Akron Early College, a specialty high school housed in the University of Akron’s Polsky Building, continues to set academic benchmarks for the district. Sophomores like Wah Hi Dah and Nayla Cunningham‑Traore enjoy taking college‑level courses years ahead of most peers, while reporting strong support from teachers and staff.
Student experience and support
“If you stayed at this school for a whole day, you will literally see how teachers interact with students out of class,” said Dah, 15. She added that she now feels like a friend to her teachers, a sentiment echoed by Cunningham‑Traore, who highlighted the staff’s effort to make a demanding workload enjoyable.
Selection and performance metrics
Principal Tom O’Neil explained that eighth‑grade applicants are chosen not only for academic scores but also for potential, discipline and attendance. The school’s students consistently earn five‑star ratings on the state report card and achieve higher scores on state exams than peers in other Akron Public Schools (APS) buildings and the state average. Nearly all students score proficient or better in subjects such as algebra, geometry, biology and American government, and most earn at least 12 college credits before graduation.
Attendance and community recognition
While APS chronic absenteeism fell from nearly 50 percent in 2021‑22 to 40.9 percent in 2025‑26, Akron Early College’s rate remains under 4 percent. In recognition of these results, the district will hold a parade through downtown Akron on November 5 to celebrate the school’s achievements.
Program structure and outcomes
Students spend their freshman year in high‑school‑level classes, then transition to college courses in sophomore year and beyond. By senior spring, some begin major‑specific courses such as introductory business, engineering or education. The school maintains a 100 percent four‑year graduation rate for those who complete the program, though a small number of students who cannot pass college courses return to their home schools to finish high school.
Comparisons and future outlook
Compared with the National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM High School, another APS specialty school, Akron Early College boasts a higher cumulative point total for traditional high schools over the past three years. While both schools serve gifted students, Akron Early College has fewer students with disabilities or English‑language learners, and more than one‑third of its enrollment is identified as gifted.
Student voices
Saimon Lama, a sophomore from Stow‑Munroe Falls, praised the school’s work ethic and the teachers’ dedication, saying, “It feels so happy to be here.” The school’s culture of strong relationships—reinforced by a small student body of about 400—continues to attract families seeking rigorous academic opportunities.
Principal’s perspective
O’Neil noted that many students in larger neighborhood schools lose motivation as they progress, but at Akron Early College “kids buy in, they want to do well and they work hard.” He also emphasized the need for more teachers willing to join the program, stating, “We need the best we can be for our kids, and there are countless teachers around Akron who would love to be here.”
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
