Best Schools in Lima, Ohio

Lima, Ohio has 21 ranked public schools with an average score of 6.5 out of 10. That puts the city in a mid-range performance band — solid coverage, but with meaningful spread between its strongest and weakest buildings. Eight schools, 38% of the ranked total, clear a 7.0 rating. For parents willing to research specific campuses, landing well above the city average is achievable.

The top performer is Lima South Science-Technology Magnet K-8 at 8.8. That score sits far above the city average and reflects the school's focused academic program in science and technology. Because it operates as a magnet, it may draw students across district lines — worth investigating regardless of where a family lives. Bath Elementary School (8.4) and Bath Middle School (8.1) rank second and third overall, giving Bath Local School District a consistent K-8 pipeline that outperforms most of Lima's options at both grade spans.

Shawnee Middle School (7.9) rounds out a strong middle school tier alongside Bath. At the high school level, Apollo Career Center leads with a 7.7. Apollo runs a career and technical education program, making it most relevant for students with clear vocational or trade interests — a strong option when the fit is right.

For parents building a school plan, Lima rewards early research. The 38% of schools scoring 7.0 or above signals a real high-performing tier, but the 6.5 city average means quality varies considerably by building. Families in the Bath Local district have the clearest path to consistently strong options from kindergarten through eighth grade. The Lima South magnet extends that access district-wide at the elementary level. At the high school stage, Apollo Career Center earns the top mark, but its specialized curriculum requires a genuine match to the student's goals. Starting with magnet eligibility and district boundaries narrows the field faster than comparing schools one by one.