Best Elementary Schools
in Cleveland, Ohio
We ranked the 112 elementary schools in Cleveland with real test data. The top 25 scored between 6.3 and 8.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Ohio education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Cleveland for 2026 are Millridge Elementary School (8.8/10), Menlo Park Academy (8.3/10), and Mary Queen of Peace School (8.3/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 112 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Cleveland?
Every elementary school in Cleveland is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Millridge Elementary School
Cleveland, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Menlo Park Academy
Cleveland, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Mary Queen of Peace School
Cleveland, OH. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Cleveland's elementary school landscape spans 96 ranked schools, with performance varying considerably across the metro. Millridge Elementary School leads the field at 8.1 out of 10, well ahead of the average composite score of 4.7 — a gap that underscores how much ground separates the top performers from the middle of the pack. Only two schools clear the 7.0 threshold, meaning strong options exist but require deliberate searching. The table below covers the full ranked list, sortable by score, location, and other key metrics. Menlo Park Academy, Cleveland Preparatory Academy, Lake Erie College Preparatory School, and Whitney M Young round out the top five, all clustered between 6.8 and 7.0. Whether you're prioritizing academic scores, proximity, or school type, sorting and filtering the data will help you zero in on the right fit for your family.
Millridge Elementary School
Menlo Park Academy
Mary Queen of Peace School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Cleveland's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Ohio so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 112 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Ohio education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Ohio. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Cleveland
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Cleveland's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Constellation Schools: Westpark Community Elementary
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Cleveland
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Cleveland's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Ohio, with 113 schools spanning 57 school districts, plus 39 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Cleveland, Ohio?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Millridge Elementary School is the top-rated elementary school in Cleveland with a composite score of 8.8/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Cleveland, Ohio?
Cleveland has 113 elementary schools, including 39 charter schools. Of these, 113 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Cleveland?
The average composite score for Cleveland elementary schools is 4.9/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Ohio).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Ohio, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Ohio, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Cleveland elementary school rankings?
Yes. Cleveland has 39 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.