The top reported proficiency rate is 44% in Math. The lowest is 39% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Belle Stone Elementary School
Belle Stone Elementary School serves kindergarten through third grade in Canton, a mid-size Ohio city that has experienced long-term population decline but is showing signs of stabilization. The school sits within the Canton City School District, which is undergoing substantial restructuring.
The school enrolls a diverse student body across a small student population. Race and ethnicity at Belle Stone spans white, Black, Hispanic, two or more races, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students, with no single group forming an overwhelming majority. The district does not report free-or-reduced-price lunch counts or rates, so family income composition cannot be assessed from available data. Special education and English learner enrollment figures are also not available.
On state academic testing, Belle Stone's results are below the midpoint among districts in Stark County. The school administered Ohio's State Tests to third graders on the most recent assessment; overall proficiency across tested subjects falls in the bottom quartile of the county's school-district results. In English language arts, the proficiency rate is notably low. In mathematics, proficiency is somewhat higher but still below the county median. These are the only assessments reported; kindergarten, first, and second grade are not state tested in Ohio. Trend data spanning multiple years is not available, so it is not possible to tell whether this is a school gaining ground or losing it. A parent may want to talk with the school about what instruction looks like in grades K-2 and about the supports available for students approaching third-grade assessment.
Belle Stone is a regular public school without charter or magnet designation. It is embedded in the Canton City School District, which is in the midst of major changes. In May 2023 voters approved a bond issue to fund two new K-6 elementary buildings. The district is shifting away from a K-3 grade band to K-6 neighborhood elementary schools, a structure parents had requested over time. This transition is already underway. Additionally, in January 2026 the school board approved a substantial budget reduction involving building closures, attendance zone changes, and staffing cuts across the district. Class sizes are increasing at all grade levels. A new operating levy is planned for the November 2026 ballot. These changes mean families with children at Belle Stone may face reassignment, larger classrooms, and shifts in the district's property tax obligation.
Canton itself is a compact city with a revitalized downtown arts district centered on walkable streets of galleries, studios, and restaurants. The broader city is more car-dependent. The economy has historically been industrial, with steel manufacturing still present through companies like TimkenSteel and Republic Steel, and healthcare employers including Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center among the largest employers. A major mixed-use development, Hall of Fame Village, is underway adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame to the north. Housing in the area is modestly valued compared to state and national benchmarks, and rents are below the national average, making the area relatively affordable. The local library system and public transit serve the community, though transit reach varies across the county.
Data on attendance, discipline, staffing, course access, and other environmental details at Belle Stone were not available. The school's website was not provided. Parents interested in the school beyond these metrics will want to reach out directly to the school or district office.
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