Quality Profile

Gahanna-Jefferson Community,

In these early months of the school year, I am reminded that each season brings its own opportunities to Inspire Learners and Build Futures. At GJPS, we celebrate every season of success, whether it’s fresh starts in the fall, recognitions in the spring or milestones we reach all year long.

As we look forward to this year of growth, I’m thrilled to share an ambitious aspiration for the future of our school district: Rise to Five. Rise to Five represents our commitment to rank in the top 5% of all public school districts in Ohio by 2030, and solidify our reputation as a premier destination for both learning and living.

This challenging, yet absolutely achievable, journey is built on our fundamental belief that academic excellence and genuine student care go hand-in-hand. At GJPS, we are committed to supporting the whole child while maintaining high expectations for every student.

Achieving this benchmark requires more than just our dedicated staff, students and their families; it demands the support of all of us, including residents and businesses, who recognize that a top-tier school system is the cornerstone of a thriving community. Together, we will continue to grow throughout the year, building success in every season.

I invite you to partner with us as we endeavor to secure a bright future for our students and the Gahanna-Jefferson community.

Sincerely,

Tracey R. Deagle, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, a suburban community in northeast Franklin County, ensures high-quality learning experiences is our top priority, encouraging critical thinking and preparing our graduates for careers, college and beyond.

Taking a Glance

• 8,400+ student enrollment
• 1 preschool, 7 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 1 high school
• 1,050+ total staff members
• 55+ Languages Spoken
• 7.6% of students are English language learners
• 17.5% of students identified with disabilities
• GJPS hosts an inclusive preschool program that currently supports 122 peer models and 131 students with disabilities.

What do you LOVE about the Back to School season at GJPS?

“Every day I get the opportunity to work with colleagues who have become close friends and make a difference in the lives of students. The start of the school year especially is a time filled with hope and a natural “fresh start” that all students and staff deserve.” - Ian Jinks, Social Studies Teacher, Middle School West    

 “I love being back at Blacklick because the people here make it feel like one big family. The teachers make learning fun and push us to do our best. I am excited to see who is in my class and what fun things we will learn this year. Blacklick represents PRIDE at its best.”  - Cannon Hardimon, Blacklick Elementary, Grade 5  

“What excites me most as a parent about back to school are the endless possibilities each new school year brings. It’s a chance for my children to discover new interests, learn from inspiring teachers, become more independent, build lasting friendships, and grow academically and personally.” - Ugochi Akoi, GJPS Parent, Grades PK-12

“What excites me about back to school at GJPS is that GRIN has the privilege of helping students begin the year prepared and ready to learn. Through our Back-to-School Supply Drive and meal programs, we are proud to support our GJPS families in meaningful ways.” Brenda Johnston, Executive Director, GRIN

“I always love the fresh start feeling: everything polished up and the floors shining. Knowing my hard work gives the students a clean, safe and welcoming environment to learn in makes me proud to be a part of GJPS.” - Dana Eidens
Custodian, Clark Hall & Preschool

“What excites me most about the back to school season at GJPS is reconnecting with our students, staff and families, and continuing to build strong, positive relationships. Each year brings a new opportunity to create a welcoming environment where every student feels respected, valued and ready to learn.” -  Keisha Whitfield, Assistant Principal, Gahanna Lincoln High School                               

New Year, New School

The opening of the new Gahanna Lincoln High School marks a significant milestone for our District and the Gahanna-Jefferson community. As the cornerstone of our District, the high school reflects the lasting pride and commitment to excellence in class programming, performing arts and athletics shared by our students, staff, families, alumni and neighbors across GJPS.

We look forward to celebrating this achievement together at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Tours on January 10, 2026. It will be a special day to honor the legacy of Gahanna Lincoln High School by walking the halls of the historic building one last time and celebrate its bright future by exploring the incredible new Gahanna Lincoln High School. Check your mailbox soon for a detailed invitation with event information.

Progress Continues
As the new Gahanna Lincoln High School nears completion, we can turn our attention to other value-added projects with no additional cost to residents. Thanks to interest earnings from the 2020 voter-approved bonds, along with COPS and Permanent Improvement funds, the District can move forward with three additional construction projects.

