Pickerington Schools Continue to Exceed State Standards

Confront Literacy and Readiness Challenges
September 15, 2025

Pickerington Local School District (PLSD) earned a 4-star overall rating on the 2024-2025 Ohio School Report Card, exceeding state standards for the third straight year. While the District’s rating dipped slightly, district leaders say the report shows both clear strengths, and areas requiring focused attention.

“This report card reflects the dedication of our teachers, administrators, students, and families,” said Superintendent Dr. Charles Smialek. “We are proud of the consistent growth in key areas and will continue addressing challenges like early literacy and post-graduation readiness with the sense of urgency our community expects.”

2024-2025 REPORT CARD HIGHLIGHTS

  • Overall Rating: 4 stars – Exceeds Standards for third year in a row
  • Gap Closing: 5 stars (Significantly Exceeds Standards)
  • Achievement: 4 stars; Progress: 4 stars; Graduation: 4 stars
  • Gifted, English Learner progress, and absenteeism reduction: 5 of 5 stars earned
  • Early Literacy: 2 stars; College, Career & Workforce Readiness: 2 stars (incomplete reporting for 2023 – 2024 data)

School Successes

  • Toll Gate Elementary and Toll Gate Middle School earned 5-star overall ratings.
  • Three schools earned 4.5 stars, eight schools scored 4 stars, with only one school at 3 stars.
  • Pickerington Elementary School improved from 3.5 to 4 stars, with gains in Achievement and Early Literacy.
  • Ten schools earned 5 stars in Gap Closing, while four others received 4 stars.

Areas for Growth

  • Early Literacy: The District is strengthening K-3 Tier I instruction practices, while refining Tier II and Tier III supports.
  • Post-Secondary Readiness: PLSD continues to refine and expand our College Credit Plus and career-technical opportunities while improving accuracy in readiness data reporting.

“Every student deserves a high-quality education built on a strong foundation of literacy, ” said Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Alesia Gillison.  “Our priority is to strengthen daily classroom instruction and ensure that every student is prepared for success beyond high school whether their path leads to college, a career, the military, or entrepreneurship. We are committed to opening doors, expanding opportunities, and equipping our students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in life.”

“As our District is growing and our needs continue to evolve, Pickerington students are excelling, and this report card proves it. With continued partnership across our community, we will keep improving until every child is prepared to succeed.”

For more information about the Ohio School Report Card, visit the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce website or Pickerington Local Schools at www.plsd.us.