Bellaire Middle caught up in state testing review

Anomalies in state testing being scrutinized at schools across Ohio

COLUMBUS -- Schools in three area school districts, including Bellaire Local Schools, are among 52 school buildings across the state under investigation for alleged anomalies in their spring 2026 state test results, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce said.

ODEW said the investigation began more than a month ago after Columbus City Schools self-reported testing anomalies at two high schools.

"As part of that ongoing investigation, DEW took the proactive step of directing its state testing vendor to launch a comprehensive review of statewide testing data to determine whether any other anomalies occurred at other school buildings across Ohio," ODEW said.

Local schools being looked at are:

– Bellaire Middle School.

– Steubenville City Schools: East Garfield Elementary School, Pugliese West Elementary, McKinley STEM Academy, Wells Academy, Harding Middle School and Steubenville High School.

– Indian Creek: Hills Elementary School.

In a statement released Tuesday, Steubenville City Schools said only that "certain state testing results" had been identified for further review "based on statistical anomalies."

That statement also pointed out that a statistical anomaly "is a flag for further review and does not, by itself, establish that improper testing practices occurred."

"The district is taking this matter seriously and is cooperating fully with the state's review process," the release read. "As part of that process, the district will review testing procedures, relevant records, and information from staff involved in test administration."

The statement also said the district is committed to "a thorough, fair, and transparent review and to maintaining the integrity of its testing program," and, because the review is ongoing, "the district will not make any further statements."

The investigation was initiated just over a month ago after Columbus City Schools self-reported testing anomalies at two high schools.

"As part of that ongoing investigation, DEW took the proactive step of directing its state testing vendor to launch a comprehensive review of statewide testing data to determine whether any other anomalies occurred at other school buildings across Ohio," ODEW said in a Sept. 4 statement. "Through that process, DEW has identified significant testing anomalies at 52 additional school buildings statewide that may result in further investigation."

Also being looked at:

George Hays-Jennie Porter School, Cincinnati Public School District; Clark School, Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School and Robinson G. Jones Elementary School in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District; Dawson-Bryant Elementary School, Lawrence County; Hillview Elementary School, Licking County; and Newton Falls Elementary School, Trumbull County.

Public community schools making the list are Akros Middle School, Summit County; Broadway Academy, Cleveland Arts and Social Sciences Academy, Cleveland Preparatory Academy, Cleveland Sports Academy, Harvard Avenue Performance Academy, Lincoln Park Academy, Thompson School for Girls, Northstar School of Innovation & Leadership, Ohio College Preparatory School, SMART Academy, STEAM Academy of Warrensville Heights and T2 Honors Academy, all in Cuyahoga County; Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, Cincinnati Technology Academy, Dublin Preparatory Academy dba Northside Preparatory Academy, Mount Auburn Preparatory Academy, Mt. Healthy Preparatory and Fitness Academy and ReGeneration Schools Avondale Elementary, all in Hamilton County; Columbus Performance Academy, Columbus Preparatory and Fitness Academy, Renaissance Academy dba Bessie Sherrod Price Preparatory Academy, South Columbus Preparatory Academy at Southfield, South Scioto Academy and Whitehall Preparatory and Fitness Academy, all in Franklin County; Focus Learning Academy of Central Columbus, Northland Preparatory and Fitness Academy and Performance Academy Eastland, Franklin County; Klepinger Community School, Montgomery County; Middletown Preparatory & Fitness Academy, Butler County; Rise & Shine Academy, SunBridge Schools and Toledo Preparatory and Fitness Academy, all in Lucas County; Sheffield Academy, Lorain County; Southside Academy, Mahoning County; Springfield Preparatory and Fitness Academy, Clark County; and Trotwood Preparatory & Fitness Academy, Montgomery County.

ODEW said the matter "remains the subject of an ongoing investigation."