The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) has once again recognized the
Cuyahoga Heights School’s (CHS) Pre-K program with its highest rating: Gold Status. Earning Gold Status means the program goes beyond basic state licensing requirements and meets rigorous quality standards in areas of curriculum, instructional practices, staff qualifications and ongoing professional development, and family engagement under the Ohio’s Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) system.
The Pre-K program has consistently earned the top SUTQ rating since 2017, receiving a 5-star rating from 2017 through 2024 and Gold Status from 2024 through 2026, when the rating system shifted from stars to the new Bronze, Silver, and Gold ranking system.
“This recognition reflects the intentional work and daily commitment to excellence demonstrated by our teachers to support children’s learning, growth, and readiness for kindergarten,” Preschool Coordinator Kelly Cummins explained. “Through play-based learning, early literacy development, and social-emotional learning, the Pre-K program provides the foundation that CHS’s youngest students need as they take their first steps on their academic journey.”
Located at Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School, the Pre-K program includes teachers Logan Zastawny, Kelsey Healy, and Kyle Manfredonia, and Educational Aides Allison Davis and Melodi Dominic.
