On September 15, the Ohio Department of Education released its 2024–2025 School Report Card, which included for the first time a measure on College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness. Dublin City Schools was one of only two districts in Central Ohio to receive four stars in this category, indicating the district exceeds state standards in preparing students for post-graduation opportunities.

The readiness measure looks at how well students are prepared for a range of pathways, including higher education, employment, and service in the military. The data is based on the 2024 four-year graduation cohort and reflects the state’s effort to track not only high school completion but also what happens next.

While the statewide average shows 57 percent of graduates enrolled in a post-secondary option upon leaving high school, Dublin City Schools reported 80.6 percent—well above the state benchmark. District leaders say this is the result of intentional work to build programs and supports that connect students to future opportunities.

Dublin has developed a team within its Teaching and Learning Department dedicated to Pathways and College and Career Planning. The work is led by Pathways Counselor Kevin Patton and Coordinator of Secondary Pathways & Partnerships Jen Hinderer, who design experiences that help students explore and prepare for a variety of options after high school.

Throughout the year, the district hosts a series of events designed to give families practical tools and access to resources. The Pathways to Success series launched this fall with a College & Career Fair at Emerald Campus on September 24, featuring representatives from health sciences, agriculture, environmental sciences, public administration, safety, and government. Additional events include Financial Aid and FAFSA Night, with guidance from experts at The Ohio State University, and sessions on the college selection process led by admissions professionals.

Teachers and school counselors across the district also play a critical role in this work. They are on the frontlines, encouraging students to think about their futures, connecting classroom learning to real-world opportunities, and guiding conversations about college, careers, and beyond. Their daily interactions with students help ensure that readiness is not just a program, but part of the culture in every school building.

These efforts reflect Dublin City Schools’ mission to ensure students graduate prepared for the future, whether that means continuing their education, entering the workforce, or serving their country. The new state report card measure offers one way to quantify that preparation, and this year’s results highlight the district’s ongoing work to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need for success beyond high school.