Cuyahoga Falls City School District educators have secured more than $177,000 in grant funding to support innovative classroom projects, expand student opportunities, and provide resources that align with Ohio’s Learning Standards. 

Through the generosity of community partners and educational foundations, teachers across the district will be able to enhance learning experiences, strengthen student engagement, and create new opportunities that support academic achievement and the goals outlined in the district’s Strategic Plan.

The Cuyahoga Falls High School Fresh Farm Garden program received a transformative $100,000 grant from the American Endowment Foundation to support its expansion.

The American Endowment Foundation grant supports programs that help address childhood food insecurity in Northeast Ohio. Funding will allow the Fresh Farm Garden program to significantly expand its capacity by constructing a high tunnel, enabling students and staff to extend the growing season and provide more fresh vegetables to students and families in need.

Additional grant-funded improvements will include the purchase of hydroponic growing systems, a vermicomposting system, and a variety of tools, materials, and supplies to increase the program’s growing capacity and create expanded hands-on learning opportunities for students.

In addition, the GAR Foundation awarded $52,980 to six projects across the district:

• Cuyahoga Falls High School: Project Respawn — $8,970

• Cuyahoga Falls Middle School & High School: Making It Happen—Engagement through Maker-Centered Learning — $10,000

• Elizabeth Price Elementary School: EdVentures in Music Therapy — $5,000

• Gordon DeWitt Elementary School: DeWitt Lego Learning Lab — $9,640

• Richardson Elementary School: If You Give a Kid a Ball! — $10,000

• Richardson Elementary School: Our Stories, Our Voices — $9,370

These projects will provide students with hands-on learning experiences, opportunities for creativity and collaboration, enhanced social-emotional learning supports, and innovative instructional approaches that engage students in meaningful ways.

The Cuyahoga Falls Schools Foundation & Alumni Association also awarded $24,250 in grants to 24 teacher teams throughout the district. These grants will provide educators with funding for classroom resources and instructional materials designed to enrich learning and support student success.

“These grants are an investment in our students and the innovative learning experiences that help them grow academically, socially, and personally,” said Dr. Andrea Celico, Superintendent of Cuyahoga Falls City School District. “We are grateful to the American Endowment Foundation, the GAR Foundation, and the Cuyahoga Falls Schools Foundation & Alumni Association for their partnership and generosity. Their support allows our teachers to bring creative ideas to life and provide meaningful opportunities that directly benefit our students.”

Cuyahoga Falls City School District is proud to announce that its preschool program has earned a Gold rating through Ohio’s Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rating system.

Step Up To Quality is a three-level quality rating and improvement system that recognizes and promotes early care and education programs that exceed Ohio’s minimum health and safety licensing requirements. Achieving a Gold rating reflects the district’s strong commitment to delivering high-quality early learning experiences for young children.

This marks the first year the district has operated its preschool program, which provides inclusive, high-quality early education for both students with special needs and their peer role models. The program emphasizes a strong developmental foundation, preparing students for success as they transition into kindergarten.

This accomplishment was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the district’s Department of Teaching and Learning, Special Education Department, and dedicated preschool staff, all of whom worked together to establish a program grounded in excellence.

Superintendent Andrea Celico praised the collective effort behind the recognition. “I am incredibly proud of the collaborative work across our departments to ensure our youngest learners receive the best possible education and a strong foundation for kindergarten.  I am also grateful to the preschool team who work extremely hard to meet the needs of our youngest learners,” she said.

The Gold rating highlights Cuyahoga Falls City School District’s ongoing commitment to early childhood education and its focus on creating supportive, high-quality learning environments for every student.

The Cuyahoga Falls City School District has once again been recognized among the nation’s leaders in music education, earning the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education award from The NAMM Foundation for the ninth consecutive year.

Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education program highlights school districts and individual schools across the United States that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing students with access to high-quality music education. The recognition reflects a district-wide commitment to ensuring that music remains an essential component of a well-rounded education for all students.

The award program reaches K–12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education opportunities. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools were honored for their dedication to equitable access and excellence in music learning.

“This continued recognition is a testament to the dedication of our music educators, students, families, and community,” said Superintendent Andrea Celico. “We are proud to provide opportunities that inspire creativity, collaboration, and lifelong appreciation for the arts.”

The district’s sustained success underscores its commitment to fostering an inclusive and comprehensive music program that supports student growth both academically and artistically.

The Cuyahoga Falls City School District is proud to announce that several of its schools have recently been recognized by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for outstanding academic achievement, instructional excellence, and commitment to student support.

Richardson Elementary School and Cuyahoga Falls High School have both earned the 2025 Momentum Award, a distinction awarded to schools that demonstrate significant improvement in academic achievement while continuing to show sustained student growth. This recognition highlights the dedication of educators and students to continuous progress and high expectations.

In addition, DeWitt Elementary School and Richardson Elementary School were honored with the 2026 Governor’s Science of Reading Award. This award recognizes schools that effectively implement evidence-based literacy practices aligned with the science of reading while achieving measurable gains in student learning. The recognition reflects a strong commitment to foundational literacy and instructional excellence in early education.

Further adding to these accomplishments, DeWitt Elementary School has been named to the Class of 2026 Purple Star Schools, joining Richardson, Lincoln, and Preston Elementary Schools in receiving this distinction. The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families through intentional programming, resources, and community engagement.

“These recognitions are a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and commitment of our staff, students, and families,” said Superintendent Andrea Celico. “We are incredibly proud of our school communities for their focus on growth, innovation, and support for all learners.”

The district remains committed to fostering academic excellence and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.