The Steubenville and surrounding Ohio Valley communities value strong public education, and this year's reader's poll highlights outstanding institutions in both Ohio and West Virginia. These five award winners represent excellence in academic programs, student support, and commitment to the local community. Congratulations to the recipients of the Best of the Best Reader's Choice Awards 2025 for Public Schools.
Brooke Middle School (5 Bruin Drive, Wellsburg, WV 26070) is highly recognized in the Brooke County School district, achieving the status of a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. The school stands out for its rigorous, specialized PLTW courses, including Flight and Space, Computer Science, and Medical Detectives for its 6th and 7th graders. This curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking and hands-on learning, integrating STEM education throughout the middle school experience.
The Indian Creek Local School District (100 Park Dr, Wintersville, OH 43953) is celebrated for its commitment to Future Readiness and Academic Excellence across all its campuses. Serving several communities in Jefferson County, Ohio, the district offers a dynamic learning environment featuring a 1:1 Chromebook-to-student ratio and diverse programs like Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. The district's mission emphasizes providing the time and support necessary for every student to succeed and be ready for college enrollment, employment, or military enlistment.
The Steubenville City School District (611 North 4th Street, Steubenville, OH 43952) is honored for its dedication to transforming lives by inspiring students every day. The district's high school was recently ranked a top-performing high school by U.S. News and World Report. SCS offers extensive academic opportunities, including advanced coursework and specialized STEM programs such as Project Lead The Way and SeaPerch Underwater Robotics. The district is also noted for its holistic approach to student well-being, which includes implementing advanced security measures and partnering with outside agencies to provide on-site health and counseling services.
Hills Elementary School (2281 Wilson Ave, Mingo Junction, OH 43938) is an award-winning K-4 school and a key part of the Indian Creek Local School District. This elementary institution is known for fostering high academic achievement in core subjects like math and reading. The school provides a supportive, early-learning environment, which includes a comprehensive preschool program, ensuring students have a strong foundation as they progress into the upper grades.
Pugliese West Elementary School (435 John Scott Highway, Steubenville, OH 43952) is a highly decorated elementary school, earning the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School award and the 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Launch Distinguished School designation. The school uses the research-based "Success for All" curriculum for literacy and math and prioritizes hands-on learning through features like its interactive Lego Lab and various project-based learning experiences. Pugliese West's commitment to excellence is reflected in its highly rated Five-Star preschool program.
Thanks, Gemini.