Alder Nation,
At Jonathan Alder Local Schools, we believe the value of a Pioneer education is measured by more than a state report card. It is reflected in the opportunities we create, the relationships we build, the progress our students make, and the future we help them prepare for.
The release of the 2025–2026 Ohio School Report Cards on September 15 provides an opportunity to reflect on that IMPACT. Jonathan Alder earned an overall 4.5-star rating, continuing a five-year record of earning four stars or higher. Behind that rating are the daily efforts of our students, teachers, staff, families, and community.
The IMPACT of Academic Growth
Our students continue to make meaningful academic progress.
4.5 stars overall on the Ohio School Report Card.
5 consecutive years earning four stars or higher.
5 stars in Gap Closing, reflecting our work to support student growth across student groups.
96.5 Performance Index, marking our fifth consecutive year of growth.
4 stars in Achievement and 4 stars in Progress.
98.7% four-year graduation rate, reflecting our commitment to helping students reach the finish line prepared for what comes next.
These results represent more than ratings. They reflect the commitment to continuous improvement that defines a Pioneer education.
The IMPACT of Opportunity
Preparing students for the future means recognizing their individual strengths, challenging them to grow, and creating opportunities to explore what is possible.
That work is happening throughout our district:
60,000+ STEAM experiences have been delivered through our district's Amazon Think Big Spaces, giving students opportunities to explore, create, and solve problems through hands-on learning.
85% of Jonathan Alder High School students participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics, band, musicals, and more. These experiences help students build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging.
Advanced learning opportunities continue to grow. In 2025–2026, 97 seventh- and eighth-grade students took a high school math course. This school year, that number has grown to 100 students. Opportunities are also expanding in the grades below, with 53 sixth graders taking the 7+ math course, 55 fifth graders taking sixth-grade math, and 56 fourth graders taking fifth-grade math.
When we challenge students, support their interests, and open doors to new experiences, we help them discover what they are capable of achieving.
The IMPACT of Preparing for Life Beyond Alder
A Pioneer education is about more than preparing students for their next grade level. It is about preparing them for life after Jonathan Alder.
In the Class of 2026, 40% of our graduates earned College Credit Plus credit, helping students get a head start on college while reducing the financial burden on their families.
We are also expanding career-connected learning through our E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which empowers students to Explore, Venture, Advance, Train, and Excel. Designed for motivated high school juniors and seniors, the program connects classroom learning with hands-on experience in high-demand career fields. Through partnerships with industry leaders, students can gain real-world workplace experience, academic credit, and professional certifications.
Preparing for the future is not just about the buildings we build. It is about preparing our Pioneers to confidently take their next steps into college, careers, and life.
The IMPACT of Responsible Stewardship
We know our responsibility extends beyond the classroom. We are entrusted with community resources, and we must use them thoughtfully, transparently, and effectively.
Jonathan Alder's operating spending per pupil was $12,736, well below the Ohio state average. We remain committed to aligning our resources with our highest priority: student learning and success.
Responsible stewardship is not simply about spending less. It is about making intentional decisions that create meaningful opportunities for students while respecting the trust our community places in us.
Every Interaction Leaves an IMPACT
Our 2026–2027 district theme, IMPACT, reminds us that every interaction, decision, and service leaves an impression. The results on our state report card are one measure of our progress, but the lasting IMPACT of a Pioneer education is seen in the confidence students gain, the relationships they build, the opportunities they pursue, and the futures they create.
As we celebrate these accomplishments, we also recognize that our work is never finished. We will continue to learn, improve, and look for ways to elevate the educational experience for every Pioneer.
A Pioneer education is not defined simply by what we spend or the stars we earn, but by the IMPACT we make in the lives and futures of our students.
Value the Past. Invest in Today. Elevate the Future.
Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support of Jonathan Alder Local Schools. We are grateful to serve this community and proud of what our students and staff accomplish together each day.
In Gratitude,
James Miller
Superintendent
Jonathan Alder Local Schools