Preschool Expansion (Clark Hall) Renovation begins this winter, allowing the preschool to occupy the entire first floor and bring all classes together by next school year.

Middle School West
(Anticipated completion August 2027) New competition gym, locker rooms, secured entry, athletic storage and roof replacement

Middle School South
(Anticipated completion August 2027) Additional classrooms and expanded dining area

Our Future, Built Together
The NEW Gahanna Lincoln High School will have:

500,000+ square feet
3 stories tall
2,800+ student capacity
3 distributive dining areas
130 total classrooms
1,000 auditorium capacity
2,000 gymnasium capacity
1,040 parking spaces
1 location for all learning
Enhanced security features

With Academic Growth

GJPS students are springing forward with academic growth through hands-on experiences and innovative instruction that build the skills and confidence needed to continually thrive in an everchanging world.

Gahanna Lincoln High School
The GLHS Class of 2025 is springing into a new beginning with pride, confidence and purpose.

• 613 graduates
• 96 Valedictorians
• 114 Honors Diplomas
• 22 Committed to Collegiate Sports
• 110 "Academic Award of Distinction" recipients all four years

Paving the Way to Career Success
GLHS is connecting high school students to their futures through pre-apprenticeship programs that promote academic growth and real-world experience. For example, members of the Class of 2025 gained hands-on skills in high-demand fields like information technology and performance automotive, bridging classroom learning with rewarding career opportunities.

Success Blossoms at GJPS Middle Schools
In English class, teachers are piloting CommonLit 360, a new, research-based tool to build stronger readers and writers.

For math, teachers are focusing on the Standards for Mathematical Practice, which prioritize critical thinking and applied problem-solving skills, moving beyond just memorizing math facts.

Growing Skills for Life at Our Elementary Schools
All elementary schools are successfully in their second year of implementation with new learning programs. In English, the research-based Wit & Wisdom program is helping students talk more about what they read and become stronger writers.

In Math, Bridges Core is making learning fun and engaging, which is building student confidence and a deeper understanding of concepts.

For A Lasting Impact

While classrooms may be quiet during the summer months, the work behind the scenes never slows down. From hiring top-notch teachers and staff to completing key construction, maintenance, food service and technology projects, our Operations and Human Resources Teams stay hard at work during the summer to make a lasting impact across GJPS.

Staffing for Success
Summer is one of the busiest times for our Human Resources team as they finalize hires, complete onboarding and ensure every position is filled before the first day of school. Their work behind the scenes keeps our schools ready to welcome students.

A Team of Talent

• 86 replacement and new positions filled this year
• 78% of certified staff hold a master’s degree or higher

Experience Across GJPS

• 0–10 years: 766 Staff
• 11–20 years: 196 Staff
• 21+ years: 144 Staff

Summer To Do's
This is just a small look at some of the jobs completed this summer by our OPS Teams

TRANSPORTATION

• Analyzed all routes for accuracy and efficiency
• Added four new bus routes to improve service levels

FOOD SERVICE

• Redesigned the middle school and elementary school menus to add more options for better customer satisfaction
  • Leading to more meals served so far this year

CUSTODIAL

• 22-point summer deep cleaning room checklist
• Gym floor resealing training
• Three coats of wax to high school & middle school floors

GROUNDS & MAINTENANCE

• Mulched & edged all of the schools’ beds, tree rings and playgrounds
• Added fencing around playgrounds for enhanced security
• Removed and cut dead limbs from trees around schools & inside playgrounds

TECHNOLOGY

• Cleaned & maintained over 3,500 cart-based Chromebooks
• Installed over 25 new cafeteria point-of-sale terminals
• Serviced 737 rooms, checking phones, document cameras, classroom audio systems and computers
• Resolved 1,280 support tickets

Fiscal Stewardship

To learn more about GJPS finances, check out our GJPS Finance Department’s webpage. You can also stay up to date on our Finance and Facilities by watching our Finance and Facilities Committee meeting livestreams. In the second semester, you will receive our GJPS Financial Spotlight delivered to your mailbox.