Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin have announced the 109 Ohio schools that earned the Governor’s Science of Reading Champions Award for 2026.
The Governor’s Science of Reading Champions Awards recognize schools that stand out for their commitment to the Science of Reading and their work using this method to improve student engagement and literacy outcomes.
Five school districts had at least four of their schools earn the 2026 Governor’s Science of Reading Champions Award, including Lakota Local Schools (6), Kettering City Schools (5), Medina City Schools (5), Upper Arlington City Schools (5), and Akron Public Schools (4).
The Governor first announced the Science of Reading Champions Award in 2025 as part of his ongoing efforts to highlight the effectiveness of the Science of Reading as the best method for teaching Ohio students to read. The inaugural class of awardees included 48 schools. These schools retain their designation as Science of Reading Champions following the announcement of this year’s new class of champions.
Read the list of the 2026 awardees on the Department’s webpage.
There are 12 schools on this year's list in Region 10 and we congratulate everyone's efforts and recognition!