COLUMBUS, Ohio-Ohio’s recent school report cards reveal significant challenges in urban public schools, particularly in graduation rates and early literacy. The report ranks districts on a five-star scale, with Columbus City Schools, Dayton, and Cincinnati scoring two stars, while Cleveland received three stars. Less than half of third graders in these districts are proficient in reading, with Columbus at 42%, Dayton at 40.6%, Cleveland at 35.8%, and Cincinnati at 58.3%. Recognizing the impact of stable home environments on learning, the United Way of Central Ohio launched the “Success by Third Grade” initiative in 2021, aiming to connect community resources with school districts to improve literacy outcomes. This program currently collaborates with six districts in Franklin County, focusing on addressing the challenges families face, such as housing instability, which can hinder students’ educational progress.
