Every elementary school in the Sycamore Community Schools district ranks in the top 4% of Ohio elementary campuses, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2026 rankings.

Blue Ash Elementary, Maple Dale Elementary, Montgomery Elementary and Symmes Elementary each earned the distinction, the district announced Wednesday, Aug. 26. That's every elementary campus in the district. Symmes Elementary is located in Sycamore Township.

U.S. News evaluates schools using public state assessment data in two categories: math and reading proficiency, which measures overall student achievement on state standardized tests, and performance versus expectations, which weighs test results against student body demographics. The outlet first began publishing elementary and middle school rankings in 2021, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The 2026 rankings, released in October 2025, examined 103,391 pre-K, elementary and middle schools nationally. Dr. LaMont Jones, U.S. News managing editor for education, said in an October 2025 news release that the rankings "highlight institutions that excel in fostering student achievement and providing exceptional learning environments for all."

The recognition adds to a strong year for the district. Sycamore High School was separately ranked in the top 3% nationally by U.S. News, earning the No. 516 spot among nearly 18,000 public high schools evaluated. That ranking, announced Tuesday, Aug. 18, placed SHS at No. 18 in Ohio and No. 8 in the Cincinnati metro area with an overall score of 97.12 out of 100.

Sycamore Community Schools serves approximately 6,051 students across seven schools, including the four elementary campuses, a junior high, an intermediate middle school and the high school.

The district said the elementary recognition reflects the work of teachers, staff, students and families in maintaining high academic standards and student support.

Families can check the district website for upcoming board meeting dates.