Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students is Ohio's top-ranked elementary school, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2027 state rankings released Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The Cincinnati Public Schools magnet school jumped from No. 8 last year to claim the top spot, dethroning Miller City Elementary School, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. The ranking noted reading and math proficiency at Spencer Center as "well above expectations," according to a CPS announcement.

The data cited in the rankings lists 336 students in grades 3–12 and a student-teacher ratio of approximately 12-to-1.

Students must score high on qualifying cognitive or standardized tests to attend. Based on those scores, students receive a "Gifted" or "Exceptional" designation, according to the school's website.

U.S. News based the rankings on math and reading assessment results and how schools performed relative to expectations given factors such as economic disadvantage and demographics. Schools received scores on a 100-point scale relative to other schools in their state.

The ranking gives CPS two No. 1 schools in Ohio. Walnut Hills High School was named the state's top public high school by U.S. News for the third consecutive year, according to the district.

Strong year for CPS academics

The recognition comes during a strong academic stretch for the district. CPS earned 3 stars overall on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's five-star report cards released Sept. 15, up from 2.5 stars the previous two years, the Enquirer reported. Spencer Center earned 5 stars individually.

CPS Superintendent Shauna Murphy said in a Sept. 15 press release that the district had "broken through to three stars overall," calling it "powerful momentum across a district serving more than 34,000 students."

CPS posted a Performance Index percentage of 64.4%, ahead of Cleveland’s 54.4% and Columbus’s 53.9%.

Levy vote looms Nov. 3

The academic gains arrive as CPS faces a projected $44.5 million deficit and state fiscal caution status, WCPO reported. The district must submit a financial recovery plan to the state by Nov. 30.

Voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a five-year, 7-mill property tax levy, the district's first request for new operating money in 10 years. The levy would generate about $66.3 million annually and cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $245 per year, according to CPS.

CPS Treasurer Michael Gustin warned that an unresolved deficit could eventually lead to state financial control, WCPO and Local 12 reported.

The Cincinnati Business Committee and the Regional Chamber have publicly opposed the levy, calling it "ill-advised" in letters to CPS dated Sept. 14 and Oct. 13, Local 12 reported.