Original Research by School Decision on Field High School
Field High School serves a student body of about mid-sized enrollment for a rural high school, drawn from Field Local's coverage of Mogadore and Kent in Portage County, Ohio. The school sits in Mogadore, a small industrial village on the Akron fringe where manufacturing and logistics operations anchor the local economy alongside modest residential neighborhoods. Housing in the area is modestly priced relative to national benchmarks and to state averages; the median home value in the school's zip code has appreciated modestly year-over-year, and rental affordability is reasonable by national standards, making the area accessible to working families.
Field High's academic profile shows uneven strength across subjects. In English language arts, proficiency is solid and sits above the midpoint for comparable schools in Portage County. Social studies proficiency is a clear strength. Science proficiency is moderate, and math proficiency is noticeably lower, sitting below the county midpoint. Because only one year of state testing data was available at the time of this review, it is not possible to assess whether these gaps are stable patterns or recent shifts; a parent may want to ask the school directly about math performance trends and any supports or interventions underway. About a third of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting a working-class and lower-middle-class enrollment base.
The school's student composition is predominantly white, with very small populations across other racial and ethnic groups. Data on special education and English learner populations were not available; this may reflect the nature of the school's student base or missing reporting. The four-year graduation rate was not provided in the available data, so a parent should request that figure directly from the school or district.
Field Local District itself benefits from stable fiscal footing. In late 2023, voters approved operating levy renewals that secured the district's funding through the next several years without a tax increase. This matters in context: neighboring districts in Portage County, including Mogadore and Ravenna, have experienced repeated levy failures and are managing under state fiscal watch or caution, with reported cuts to staffing, class size increases, and fees for extracurricular participation. Field's stability is therefore a genuine operational advantage for a family considering the area.
Mogadore itself is a working community with limited walkability. The village clusters civic and school functions along South Cleveland Avenue and near Lions Community Park, a 43-acre recreation area with athletic fields, courts, and trails. The area is car-dependent; Interstate 76 runs along the east side, and Akron METRO bus service is available. The village has seen flat population for two decades, but recent home-building activity—including new townhouse and single-family construction—suggests a modest return of housing demand. The school's location within a stable district, combined with reasonable housing costs and recent renewal levies, positions it as a viable option for families in the working manufacturing corridor south of Akron who want their high school to operate without the funding squeeze affecting neighboring districts.
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