2024 Best School Districts in Licking County

• Granville, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  49 reviews

Alum: This public school provides an excellent education (it's a National Blue Ribbon School). There are plenty of AP courses available. The large majority of the teachers genuinely care for all students in the school. The Environmental Science Program, which is led by a tireless advocate, includes a community garden, land lab, chickens, etc. Food from the garden is used in the preparation of school lunches. Moreover students have an opportunity to "hands on" learn via take-action projects. Parents, out of an abundance of care and concern, are too heavily involved which makes it hard for those who parents cannot be.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,550

• Johnstown, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 3.77 out of 5  31 reviews

Alum: As I graduated 2021, Johnstown Monroe High school was a great experience. I was someone who constantly moved as I moved out of the school district I was welcomed to stay at the school. The teachers here are extremely welcoming and helpful through not just school needs but also emotional. As someone in FFA, FCCLA, and varies choir groups, my day was completely booked.... Read 31 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,657

• Pataskala, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 3.42 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: Southwest licking schools over all are amazing. Our test scores are great along with our graduation rate. I Have two boys in the district, both in high school with one graduating this year. They have attended SWLSD since kindergarten and both play sports. I am also a teacher in the district, this being my 16th year in the district. We just built a brand new high school and intermediate school, renovated one of the elementary‘s, starting renovation on another elementary and well have a brand new elementary that is supposed to be done in two years. The support of our community is amazing and are truly here for each and every kid 100%. We have several programs for struggling families for whatever is needed .... Read 12 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,682

• Newark, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  31 reviews

Alum: I had a great experience throughout k-12. I was involved in sports, clubs, and community service. My favorite aspect of Licking Valley is how tight knit the community is! This is a place where everyone knows everyone and we are always trying to help each other out! For example when someone’s house burnt down Licking Valley took them under their wing and raised money to help them start rebuilding their house. I loved being able to be involved in a lot of community and school wide events! I also enjoyed being able to have fun while receiving a good education!... Read 31 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,039

• Johnstown, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  22 reviews

Senior: Everyone is so nice and polite -especially with the teachers. I would like they other electives for a second language, including American Sign Language... Read 22 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,167

• Heath, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  25 reviews

Senior: At Heath High School it has always been a very close knit community where every one knows each other and the teachers are all able to maintain close relationships with their students. In Oklahoma I went to a large school and that close relationship between teacher and student was never there, and I struggled at times with issues at home then coming to school and being confused by lessons and not having anything to do about it because I just didn't know my teacher. Here in Heath though, there is no reason to feel like you can't ask questions or can't be involved in the school's activities. Heath goes out of its way to try to include students and make them feel not only like they are a part of the school, but to make them feel like a leader in the school. In some senses I would hear an argument that the faculty make too much of an effort, an almost facade effort, to involve the students, but at the same time they wouldn't go through all the trouble if they didn't care but Heath cares.... Read 25 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,717

• Pataskala, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  51 reviews

Alum: I had a very unique experience with Licking Heights in my later years, as my junior year was spent at a technical school, and my senior year was spent online due to COVID. That being said, I wouldn’t have fathered spent my years of education anywhere else. I attended LH from kindergarten to graduation, and as every school does it has its downfalls. But with maturity I found the beauty in the imperfections, and I would relive those years two times over if given the chance. Those memories, and those people, are irreplaceable.... Read 51 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,865

• Newark, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  41 reviews

Freshman: My experience with the Newark city school district has been low considering I moved here after I graduated high school with no intentions of starting college here. Once becoming more involved due to my younger brother who attended Newark High School and myself applying at COTC I see the school district is quite nice. COTC has reached my college expectations for specifically providing many centers to help students achieve their best. Getting submitted was a smooth process and being guided along the way every step helps. The teachers are so kind and understanding of the changes that all of us are going through together. I feel safe and ready to tackle my studies with this school through computer while social distancing or in the classroom in person. Also, I greatly appreciate their efforts to support the black community with their recognition of our history and today's social injustices. It's wholesome to see and I feel connected even through we're mostly apart during this pandemic.... Read 41 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 14

• Students 6,131

• Hebron, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 3.61 out of 5  31 reviews

Senior: In a lot of ways, Lakewood isn't exceptional. There are not endless opportunities for students looking to go above and beyond, but I feel as though students at Lakewood don't give our school a fair evaluation. I've heard plenty of students say that "our school sucks" and other harsh comments. The truth is, Lakewood provides students with enough resources to be successful. Our I.T. training is incredible and tech-team students are shuttled right into the I.T. field out of high school. Top students have attended great universities and AP classes produce above-average scores. Lakewood is not perfect. If you are looking for a perfect school where everything will always go the way you want it then I'm sorry to tell you that Lakewood is not the school for you. Through all of the hardships and troubles, Lakewood has made me more resilient, and career-focused than I would've ever expected. Teachers at Lakewood really do care about their students, and I'm glad to be a lancer.... Read 31 reviews

• grade C

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,664

• Utica, OH•

• School District

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  Rating 2.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: Utica High School is simply average compared to its neighboring schools. The academics, once I reached my junior year were limited when it came to rigor, challenge, advancement. I was not required to take college classes, like I did my junior year, but if I did not I wouldn't have been challenged at all academically, I believe. Other than the academics, which is mostly where my focus lied, Utica receives no complaints from me. I met many amazing people, and received lots of guidance and excellent lesson from a very small amount of teachers, sadly. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the years I spent at Utica.... Read 6 reviews

• grade C minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,526