The 30 Best Elementary Schools in Ohio: Rankings and Performance
Ohio’s elementary schools play a fundamental role in establishing the academic foundation for thousands of students across the state.
Parents and families consistently seek high-performing institutions that offer strong educational programs, qualified teachers, and supportive learning environments for their children.
This comprehensive analysis examines thirty of Ohio’s top-performing elementary schools, evaluating factors such as academic achievement, school culture, and educational resources.
The schools featured represent diverse communities throughout the state, from urban districts to suburban and rural areas, each demonstrating excellence in elementary education through various metrics and approaches to student development.
Here are the 30 best elementary schools in Ohio:
30. Gahanna Lincoln Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School serves 720-724 students in grades K-5 in Gahanna, Ohio. The school operates within the Gahanna-Jefferson City School District in a suburban setting.
The new Lincoln Elementary building opened in August 2021, marking the district’s first new school construction in 27 years. The facility features 30 classrooms with five classrooms per grade level to accommodate up to 750 students.
Academic performance shows 54% of students are proficient in math and 64% are proficient in reading based on state test scores. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1.
Lincoln Elementary offers a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students. The building incorporates smart classroom technology and includes sensory spaces designed to support diverse learning needs.
The school is located at 261 Helmbright Drive in Gahanna, with school hours from 8:05 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
29. Clark Elementary School
Clark Elementary School operates within the Cleveland Municipal School District in Cleveland, Ohio. The school serves students from grades 1 through 12, making it a comprehensive educational institution rather than a traditional elementary-only facility.
The school enrolls 627 students across its grade levels. It maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 19.6 students per educator, which falls within typical ranges for public schools in Ohio.
Clark Elementary ranks as the 274th largest public elementary school in Ohio. On a national scale, it holds the position of 9,746th largest among elementary schools across the United States.
The school is situated in Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton neighborhood. This urban location provides students with access to city resources while serving the local community’s educational needs.
The institution operates as part of the broader Cleveland Municipal School District system.
28. Big Walnut Elementary School
Big Walnut Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 4 in Sunbury, Ohio. The school is located at 940 South Old 3C Road within the Big Walnut Local School District.
The school currently enrolls 389 students. It operates from 8:35 AM to 3:00 PM on regular school days.
Big Walnut Elementary School receives an 8 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools. The school ranks in the top 20% of all Ohio schools for overall test scores in mathematics and other subjects.
The school is ranked #379 among the best public elementary schools in Ohio. It receives a B+ overall grade for its academic performance and student outcomes.
Big Walnut Elementary School performs above average compared to other public and charter schools in Ohio that serve similar grade levels. The school demonstrates strong student progress metrics alongside its test score achievements.
27. Monroe Elementary School
Monroe Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all public schools in Ohio. The school serves 566 students in grades prekindergarten through fifth grade.
Located in New Richmond, Ohio, Monroe Elementary operates as part of the Monroe Local School District. The school maintains a 4-out-of-5-star rating from SchoolDigger.
Students at Monroe Elementary consistently demonstrate strong academic performance. Proficiency rates exceed state averages in both mathematics and English language arts.
The school offers specialized programming including a Gifted and Talented program for advanced learners. Monroe Elementary is one of two elementary schools within the Monroe Local School District.
The institution has earned recognition for its dedicated teaching staff and comprehensive educational approach. Test scores reflect the school’s commitment to academic excellence across all grade levels.
26. Perry Local Elementary School
Perry Elementary School serves students from prekindergarten through 4th grade in the Perry Local School District. The school is located in Perry, Ohio, approximately 30 minutes east of Cleveland.
The school enrolls 545 students and ranks within the top 20% of all public elementary schools in Ohio. Perry Elementary has earned a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger’s ranking system.
Students at Perry Elementary consistently perform above state averages on Ohio’s standardized tests. The school’s proficiency rates demonstrate strong academic achievement across grade levels.
The Perry Local School District has been educating children since 1887. The district serves approximately 1,400 students from Perry Village, Perry Township, and North Perry Village.
Perry Elementary operates as part of a larger district that includes Perry High School, Edison Middle School, Pfeiffer Intermediate School, and Lohr Elementary.
25. Granville Intermediate School
Granville Intermediate School ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in Ohio. The school serves 589 students in grades 4-6 with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1.
Located in Granville, Ohio, the school demonstrates strong academic performance. State test scores show 91% of students achieve at least proficient levels in math and 88% in reading.
