MINGO JUNCTION — For the third consecutive year, Hills Elementary School has been included among the rankings published in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Elementary Schools.

Officials learned earlier this month that Hills was included in the 2026 Best Elementary Schools list and was in the top 40 percent of schools rated among more than 1,500 buildings ranked in Ohio and in the top 10 percent of all 2,989 public schools statewide. Schools are ranked according to their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for high school, and Hills showed that 87 percent of students scored at or above the proficient level for math with 72 percent of students scoring at or above that level for reading. Plus, reading performance was found to be well above expectations.

“We published our 2026 Best Elementary Schools rankings, and the news is great for Hills Elementary School. Your school placed among the top 40 percent of elementary school in the state of Ohio, making it a U.S. News Best Elementary School,” stated Mark W. White, vice president of U.S. News & World Report.

Hills did comparatively better in those subjects compared with students across Ohio. Statewide, only 57 percent of pupils tested at or above the proficient level for reading while 53 percent were found to be proficient in math.

The school includes 371 students in grades PreK-4 with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. The student population is made up of 50 percent female students and 50 percent male students while at least 73 percent of the pupils enrolled are economically disadvantaged. The school employs 20 full-time teachers and one full-time school counselor. White added that the school’s high ranking earned it a U.S. News-trademarked Best Elementary Schools award badge for display on the school website, social media and other locations, plus officials could acquire customized plaques and banners for further promotion of Hills’ achievement.

Principal Erin Alloggia attributed the designation to the hard work of students and staff for making it all possible.

“This is our third consecutive year,” Aloggia said, adding that Hills was included in the rankings in 2023 and 2024. “It’s based on last year’s state test scores. The faculty oversees data to develop our instruction and teachers meet weekly to review the data, and we meet monthly as a building leadership team to go over that data to make sure the kids are making strides, moving forward and succeeding.”

She continued that educators work as a team to find ways of meeting goals to ensure the students’ success. The school’s performance index–or level of learning growth–has remained consistent and Alloggia said the use of paraprofessionals, intervention specialists and others to assist the students makes a difference.

“We utilize parapros and intervention specialists to help support teachers in class and to help the kids. We have a lot of transient students and give support to them,” she said. “We also have our specials teachers take part in reinforcement tiered intervention and the librarian and gym teacher have extra time and work with the students and teachers are reading together program, plus we utilize gifted teachers to support growth in gifted students.

“These test scores are based on foundational skills. Once they enter Hills, they are Hills kids. We’re a family and we all have to be part of it to succeed.”

Superintendent T.C. Chappelear praised the school for its accomplishment, saying it was a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.

“It’s a great honor and recognizes the hard work that the students, staff and parents do at Hills to provide a great education,” Chappelear commented.