Best Schools in Newark, Ohio

Newark, Ohio offers parents 19 ranked public schools across a meaningful performance range. The city's average school score is 6.5 out of 10, and 8 of those 19 schools — 42% — clear the 7-or-above threshold that signals solid academic output. That concentration of above-average performers gives families real options without having to leave the city.

Elementary education is the clear strength. Newton Elementary leads all 19 ranked schools with an 8.2 out of 10, the city's top score. Three more elementary campuses follow closely — Licking Valley Elementary at 7.7, Cherry Valley Elementary at 7.5, and Par Excellence STEM Academy at 7.4. That cluster of strong elementaries means younger children have multiple high-performing options within reach. Par Excellence STEM Academy also offers a specialized focus for families who want a more differentiated academic track at the elementary level.

Middle school performance holds up as well. Liberty Middle School scores 7.9 out of 10, placing it among the top five schools in the city and giving families a strong transition point after elementary. Parents moving children from Newton or Cherry Valley have a credible next step without having to recalibrate their expectations.

The 6.5 city average reflects a realistic spread — several schools punch well above it, and some fall below. Families who identify neighborhoods near Newton Elementary or Liberty Middle School will have the most direct access to Newark's highest performers. For parents prioritizing STEM exposure early, Par Excellence STEM Academy at 7.4 is worth a close look. School selection within Newark matters: the 42% above-7 rate means parents who research specific campuses before committing to a neighborhood will find genuinely competitive options for a city of this size.