The school operates as part of the Granville Exempted Village School District. It offers a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students.
Granville Intermediate School is one of two elementary schools in its district. The institution consistently ranks among Ohio’s top-performing schools based on academic achievement metrics.
24. Fernway Elementary School – Shaker Heights
Fernway Elementary School serves students in the Shaker Heights City School District. The school is part of a district that has received recognition for educational excellence in Ohio.
The Shaker Heights City School District operates five elementary schools serving kindergarten through fourth grade students. These schools provide academic programs designed to support diverse student populations.
Fernway Elementary benefits from being located in Shaker Heights, a community known for seeking families who value quality education. The district encompasses the city of Shaker Heights and a portion of Cleveland near Shaker Square.
Recent rankings have placed several Shaker Heights elementary schools among Ohio’s best for grades K-8. The district maintains its reputation for educational leadership in its second century of operation.
Students at Fernway Elementary have access to the resources and programs that make Shaker Heights schools attractive to families prioritizing academic achievement.
23. S.A. Smith Elementary School
S.A. Smith Elementary School ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in Ohio. The school is located in Dayton and serves 514 students across grades 1-6.
The school operates within the Oakwood Schools district. Oakwood Schools has received recognition for its STEM programs from AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
The district earned the Emerging STEM Credential through JASON Learning. This award recognizes progress in building strong STEM learning environments for students.
Smith Elementary benefits from the district’s commitment to innovative educational approaches. The school’s high ranking reflects its academic performance and educational quality.
The STEM certification process involved rigorous evaluation by the district’s STEM Champion Committee. This team includes staff members and administrators focused on enhancing science and technology education.
22. Madeira Elementary School
Madeira Elementary School ranks in the top 5% of all public elementary schools in Ohio. The Cincinnati school maintains a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for three consecutive years.
The school serves 738 students in grades K-4. It operates with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1.
Academic performance stands out significantly. State test scores show 93% of students achieve proficiency in mathematics and 88% in reading.
Madeira Elementary offers a Gifted & Talented program for qualified students. The school is one of two elementary schools in the Madeira City School District.
The institution earned eligibility for a U.S. News Best Elementary Schools award badge. This recognition acknowledges the school’s educational excellence and high academic standards.
21. Moraine Elementary School
Moraine Elementary School serves the Moraine community in southwestern Ohio. The school operates within a district that emphasizes academic achievement and student growth.
The elementary program focuses on building strong foundational skills in reading and mathematics. Teachers work to create supportive learning environments for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Moraine offers various educational programs designed to meet diverse student needs. The school maintains smaller class sizes to provide more individualized attention to each student.
The district has implemented standards-based curriculum aligned with state requirements. Students participate in regular assessments to track their academic progress throughout the school year.
Moraine Elementary School provides extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities beyond core academic subjects. The school works to engage families in their children’s educational experience through various community involvement initiatives.
20. Waterville Primary School
Waterville Primary School stands as the lone elementary school serving Waterville, Ohio, within the Anthony Wayne Local School District. The school serves 490 students across kindergarten through fourth grade.
This institution has earned recognition as a top-performing elementary school in Ohio. It maintains consistent rankings in the top 5-7% of all public elementary schools statewide.
The school holds a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger and has maintained this distinction for three consecutive years. Its performance index score places it among the top 3% of Ohio elementary schools based on recent data.
Waterville Primary has received several prestigious designations. It earned recognition as an Ohio STEAM Designated School and achieved National Blue Ribbon School status.
The school earned a 4.5-star rating on the state report card, reflecting its academic excellence and educational quality.
19. Liberty-Benton Elementary School
Liberty-Benton Elementary School stands among Ohio’s top-performing elementary institutions. The school ranks within the top 10-15% of all public elementary schools statewide.
Located in Findlay, Ohio, the school serves 602 students across grades Kindergarten through 4. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1.
Academic performance demonstrates strong results across core subjects. State test scores show 81% of students achieve proficiency in mathematics and 82% in reading.
SchoolDigger consistently awards the school a 4-star rating. This recognition reflects sustained academic excellence over multiple years.
The school operates as part of the Liberty-Benton Local School District. It offers a Gifted and Talented program for qualifying students.
Liberty-Benton Elementary emphasizes creating a respectful and safe learning environment. The faculty focuses on maximizing learning opportunities for every enrolled student.
