For the 2025 academic year, Dayton offers a range of top schools known for strong academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and supportive learning environments. Here’s a summary of the best districts and standout schools in the Dayton area:
Top-Rated Public School Districts
Centerville City School District
Ranked #1 among Dayton area districts, Centerville is known for academic excellence, advanced placement participation, strong STEM and arts programs, and excellent teacher-to-student ratios. It serves over 8,000 students with 12 schools. Notable schools include Centerville High School, ranked among Ohio’s top schools.
Oakwood Schools
Oakwood offers a smaller, more intimate setting with five schools and about 2,000 students. Oakwood High School is ranked 9th in Ohio, known for rigorous academics, a high AP participation rate, and exceptional college acceptance rates.
Kettering City School District
Kettering blends academic rigor with a variety of STEAM initiatives and extracurricular programs. Kettering Fairmont High School is a leader in college prep, supported by community engagement and innovative programs.
Beavercreek City School District and Springboro Community City School District
Both districts offer suburban environments with strong academics and comprehensive extracurricular activities, making them popular with families seeking balanced educational experiences.
Specialized and Magnet Schools
Stivers School for the Arts
Ranked 43rd in Ohio, this magnet school offers intensive training in visual, performing, and digital arts alongside rigorous academics. It provides opportunities for artistically talented students to thrive.
Dayton Regional STEM School
Focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, this school uses project-based learning and industry partnerships to prepare students for STEM careers.
Premier Private Schools
The Miami Valley School
The highest-ranked private high school in the Dayton area, offering small class sizes, a liberal arts curriculum, strong college counseling, and leadership development.
Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School
A faith-based school combining rigorous academics with service learning and competitive athletics, serving students looking for a religious education environment.
Carroll High School
Another respected Catholic institution emphasizing academic rigor, character development, and community service.
Standout Elementary and Middle Schools
Top elementary schools in Dayton districts have small class sizes, comprehensive arts programs, and strong community involvement. Oakwood’s Harman Elementary and several Centerville schools consistently rank among the best.
Middle schools in the area are known for preparing students for high school with advanced coursework, STEAM programs, and extracurricular options that support diverse interests and abilities
Dayton’s education landscape is marked by quality options for public, private, magnet, and specialized schooling, serving a diverse student population with a focus on academic success and personal growth in the 2025 school year.
Sources
(https://awvs.com/blog/best-schools-in-dayton-2025/)
(https://www.whio.com/news/best-public-high-schools-dayton-metro-area/PDDKWRDHSZNXTIZN2YQVAWTESI/)
(https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-school-districts/m/dayton-metro-area/)
(https://udayton.edu/news/articles/2025/04/us_news_best_grad_schools.php)
(https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-schools-for-sports/m/dayton-metro-area/)
