Photo: Nyttend · Public domainLima’s public schools score below 72% of Ohio districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Lima’s districts is 26%, below the Ohio average (52%). The grade covers the public school district serving Lima, 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 97% 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.
Lima’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 568 Ohio towns with household incomes within a quarter of Lima’s, its schools beat 2%, lower than their 28% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 37% of tested students were proficient in reading and 26% in math, against 60% and 52% statewide; 97% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
77% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across Ohio. Districts ↓
Spending, and where it came from
The district spent $19,189 per student in FY2024, against $16,610 across Ohio. 30% of its revenue that year was federal (Ohio 12%), in the last year of pandemic relief. Districts ↓
Six elementary schools, then three middle and one high school
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
West Central Learning Academy II, Heir Force Community School, St. Charles Catholic School (private), St. Gerard School (private), Lima Central Catholic High School (private), St. Rose Catholic School (private), High Road School of Lima (private), High Road School of Lima (private) and Liberty Christian 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 Lima’s grade
C: better than 28% of Ohio school districts, #969 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 Lima, with each school’s own grade.
5th grade in Lima · depends on your address
Liberty Arts Magnet K-8
Grades K–8 · 343 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Lima North Middle School
Grades 5–6 · 321 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Lima South Science-Technology Magnet K-8
Grades K–8 · 172 students · 9:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Lima · depends on your address
Liberty Arts Magnet K-8
Grades K–8 · 343 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Lima North Middle School
Grades 5–6 · 321 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Lima South Science-Technology Magnet K-8
Grades K–8 · 172 students · 9:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Lima · depends on your address
Liberty Arts Magnet K-8
Grades K–8 · 343 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Lima West Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 334 students · 10:1 students per teacher
Lima South Science-Technology Magnet K-8
Grades K–8 · 172 students · 9:1 students per teacher
Lima’s public schools are run by Lima City School District. Parts of Lima (13%, 12%, 9% and 5% of its land) are served by Perry Local, Elida Local, Bath Local and Shawnee 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 below the state in reading
Lima vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Ohio towns that share Lima’s borders.
Every school in Lima
18 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).
1 duplicate private-school records merged.
Questions about Lima’s schools
Are Lima’s schools good?
On Ohio’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Lima children attend score below 72% of Ohio’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #969 of 993 Ohio towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 2%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Lima in?
Lima City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,370 students in 9 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Lima are served by Perry Local, Elida Local, Bath Local and Shawnee Local.
Where do Lima kids go to high school?
Lima Senior High School, with 1,004 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Lima’s graduation rate?
77% of the class of 2023 in Lima City School District graduated in four years, against 86% across Ohio.
How much does Lima spend per student?
$19,189 in Lima City School District (FY2024), against $16,610 across Ohio. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Lima?
Yes: St. Charles Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 410 students), St. Gerard School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 226 students), Lima Central Catholic High School (Catholic, grades 9–12, 211 students), St. Rose Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 198 students), High Road School of Lima (special education, grades K–12, 70 students), High Road School of Lima (special education, grades K–12, 70 students) and Liberty Christian School (religious, grades PK–8, 17 students). Lima also has 2 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Lima families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Lima → 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.