Weldon Hastings
Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School (BBHHS) has once again been recognized as one of the top-performing public high schools in Northeast Ohio, the state of Ohio, and the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
In the publication’s 2024 Best High School rankings, BBHHS was ranked 13th in Ohio, 4th among Cleveland area high schools, and 488th in the nation. Additionally, the school secured the 491st spot among STEM high schools across the United States.
The rankings are based on several criteria, including scores on state tests, access to and performance on Advanced Placement (AP) courses, graduation rates, and various college-readiness markers. BBHHS received an overall rating of 97.24%. This rating reflects the following achievements:
- 65% of students took at least one AP exam.
- 52% of students passed at least one AP exam.
- 77% demonstrated mathematics proficiency.
- 89% demonstrated reading proficiency.
- 94% demonstrated science proficiency.
- The district’s graduation rate was greater than 95%.
In 2023, BBHHS was ranked 27th in the state, 5th in the Cleveland area, and 724th nationally, with a score of 95.91%.
Superintendent Jeff Harrison highlighted the consistent high rankings, attributing them to the hard work of students, the dedication of teachers and staff, and the support of parents and the community. “We are very proud of [all of those factors], but that is not the whole story,” Harrison said. “We need to focus on the whole child and the whole experience, and we do a great job as a school district providing more than just test scores.”
Curriculum Upgrades
Harrison announced a significant investment in the district’s curriculum, with plans to spend over $1 million in 2025. Notably, $600,000 will be allocated to a new English language arts curriculum for kindergarten through grade 5, partially funded by a $200,000 state grant. The district also plans to spend $377,000 next school year to refresh curricula in all three schools, including updates to the math curriculum for kindergarten through grade 5.
Therapy Dog Presentation
BBH Elementary School Principal Tina McCauley provided an update on the district’s therapy dog, Cocoa, a 2 ½-year-old dog that has been serving students since 2022. Cocoa, who weighs 63 pounds, accompanies McCauley to school nearly every day and provides various benefits to students and staff, including reducing blood pressure and enhancing mood.
McCauley noted that Cocoa makes an excellent reading buddy for students and can be used as positive reinforcement. To ensure safety, the district has updated guidelines on interacting with Cocoa, including how students approach and pet her and how she receives treats. When not assisting students, Cocoa now stays in her crate.
Harrison emphasized that Cocoa is a working dog with specific rules to follow. “When Cocoa comes to school, she’s not a pet. She is on the clock and working,” he said. Plans are in place to expand Cocoa’s service to the high school and middle school.
For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, visit the Brecksville Broadview Heights Democratic Club Facebook page or bbhdems.org.
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Kristina Juniper
