- Belle Haven Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 473 students
- Belmont High School — Grades 7–12 · 1153 students
- Louise Troy Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 316 students
- Thurgood Marshall High School — Grades 9–12 · 548 students
- Dunbar Early College High School — Grades 9–12 · 542 students
- Eastmont Elementary School — Grades PK–7 · 414 students
- Edison Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 357 students
- Fairview Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 474 students
- River's Edge Montessori Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 552 students
- Westwood Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 352 students
- Valerie Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 566 students
- Meadowdale High School — Grades 9–12 · 479 students
- Wright Brothers Middle School — Grades 7–8 · 374 students
- David H. Ponitz Career Technology Center — Grades 9–12 · 785 students
- Stivers School For The Arts — Grades 7–12 · 837 students
- Edwin Joel Brown Middle School — Grades 7–9 · 326 students
- Kiser Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 0 students
- Wogaman Middle School — Grades 7–9 · 318 students
- Roosevelt Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 414 students
- Dayton Digital Academy — Grades 9–12 · 0 students
- Horace Mann Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 385 students
- Kemp Elementary School — Grades PK–7 · 422 students
- Charity Adams Earley Girls Academy — Grades PK–8 · 376 students
- Cleveland Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 404 students
- Ruskin Elementary School — Grades PK–6 · 553 students
- Rosa Parks Early Learning Center — Grades PK–PK · 229 students
- Mound Street Academy — Grades 9–12 · 156 students
- The International School — Grades PK–11 · 313 students
- Stanton Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 616 students
- Theodore Roosevelt High School — Grades 9–12 · 1,325 students
| Metric | Dayton City School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 1 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,500/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Supervisory Union | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Near average |
About Dayton City School District
Families in zip code 45402 (Dayton, Ohio) are assigned to Dayton City School District for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Dayton City School District reports per-pupil expenditure of approximately $13,500 per year, placing it near the Ohio state average of approximately $13,500 and near the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Near-average districts typically provide core academic programs with adequate staffing, though program breadth may be more limited than in higher-funded systems. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 28 schools, Dayton City School District operates as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 12,075 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
Dayton City School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 1/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Ohio is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Dayton City School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Ohio on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 45402
Children in zip code 45402 are assigned to Dayton City School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 45402, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Dayton City School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Ohio districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Dayton
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Dayton City School District serves zip code 45402, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 45402. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Ohio, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Dayton City School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 45402.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Dayton City School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 45402 data.