18. Sylvania Northview Elementary School
Sylvania Northview Elementary School stands as one of the top-performing elementary institutions in Ohio. The school serves students in the Sylvania Schools district, which consistently outperforms state averages on academic measures.
The Sylvania Schools district operates seven elementary schools serving nearly 7,800 students total. Northview Elementary benefits from the district’s rigorous academic standards that exceed both state and national requirements.
Students at Sylvania Northview Elementary receive instruction aligned with Ohio’s New Learning Standards. The school maintains the district’s reputation for academic excellence while providing a comprehensive educational experience.
The Sylvania community attracts families specifically for its outstanding public school system. Northview Elementary contributes to this reputation through consistent academic performance and dedicated educational programming.
The school operates within a district known for both rigorous academics and diverse extracurricular opportunities for students.
17. Old Trail Elementary School
Old Trail School serves students from age 2 through grade 8 in Bath, Ohio. The independent day school sits on a unique 62-acre campus within Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Founded in 1920, Old Trail is the only independent school in the United States located within a national park. This setting provides distinctive outdoor learning opportunities for its 434 enrolled students.
The school ranks within the top 20% of private schools in Ohio. It offers 20 different sports programs and emphasizes experiential learning throughout its curriculum.
Old Trail’s campus includes working farm areas where students participate in hands-on activities like harvesting crops for social studies lessons. Students also engage in environmental science by testing water quality in local streams.
The coeducational school focuses on developing student leadership skills and educating the whole child. Its location in the national park allows learning to extend beyond traditional classroom settings into natural outdoor spaces.
16. Oakwood Elementary School
Oakwood Elementary School stands among Ohio’s premier educational institutions. The school serves 297 students from prekindergarten through sixth grade in Oakwood, Ohio.
This public elementary school consistently ranks within the top 8% of Ohio elementary schools. SchoolDigger awards the institution a prestigious 5-star rating for academic excellence.
The school earned recognition in the top 123 elementary schools statewide. U.S. News Education granted Oakwood Elementary School eligibility for their Best Elementary Schools award badge.
Academic performance exceeds state averages compared to similar public and charter schools in Ohio. The institution maintains its position within the top 20% of all public schools across the state.
Spring 2025 Ohio State Test results demonstrate continued academic achievement. These scores reflect the school’s commitment to educational excellence and student success in standardized assessments.
15. Monticello Elementary School
Monticello Elementary School serves 583 students in grades K-6 within the Huber Heights City School District. The school is located in Huber Heights, Ohio, in a large suburban setting.
The school offers a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students. It operates as one of six elementary schools in the district.
Monticello Elementary demonstrates strong performance among specific student populations. African American and Hispanic students at the school rank in the top 25% of Ohio elementary schools within their respective subgroups.
The school’s overall ranking places it within the bottom 50% of public elementary schools statewide. However, the targeted success of certain demographic groups indicates focused educational strategies.
Huber Heights City Schools recently completed a redistricting project with community input. This year-long initiative involved parents, educators, and community members working alongside redistricting experts.
14. Wyoming Elementary School
Wyoming Elementary School serves students in Wyoming, Ohio, a community known for its strong educational commitment. The school operates within a large suburban setting that provides students with diverse learning opportunities.
The district maintains high academic standards across its elementary programs. Students benefit from experienced teachers who focus on foundational skills in mathematics and English language arts.
Wyoming’s elementary schools consistently perform well on state assessments. The community supports education through active parent involvement and adequate funding for essential programs.
Class sizes remain manageable, allowing teachers to provide individualized attention to students. The school offers various enrichment activities that complement core academic instruction.
The facility provides modern learning environments equipped with current technology. Students have access to library resources, computer labs, and specialized classrooms for art and music education.
13. Fairlawn Elementary School
Fairlawn Elementary School ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in Ohio. The school serves 276 students in grades prekindergarten through fifth grade in Sidney, Ohio.
SchoolDigger places the school among the top 135 elementary schools out of 1,577 statewide. The school has earned a 5-star rating from this education data platform.
The student body is 99.29% White, making it significantly less diverse than the state average. Chronic absenteeism stands at 10.7%, which remains relatively low compared to many schools.
Academic performance at Fairlawn Elementary demonstrates consistent excellence across grade levels. The school maintains strong test scores that contribute to its high state ranking.
