Best Elementary Schools
in Cleveland, Ohio
We ranked all 113 elementary schools in Cleveland. The top 25 scored between 6.3 and 8.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Ohio education data
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.
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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Ohio so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 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
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, MARY QUEEN OF PEACE SCHOOL is the top-rated elementary school in Cleveland with a composite score of 8.3/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 5.0/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.