Photo: w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0Amherst’s public schools outscore 72% of Ohio districts
In Amherst, 64% of tested students are proficient in math, above the Ohio average (52%). The grade covers the public school district serving Amherst, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Ohio, not nationally.
From Ohio state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Amherst’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 1181 Ohio towns with household incomes within a quarter of Amherst’s, its schools beat 54%, lower than their 72% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 72% and math 64% in spring 2022, against 60% and 52% statewide; 90% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $12,704 per student, against $16,610 across Ohio (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Amherst Junior High School, then Marion L Steele High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Joseph Elementary School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Amherst’s grade
B+: better than 72% of Ohio school districts, #398 of 993 Ohio towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Ohio average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Amherst, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Amherst
Powers Elementary School
Grades PK–3 · 1,104 students · 20:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Amherst
Powers Elementary School
Grades PK–3 · 1,104 students · 20:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Amherst
Powers Elementary School
Grades PK–3 · 1,104 students · 20:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Amherst
Powers Elementary School
Grades PK–3 · 1,104 students · 20:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Amherst
Walter G. Nord Middle School
Grades 4–5 · 556 students · 20:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Amherst
Walter G. Nord Middle School
Grades 4–5 · 556 students · 20:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Amherst
Amherst Junior High School
Grades 6–8 · 859 students · 21:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Amherst
Amherst Junior High School
Grades 6–8 · 859 students · 21:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Amherst
Amherst Junior High School
Grades 6–8 · 859 students · 21:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Amherst
Marion L Steele High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,014 students · 19:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Amherst
Marion L Steele High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,014 students · 19:1 students per teacher
Amherst’s public schools are run by Amherst Exempted Village School District, which also serves Amherst. Parts of Amherst (3% of its land) are served by Firelands Local instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Amherst vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Ohio towns that share Amherst’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst | B+ | Amherst Exempted Village |
| Amherst Township | B+ | Amherst Exempted Village PK–12 · Firelands Local K–12 |
| Lorain | C− | Lorain City |
| Brownhelm | B+ | Vermilion Local PK–12 · Firelands Local K–12 |
Every school in Amherst
5 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Ohio’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Amherst’s schools
Are Amherst’s schools good?
By Ohio’s own tests, yes: the public schools Amherst children attend outscore 72% of Ohio’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #398 of 993 Ohio towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 54%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Amherst in?
Amherst Exempted Village School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,533 students in 4 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Amherst are served by Firelands Local.
Where do Amherst kids go to high school?
Marion L Steele High School, with 1,014 students; its own test results earn a B+.
What is Amherst’s graduation rate?
90% of the class of 2023 in Amherst Exempted Village School District graduated in four years, against 86% across Ohio.
How much does Amherst spend per student?
$12,704 in Amherst Exempted Village School District (FY2024), against $16,610 across Ohio. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Amherst?
Yes: St. Joseph Elementary School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 235 students).
Parents talk
What Amherst families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Amherst → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Ohio. Stars are from neighbors.