Teachers and staff focus on providing quality education for students in the prekindergarten through fifth grade range. The school’s location in Sidney provides a community-centered learning environment.
12. Northview Elementary School
Northview Elementary School operates as a public institution in Findlay, Ohio. The school serves 385 students across kindergarten through second grade levels.
The student-teacher ratio stands at 26 to 1. This ratio affects classroom dynamics and individual attention students receive from educators.
Northview Elementary functions as part of the Findlay City School District system. The district operates ten elementary schools total throughout the area.
The school focuses on early elementary education exclusively. Students complete their foundational learning years before transitioning to other schools in the district.
Findlay’s location in northwest Ohio provides the community context for Northview Elementary. The school serves families within the designated attendance boundaries established by the district.
The institution maintains standard public school operations and curriculum requirements. Students follow Ohio’s academic standards and participate in state testing protocols when age-appropriate.
11. Hudson Elementary School
Hudson City Schools operates multiple high-performing elementary schools that consistently rank among Ohio’s best. The district serves students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade across three elementary facilities.
East Woods Intermediate School stands out as the top performer in the district. The school maintains a 5-star rating and ranks within the top 80 elementary schools statewide.
Hudson’s elementary schools benefit from the district’s overall excellence. Hudson City Schools ranks in the top 2% of Ohio districts according to U.S. News & World Report.
The district serves 4,501 public school students with strong academic outcomes. Approximately 78% of Hudson’s K-12 students attend public schools, lower than Ohio’s 88% average.
Hudson maintains one of Ohio’s highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools. This reputation attracts families seeking quality elementary education in a well-funded suburban district.
10. Lincoln Elementary School – Columbus
Lincoln Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Ohio. The school serves 724 students in grades Kindergarten through 5.
Located in Columbus, this elementary school operates within the Columbus City Schools District. The district encompasses multiple schools throughout the Columbus area.
Lincoln Elementary provides educational services to a substantial student population. The school’s enrollment numbers place it among the larger elementary institutions in the Columbus region.
The school’s ranking reflects its performance relative to other Ohio public elementary schools. This position indicates the school meets state educational standards and demonstrates academic achievement.
Columbus offers numerous elementary school options for families. Lincoln Elementary represents one choice within the public school system for parents seeking educational opportunities for their children in grades K-5.
9. Olivia Bear Elementary School
Olivia Bear Elementary School serves students in the Xenia Community School District. The school maintains a focus on academic excellence and student development.
The elementary school offers comprehensive educational programs designed to meet diverse learning needs. Teachers utilize various instructional methods to engage students across different grade levels.
Class sizes remain manageable to ensure individual attention for each student. This approach helps teachers identify and address specific academic challenges early.
The school provides additional support services for students who need extra assistance. These programs help maintain academic standards while accommodating different learning styles.
Parent involvement plays an important role in the school’s community atmosphere. Regular communication between families and educators supports student success both in and outside the classroom.
Olivia Bear Elementary School emphasizes preparing students for their transition to middle school education.
8. Fairfield Elementary School
Fairfield County serves 15,442 students across 30 public elementary schools in 2025. The city of Fairfield operates 4 elementary schools serving kindergarten through 5th grade students.
Fairfield South Elementary School stands out as the top performer in the district. The school ranks in the top 40% of Ohio elementary schools and earned a 4-star rating.
Fairfield West Elementary School also demonstrates strong academic achievement. Both schools maintain lower chronic absenteeism rates compared to other schools in the district.
The Fairfield City district shows variation in academic outcomes across its institutions. Recent rankings placed four grade schools from the Fairfield district among Ohio’s best elementary schools.
Fairfield elementary schools have received recognition for their performance. The district’s mix of schools provides options for families seeking quality elementary education in the area.
7. Hawthorne Elementary School
Hawthorne Elementary School serves 540 students in grades kindergarten through fifth in Columbus, Ohio. The school operates within the Westerville City School District, which maintains a three-star rating.
The school ranks within the top 50% of all public elementary schools across Ohio. This ranking reflects consistent academic performance and educational quality standards.
Hawthorne Elementary offers a Gifted and Talented program for students who demonstrate exceptional academic abilities. The school is one of 15 elementary institutions serving the Westerville City School District community.
Located in Columbus, the school serves families in the surrounding residential areas. The district uses FinalForms registration system to streamline enrollment processes for both new and returning students.
