The top reported proficiency rate is 71% in Social studies. The lowest is 40% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Ely Elementary School
Ely Elementary School serves kindergarten through fourth grade in Elyria, a historic manufacturing town about twenty miles southwest of Cleveland. The school sits in a community navigating significant transition, where downtown redevelopment efforts and new housing are emerging alongside the city's legacy as a manufacturing and industrial hub.
The school's enrollment is small to moderate for an elementary building, with students distributed fairly evenly across grades. A large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic profile of the neighborhoods Ely serves. The student body is racially and ethnically mixed, with about half identifying as white, and substantial shares identifying as Hispanic or multiracial. No data on English learners or special education rates was available in the school records accessed.
Academically, Ely's state test results show proficiency rates in the low to mid-range. In the most recent testing year, about four out of ten students in grades three through four scored at proficient or above in both English language arts and math. These results place the school in the bottom quartile when compared against other districts in Lorain County on overall proficiency. The school participated fully in state testing, with near-universal participation rates. Science testing data from several years ago showed mixed results as well. A parent may want to look into recent initiatives or support structures the school has in place to address these proficiency levels and what the school identifies as barriers to student progress in reading and math.
The wider district context matters here. Elyria City Schools has failed to pass a new operating levy in multiple votes during 2025, creating real uncertainty about the district's budget and programming going forward. The district has publicly warned of potential cuts to staff, transportation, and elective programs if the levy situation does not resolve. Families considering this school should understand that district-level budget pressure could affect school resources, busing availability, and program breadth in the near term.
Elyria itself is a modest mid-size city with a strong civic center in Ely Square and diverse neighborhoods. Housing is relatively affordable compared to regional and national benchmarks. The city is investing in downtown revitalization, with new senior housing and single-family construction underway, and recently voters approved a local income tax increase for infrastructure and public services. However, the city's economy is transitioning away from the manufacturing base that once defined it, and residents navigating employment and schools are working in this shifting landscape.
For families in Elyria looking at elementary options, Ely offers a neighborhood school in a mixed-income community with access to the city's recreation system and civic amenities. The current academic profile suggests students will need strong foundational skills support; this is the kind of school where engaged families often play a visible role in supplementing classroom instruction. The district's budget uncertainty is a practical factor worth monitoring as you make your decision.
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