The top reported proficiency rate is 86% in Math. The lowest is 82% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Dr John Hole Elementary School
Dr. John Hole Elementary School serves second through fifth grade in Dayton's Centerville City district, a suburb that sits at the boundary between urban Dayton and the surrounding bedroom communities. The school enrolls a small student body drawn from a stable, affluent residential neighborhood where median home values are solid and the rental market is moderate. Most families here are White, and only a small share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting a relatively high-income attendance zone.
The school's academic profile stands out. On Ohio's State Tests, students across grades three through five posted strong proficiency rates: just over four-fifths of students met or exceeded the state standard in math, reading, and writing combined, while a somewhat smaller share demonstrated proficiency in science. These results place Dr. John Hole well above the midpoint among schools tested in Montgomery County, putting it in the top quartile for overall proficiency. The writing score in particular—averaging in the high 730s on the state scale—suggests solid foundational work in literacy.
One note: the data shows only a single year of current results, so trend information is limited. A parent wanting to understand whether the school is on an upward or flat trajectory may want to check in with the school directly about multi-year performance or ask for the prior year's results. Science testing covered only a subset of students (likely a single grade level), so that subject's result reflects narrower scope than math and reading.
Centerville City as a district has invested intentionally in elementary mathematics. The district adopted a reasoning-focused curriculum called Bridges in Mathematics, moving away from rote methods toward conceptual understanding. That shift is paying off: third through eighth graders across the district are now improving in math at roughly twice the national pace. For a school like Dr. John Hole, serving younger grades within that elementary band, that curricular investment likely underpins the solid math proficiency numbers.
The wider district context matters for families. Centerville voters passed a permanent operating levy in November 2024 after rejecting two prior attempts, stabilizing the district's finances and preserving staffing, busing, and extracurriculars that had been at risk. The levy cost homeowners a modest annual sum per assessed property value but raised enough to sustain operations for the next several years. That stability after a period of budget uncertainty means families can expect consistent programming and minimal mid-year staff cuts.
The community around the school sits in Dayton's suburban ring, a car-dependent area with good schools and steady residential investment. Housing values and rents in the zip code are stable and slightly above the state benchmark, reflecting suburban desirability. Downtown Dayton is nearby but not walkable; daily life here runs on automobile commutes to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, regional employers, and the central city.
For families prioritizing strong elementary academics, stable district finances, and a cohesive, affluent suburban setting, Dr. John Hole fits clearly. The school is not a specialized magnet or charter; it is a traditional neighborhood school serving a well-resourced zone. Its size is modest, and its student body is notably homogeneous. The school's strength rests on solid proficiency in core subjects and alignment with the district's recent push in math instruction.
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