The school accepts new student enrollments throughout the academic year. Hawthorne Elementary welcomes families to join their educational community and provides programs for preschool through fifth grade students.
6. Kensington Elementary School
Kensington Elementary School serves students in grades K-5 with a focus on academic excellence and student development. The school maintains strong performance standards across core subject areas including mathematics, reading, and science.
The faculty consists of experienced educators who implement research-based teaching methods. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention and support for each student’s learning needs.
Kensington offers enrichment programs in music, art, and physical education. The school also provides additional support services for students requiring extra academic assistance.
The facility features modern classrooms equipped with current educational technology. Students have access to a well-stocked library and computer lab for research and digital literacy skills development.
Parent involvement remains active through volunteer opportunities and school committees. Regular communication between teachers and families supports student progress and academic achievement throughout the school year.
5. Olentangy Meadows Elementary School
Olentangy Meadows Elementary School ranks among Ohio’s top elementary schools. The school serves 603 students in kindergarten through fifth grade in Lewis Center.
The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. State test scores show 80% of students achieve proficiency in math and 85% in reading.
Olentangy Meadows earned recognition as a U.S. News Best Elementary Schools recipient. This badge reflects the school’s educational excellence and high performance standards.
The school operates within the Olentangy Local School District, which ranks 49th out of 839 districts statewide. The district holds a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.
Olentangy Meadows offers a Gifted and Talented program for advanced learners. The school focuses on developing global citizens and supporting the whole child’s development.
4. Pleasant Elementary School
Pleasant Elementary School serves students in Marion, Ohio as part of the Pleasant Local School District. The school enrolls 489 students across grades K-12 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.7 to 1.
The school ranks as the 569th largest public elementary school in Ohio. Pleasant Local School District has shown improvement in recent rankings, jumping 76 positions statewide and performing better than 62.3% of Ohio districts.
Pleasant Elementary operates within a three-school district that includes Pleasant Middle School and Pleasant High School. The district maintains a commitment to academic performance and serves a diverse student population.
The school’s leadership emphasizes community connection and educational excellence. Pleasant Elementary benefits from being part of a district known for strong academic standards and consistent performance improvements across all grade levels.
3. Whitehouse Primary School
Whitehouse Primary School stands as one of Ohio’s premier elementary institutions. The school serves students in grades K-4 with an enrollment of 517 students.
The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. This ratio allows for meaningful classroom interactions while managing resources effectively.
Academic performance at Whitehouse Primary School demonstrates exceptional results. State test scores show 95% of students achieving proficiency in mathematics and 92% in reading.
The school has earned a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger for three consecutive years. It ranked 7th out of 1,577 Ohio elementary schools for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Whitehouse Primary School achieved recognition with a performance index score placing it in the top 1% of Ohio elementary schools. The school received 5 stars on the state report card based on 2023 data.
The institution emphasizes partnership with families through open communication and collaboration opportunities.
2. Grace L Roxbury Elementary School
Grace L Roxbury Elementary School stands among Ohio’s highest-performing elementary institutions. The school consistently ranks in the top 1% of all public schools statewide.
Located in Solon, the school serves 496 students across grades Kindergarten through 4. It operates as part of the Solon City School District, which maintains five elementary schools total.
Academic performance sets this school apart from peers. In math proficiency, 97% of students achieve proficient or advanced levels, significantly exceeding Ohio’s state average of 50%.
Reading performance remains equally strong, with 96% of students demonstrating proficiency. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1, supporting individualized attention.
Grace L Roxbury offers a Gifted and Talented program for advanced learners. This specialized curriculum addresses the needs of high-achieving students within the school community.
1. Kalida Elementary School
Kalida Elementary School stands as one of Ohio’s premier educational institutions. The school serves 234-242 students in grades K-4 within the Kalida Local district.
The school consistently ranks in the top 1% of all public schools in Ohio. It maintains a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger, reflecting its exceptional academic standards.
Academic performance remains the school’s strongest attribute. Over 90% of students achieve proficiency in both reading and mathematics on state assessments.
Test scores regularly exceed state averages by 20-30 percentage points. This consistent academic excellence places Kalida Elementary among Ohio’s most successful schools.
The school operates within a small district that focuses on personalized education. Faculty and staff maintain high standards while supporting individual student growth and development.
