Richland County Schools & Education
Richland County, Ohio
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
35/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
82.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
82.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,678
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,994
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
State avg 54/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#81
of 88 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Richland County
School Verdict
Richland County faces educational challenges with a school score of 35/100 and a graduation rate of 82.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $7,678 per pupil, Richland County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Richland County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 35% below the Ohio average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 6.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 4% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Richland County, Ohio
A Large and Diverse School Network
Richland County supports a massive educational infrastructure of 46 public schools serving 18,843 students. Managed by 16 different districts, the system includes 19 elementary, 10 middle, and 13 high schools. This high number of districts provides a variety of educational philosophies and local leadership styles across the county.
Addressing Challenges in Graduation Rates
The county faces challenges with an 82.0% graduation rate, which sits below both the state average of 88.3% and the national 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $7,678 is also slightly lower than the Ohio average of $7,994, contributing to a school score of 50.8. These numbers highlight an opportunity for growth and increased investment in local student outcomes.
Mansfield City and Charter School Options
Mansfield City is the largest district with 3,182 students, followed by Madison Local with 2,730. Unlike many neighboring counties, Richland features six charter schools which represent 13% of all schools in the area. These alternative options provide families with choices beyond the traditional public school framework.
A Blend of City, Suburb, and Rural Life
Richland County offers a unique locale mix with 15 rural, 14 city, and 13 suburban schools. The average school size is 410 students, but large facilities like Pioneer Career & Technology Center serve over 1,000 students. This variety means families can find everything from dense urban campuses to secluded rural schoolhouses.
Discover Diverse Neighborhoods and Schools
With 16 districts to choose from, Richland County offers a housing and schooling match for every lifestyle. Whether you prefer the suburban feel of Madison Local or the urban energy of Mansfield City, school proximity is a key factor to consider. Explore the region to find a home that aligns with your educational and community priorities.
School Overview
Total Schools
46
in Richland County
Total Enrollment
18,843
students
School Districts
16
districts
Charter Schools
6
13% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
16 School Districts in Richland County
Mansfield City
Madison Local
Lexington Local
Ontario Local
Shelby City
Clear Fork Valley Local
Pioneer Career & Technology
Crestview Local
GOAL Digital Academy
Plymouth-Shiloh Local
46 Public Schools in Richland County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Career & Technology | Pioneer Career & Technology | 6–12 | Vocational | 1,040 |
| Stingel Elementary School | Ontario Local | PK–5 | Primary | 937 |
| Shelby Elementary School | Shelby City | PK–5 | Primary | 900 |
| Madison High School | Madison Local | 9–12 | High | 877 |
| Mansfield Senior High School | Mansfield City | 8–12 | High | 815 |
| GOAL Digital Academy | GOAL Digital Academy | KG–12 | Charter | 772 |
| Madison Middle School | Madison Local | 5–8 | Middle | 769 |
| Malabar Intermediate School | Mansfield City | 3–6 | Primary | 762 |
| Lexington High School | Lexington Local | 9–12 | High | 746 |
| Ontario High School | Ontario Local | 9–12 | High | 527 |
| Madison South Elementary School | Madison Local | PK–4 | Primary | 522 |
| Shelby High School | Shelby City | 9–12 | High | 499 |
| Eastern Elementary School | Lexington Local | 4–8 | Middle | 474 |
| Ontario Middle School | Ontario Local | 5–8 | Middle | 468 |
| Clear Fork High School | Clear Fork Valley Local | 9–12 | High | 465 |
| Foundation Academy | Foundation Academy | KG–8 | Charter | 460 |
| Sherman Elementary School | Mansfield City | PK–2 | Primary | 459 |
| Shelby Middle School | Shelby City | 5–8 | Middle | 454 |
| Mansfield Middle School | Mansfield City | 7–8 | Middle | 427 |
| Bellville Elementary School | Clear Fork Valley Local | KG–5 | Primary | 414 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,678
State avg $7,994
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Richland County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Richland County?
How much does Richland County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Richland County, Ohio — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Richland County, Ohio?
Richland County supports a massive educational infrastructure of 46 public schools serving 18,843 students. Managed by 16 different districts, the system includes 19 elementary, 10 middle, and 13 high schools. This high number of districts provides a variety of educational philosophies and local leadership styles across the county.
How do schools in Richland County perform academically?
The county faces challenges with an 82.0% graduation rate, which sits below both the state average of 88.3% and the national 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $7,678 is also slightly lower than the Ohio average of $7,994, contributing to a school score of 50.8. These numbers highlight an opportunity for growth and increased investment in local student outcomes.
What are the major school districts in Richland County, Ohio?
Mansfield City is the largest district with 3,182 students, followed by Madison Local with 2,730. Unlike many neighboring counties, Richland features six charter schools which represent 13% of all schools in the area. These alternative options provide families with choices beyond the traditional public school framework.
What is the school experience like in Richland County?
Richland County offers a unique locale mix with 15 rural, 14 city, and 13 suburban schools. The average school size is 410 students, but large facilities like Pioneer Career & Technology Center serve over 1,000 students. This variety means families can find everything from dense urban campuses to secluded rural schoolhouses.
How can I find homes near good schools in Richland County, Ohio?
With 16 districts to choose from, Richland County offers a housing and schooling match for every lifestyle. Whether you prefer the suburban feel of Madison Local or the urban energy of Mansfield City, school proximity is a key factor to consider. Explore the region to find a home that aligns with your educational and community priorities.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.