Westlake really excels. Westlake has some of the best teachers and resources in the area, while there are a lot of bad teachers in the non-honors track as an honors student I've felt that the vast majority of my teachers have a fantastic and unique way of teaching that really appeals on a per-student basis. That's why I think Westlake is such a great school, not for its administration, its facilities, or sports but because of its fantastic teachers... Read 52 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 3,286

• Mayfield Heights, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  61 reviews

Parent: Great city with a suburb feel. My family has been through elementary and middle school in this district and we've loved it. We enjoy the amount of access we have to administrators and teachers when my child needs assistance. We are given great tools to help our daughter at home. I am a very active parent in my daughters education so it is appreciated. We are excited for more opportunities available for my daughter in HIgh school. She loves music and acting so that will be enriching on the HIgh school level. The curriculum is very hands on and involves lots of innovation. I love the energy the middle school teachers have brought during these tough pandemic and post pandemic years! Definitely worth the A rating!... Read 61 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,374