Best Public Schools in Zip Code 45415

ZIP code 45415 in Dayton, Ohio contains 8 schools serving roughly 2,021 students in grades K–12 during the 2025‑26 school year: four elementary schools, three high schools, and one alternative school, with no standalone middle school — middle grades are absorbed into the K–8 charters and into Northwood Elementary School's grades 2–7 span. Only two schools are run by traditional public districts — Northwood Elementary School in Northmont City and Charity Adams Earley Girls Academy in Dayton City. The other six are charter or community schools enrolling about 1,283 students, or roughly 63% of the ZIP's enrollment.

Northwood Elementary School is the clear standout: the only 3‑star school here, at the 65th percentile statewide, and the only school where every reported 2025‑26 assessment meets or beats the state average — from 3rd‑grade math (+2.8 points) to 5th‑grade science (+17.9) and 6th‑grade math (+19.1) — after improving from the 55th percentile the prior year. North Dayton School of Discovery has the most interesting profile, with English Language Arts results above the state in 4 of 6 tested grades while its math average trails by more than 20 points. Horizon Science Academy Dayton High School is the paradox, posting the ZIP's highest graduation rate (93.1%) alongside 67.8% chronic absenteeism and proficiency far below state on every reported measure.

Attendance is the area's most consistent challenge: chronic absenteeism runs from Northwood's 17.2% to Five Rivers Career Prep High School's 90.7%, a 73‑point spread, and six of eight schools exceed 30%. Graduation rates split three ways, from Horizon High's 93.1% to 60.0% at Summit Academy School–Dayton, 47.8% at Five Rivers, and 30.0% at Engage High School. Resources don't track results — Charity Adams Earley spends the most per student ($12,613) at 1 star, while Summit does the most with the least ($6,715). Charity Adams Earley beats its own district in 10 of 14 assessments even as Dayton City ranks 725 of 773. Small schools (Engage 30, Summit 90, Five Rivers 95) produce volatile figures best read as directionally concerning.