Photo: Erik Drost · CC BY 2.0Canton’s public schools score below 66% of Ohio districts on tests and graduation
39% of students in Canton’s public schools are proficient in math, below the Ohio average (52%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Canton, 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 99% 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.
Canton’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 415 Ohio towns with household incomes within a quarter of Canton’s, its schools beat 12%, lower than their 34% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 48% of tested students were proficient in reading and 39% in math, against 60% and 52% statewide; 99% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
73% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across Ohio. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
Canton City spends $20,727 per student and Plain Local $13,074, against $16,610 across Ohio (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Learn-Canton, Stark High School, Canton Harbor High School, Summit Academy Secondary - Canton, Canton College Preparatory School, East Branch Preparatory AcademydbaWright Preparatory Academy, Beacon Academy, Heritage Christian School (private), Our Lady of Peace Elementary School (private), St. Peter Elementary School (private), Weaver Child Development Center- Inc (private), The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children (private) and Canton Montessori School (private) are 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 Canton’s grade
C: better than 34% of Ohio school districts, #936 of 993 Ohio towns. Both inputs trail the Ohio average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Canton, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Canton · depends on your address
Early Learning Center @ Schreiber
Grades PK · 306 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Portage Collaborative Montessori School
Grades PK–6 · 187 students · 27:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Canton · depends on your address
Crenshaw Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 744 students · 23:1 students per teacher
STEAMM Academy
Grades 4–9 · 481 students · 12:1 students per teacher
McGregor Intermediate School
Grades 4–7 · 206 students · 13:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Canton · depends on your address
Crenshaw Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 744 students · 23:1 students per teacher
STEAMM Academy
Grades 4–9 · 481 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Canton · depends on your address
McKinley High School
Grades 9–12 · 2,047 students · 15:1 students per teacher
STEAMM Academy
Grades 4–9 · 481 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Choices Alternative School
Grades 9–12 · 238 students · 20:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Canton · depends on your address
McKinley High School
Grades 9–12 · 2,047 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Choices Alternative School
Grades 9–12 · 238 students · 20:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Canton · depends on your address
McKinley High School
Grades 9–12 · 2,047 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Choices Alternative School
Grades 9–12 · 238 students · 20:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Canton · depends on your address
McKinley High School
Grades 9–12 · 2,047 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Choices Alternative School
Grades 9–12 · 238 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Canton runs its own schools through grade 12 (Canton City School District). From grade K, students attend the Plain Local School District, shared with Hills and Dales and Plain. Parts of Canton (13% and 4% of its land) are served by Canton Local and Osnaburg Local instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Canton
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Canton vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Ohio towns that share Canton’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Canton | C | Canton City PK–12 · Plain Local K–12 |
| Canton Township | B | Canton Local |
| Plain | A− | North Canton City PK–12 · Plain Local K–12 |
| Osnaburg | B | Osnaburg Local |
| Jackson | A | Jackson Local |
| North Canton | A | North Canton City |
| Nimishillen | A− | Louisville City |
| East Canton | B | Osnaburg Local |
| Perry | A− | Perry Local |
| Meyers Lake | — | Canton City |
Every school in Canton
32 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 Canton’s schools
Are Canton’s schools good?
On Ohio’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Canton children attend score below 66% of Ohio’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #936 of 993 Ohio towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 12%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Canton in?
Two districts: Canton City School District runs grades PK–12, and Plain Local School District runs grades K–12, shared with Hills and Dales and Plain.
Where do Canton kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: McKinley High School and Choices Alternative School.
What is Canton’s graduation rate?
73% of the class of 2023 in Canton City School District graduated in four years, against 86% across Ohio.
How much does Canton spend per student?
$20,727 in Canton City School District and $13,074 in Plain Local School District (FY2024), against $16,610 across Ohio. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Canton?
Yes: Heritage Christian School (religious, grades PK–8, 261 students), Our Lady of Peace Elementary School (Catholic, grades K–5, 211 students), St. Peter Elementary School (Catholic, grades PK–5, 168 students), Weaver Child Development Center- Inc (religious, grades PK–5, 130 students), The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children (special education, grades PK–8, 119 students) and Canton Montessori School (nonsectarian, grades PK–6, 119 students). Canton also has 7 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Canton families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Canton → 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.