The top reported proficiency rate is 72% in Social studies. The lowest is 48% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Southeast Junior High School
Southeast Junior High School serves grades six through eight in Diamond, a small rural unincorporated community in Portage County, and is part of the Southeast Local School District. The school sits on a consolidated campus a few miles west of Diamond proper, along Tallmadge Road in Palmyra Township. The student body numbers roughly medium-sized for a middle school, with roughly equal enrollment across the three grade levels. About half of the student population qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, and the enrollment is predominantly white, with very small representation across other racial and ethnic groups.
On Ohio's State Tests in 2024-25, the school's proficiency rates show a mixed picture. In English language arts, about half of tested students reached proficiency. Math proficiency sits at roughly the same level. Science is notably stronger, with proficiency substantially higher than in the two other subjects. All students participate in the state assessments. The school's overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Portage County, suggesting its performance lags behind the median school in the region. A parent may want to look into whether the school offers targeted support in mathematics and ELA, and what instructional approaches are in place to close those gaps.
The school is part of a district that, as of October 2023, pulled its first general permanent improvement levy from the ballot. The district continues to fund capital expenditures like buses, technology, and building improvements through its operating budget rather than a dedicated levy. Parents considering the school should understand this funding structure, since it means infrastructure investments compete with day-to-day operational costs and may constrain future upgrade or modernization plans.
Diamond itself is a residential rural crossroads with minimal commercial activity. Civic institutions, including the township hall, fire station, post office, and church, cluster along State Route along with a small township park. The school campus is physically separated from the community center by several miles. Housing values in the 44412 ZIP code align slightly below the state median, and mortgage costs remain accessible relative to national benchmarks. The community sits within commuting distance of the Akron metropolitan area, accessible via Interstate 76, and shows a stable, low-growth trajectory with no active new development identified.
The school serves a straightforward middle school purpose without specialized programs or magnet designations. Civil rights data on students with disabilities or English learners was not available in the data provided.
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