Understanding Ohio’s Elementary School System
Ohio operates 611 public school districts alongside numerous private institutions, all governed by rigorous academic standards and comprehensive oversight mechanisms. The state maintains specific accreditation requirements and performance metrics that shape educational delivery across elementary schools.
Overview of Public and Private Schools
Ohio’s elementary education landscape includes both public and private school options serving students in kindergarten through grade 5. The state operates 611 public school districts that provide free education to all residents.
Public elementary schools receive funding through state and local tax revenue. These schools must accept all students within their designated boundaries and follow state-mandated curriculum standards.
Private elementary schools operate independently and charge tuition fees. Parents choose private schools for various reasons including religious instruction, specialized programs, or smaller class sizes.
Charter schools represent a third option in Ohio’s system. These publicly funded schools operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools while remaining accountable to state standards.
The distribution varies significantly across regions, with urban areas typically offering more private and charter options compared to rural districts.
Key Education Standards in Ohio
Ohio maintains rigorous academic standards that guide instruction across all elementary schools. The state requires schools to meet specific performance benchmarks in core subject areas.
Core subject requirements include:
English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Elementary schools must administer state testing to measure student progress against these standards. Schools receive report cards based on student performance, growth measures, and other quality indicators.
The state provides substantial resources to support student achievement across districts. Professional development requirements ensure teachers stay current with best practices and curriculum updates.
Schools must demonstrate adequate yearly progress to maintain good standing. Those falling short receive additional oversight and support to improve performance.
Accreditation and Oversight
The Ohio Department of Education oversees accreditation for all elementary schools operating within the state. Public schools automatically receive state recognition when they meet operational and academic requirements.
Private schools can pursue voluntary accreditation through state-approved agencies. This process validates that schools meet established quality standards and educational benchmarks.
Oversight mechanisms include:
Annual school report cards
Financial audits
Compliance reviews
Teacher certification verification
Schools must maintain proper licensing, employ certified teachers, and follow health and safety regulations. Regular monitoring ensures continued compliance with state requirements.
The accreditation process examines curriculum quality, teacher qualifications, facilities, and student outcomes. Schools failing to meet standards face corrective action or potential closure.
Factors That Influence Elementary School Rankings
Elementary school rankings depend on measurable academic outcomes, classroom dynamics, and broader educational opportunities. These factors work together to create comprehensive assessments of school quality.
Academic Achievement Metrics
State test scores serve as the primary indicator of elementary school performance in Ohio. Schools receive ratings based on student performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics assessments administered annually.
Standardized Test Performance includes:
Ohio State Tests scores across grade levels
Percentage of students meeting proficiency standards
Year-over-year improvement trends
Student diversity affects ranking calculations by demonstrating how well schools serve different populations. Schools that maintain high achievement across various demographic groups typically receive higher ratings.
Grade progression rates show how effectively schools prepare students for advancement. This metric tracks whether students meet grade-level expectations and move forward on schedule.
College readiness indicators begin at the elementary level through advanced coursework availability. Schools offering enrichment programs and accelerated learning opportunities often score higher in comprehensive rankings.
Student and Teacher Ratios
Class size directly impacts individual attention students receive from educators. Ohio’s top elementary schools typically maintain ratios between 15-20 students per teacher.
Teacher quality metrics include:
Years of teaching experience
Advanced degrees and certifications
Professional development participation
Student performance outcomes
Specialized staff availability enhances educational delivery. Schools with dedicated art, music, physical education, and library specialists provide more comprehensive programming.
Support staff ratios matter for student services. Counselors, reading specialists, and special education professionals contribute to overall school effectiveness rankings.
Teacher retention rates indicate school stability and job satisfaction. High turnover negatively affects continuity and student relationships, impacting overall school performance ratings.
Community and Extracurricular Opportunities
Parent engagement levels significantly influence school rankings through volunteer participation and fundraising support. Schools with active parent-teacher organizations often demonstrate stronger community connections.
After-school programs expand learning opportunities beyond regular classroom hours. These include academic support, enrichment activities, and recreational programs that serve working families.
Extracurricular offerings typically include:
Sports teams and physical fitness programs
Music and arts clubs
STEM competitions and science fairs
Student government and leadership opportunities
Community partnerships enhance educational resources through local business connections and volunteer programs. These relationships provide real-world learning experiences and additional support for school initiatives.
Facility quality and resources affect daily learning environments. Well-maintained buildings, updated technology, and adequate supplies contribute to positive educational outcomes reflected in rankings.