Sycamore High School scored 97.12 out of 100 in the U.S. News & World Report 2026-27 Best High Schools rankings, placing it No. 516 out of nearly 18,000 public high schools evaluated nationwide and in the top 3% in the country.
For Symmes Township families whose children attend Sycamore Community Schools, the ranking reinforces what recent graduating classes have demonstrated: the district's only high school consistently produces college-ready students. Seventy-nine percent of the Class of 2025's 455 graduates enrolled in four-year colleges, with an average ACT composite of 26.
The school also ranked No. 18 in Ohio, No. 8 among Cincinnati metro area high schools and No. 290 nationally for STEM, according to the district's announcement published Aug. 18.
U.S. News bases its evaluations on performance on state-required tests, graduation rates and overall college readiness.
Behind the ranking
Sycamore High offers 28 Advanced Placement courses, 21 accelerated or honors courses and nine College Credit Plus courses. Fifty-five percent of students participate in AP coursework, according to U.S. News data. The Class of 2025 produced 15 National Merit Finalists and 20 National Merit Commended students.
The numbers add up.
The district serves about 6,051 students across seven schools, drawing from Blue Ash, Montgomery and portions of Sycamore and Symmes townships. Sycamore High, at 7400 Cornell Road in Cincinnati, is the district's only high school. The district describes itself as one of the most diverse schools in Ohio, welcoming students from 55 countries.
Superintendent Chad Lewis has led the district since 2021. Principal Greg Pottebaum leads the high school, according to the school's current profile. In its announcement, the district credited its educators, students and community for sustaining a culture of academic excellence.
November levy
The ranking arrives as the district prepares to ask voters to approve a combination current expense and permanent improvement levy on Nov. 3. The five-member board, led by President Victor Harris, voted to place the measure on the ballot at its June 9 work session. Specific millage details have not been publicly released.
The board's next regular meeting is Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Kenwood Learning Commons, 11120 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati.
