'They shut down Main Street for us.' Akron Early College celebrates success

At Akron Early College High School , student academic success often comes with a celebratory email from the principal. They may even celebrate with an ice cream social.

This year, it came with a parade .

On Nov. 5, the students celebrated like champions after Akron Early College topped every other Ohio high school in overall points on the state report card for the third consecutive year.

Led by a banner that reads "#1 High School in Ohio," hundreds of Akron Early College students paraded down South Main Street in downtown Akron, holding hand-drawn spirit signs, noise makers and pompoms. They were joined by the school's cheerleaders, pep band, Akron Early College's Wallaroo mascot, the University of Akron's Zippy mascot, a Swensons food truck and city first responders.

Cheers erupted as the students streamed into Lock 3, where more than 150 family members, alumni, community leaders and residents greeted them for a community rally.

"They shut down Main Street for us," Akron Early College Principal Tom O'Neil said from the Lock 3 stage. "That's a big deal."

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The celebration included a congressional commendation and proclamations from the Ohio House of Representatives and the city of Akron that recognized Akron Early College's top ranking among 9-12 schools in Ohio in overall points for the past three years. On the latest report card, the high school of roughly 400 students, 15 teachers and seven staff earned 4.96 points out of a maximum of 5 for overall points, which combine the scores schools receive for achievement, graduation, college readiness, progress and gap closing.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik also declared Nov. 5, 2026, as Akron Early College High School Day.

"On days in the future that are tough, I want you to remember this moment," said Malik, a 2009 Firestone High School graduate. "And remember, you can do anything."

Akron Public Schools Superintendent Mary Outley and school board President Barbara Sykes emphasized that Akron Early College's success demonstrates what can happen when a community invests and rallies behind its students.

"This celebration is about more than just being No. 1," Sykes said. "It's about what happens when opportunity meets preparation, when high expectations are met with strong support and when an entire community believes in its children."

The high school, which was established in 2007, is a partnership between Akron Public Schools and the University of Akron. Located on the university's campus, Akron Early College is designed for first-generation college students.

Prospective students must submit an application and letters of recommendation to show they are capable of taking on an increasing amount of college-level work. Students often graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree.

Angel Haslam and Saviona Finney, who both graduated from Akron Early College in May, said they are happy the school, students and staff got the public recognition they deserve.

"We kind of miss out on the high school experience so having this celebration is really nice," said Haslam, a University of Akron business student who was part of the Akron Early College class that excelled on the latest Ohio report card, which reflects test scores from the 2025-2026 school year.

Students said they loved the event, especially celebrating the accomplishment with their classmates, teachers and other school staff that make the school feel like a community.

"Even though the school is small, our love for each other is big," said sophomore Lailah Jenkins, who is a member of the cheerleading squad, which debuted a special performance for the event.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 'They shut down Main Street for us.' Akron Early College celebrates success