Approximately 42% of public school students in Ohio are eligible for free lunch (2026-27).
The public schools with the highest eligible for free lunch are listed below (where sufficient data available).
The public school with the highest percentage of students eligible for free lunch in Ohio is Abraham Lincoln School, Admiral King Elementary School, and Akron Alternative Academy, among others each with 100% of students eligible.
Eligible for Free Lunch Range: 100%
100%
Avg. Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Free Lunch Eligibility Trends
| Year | Ohio (OH) Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 42% | 50% |
| 2024 | 42% | 46% |
| 2023 | 37% | 48% |
| 2022 | 38% | 46% |
| 2021 | 39% | 47% |
| 2020 | 39% | 47% |
| 2019 | 39% | 47% |
| 2018 | 23% | 42% |
| 2017 | 23% | 42% |
| 2016 | 40% | 43% |
| 2015 | 40% | 44% |
| 2014 | 39% | 45% |
| 2013 | 33% | 44% |
| 2012 | 38% | 37% |
| 2011 | 37% | 41% |
| 2010 | 34% | 38% |
| 2009 | 30% | 36% |
| 2007 | 27% | 34% |
| 2006 | 27% | 33% |
| 2005 | 25% | 29% |
| 2004 | 24% | 29% |
| 2003 | 24% | 28% |
| 2002 | 22% | 29% |
| 2001 | 21% | 27% |
| 2000 | 22% | 27% |
| 1999 | 22% | 27% |
| 1998 | 22% | 29% |
| 1997 | 23% | 29% |
| 1996 | 14% | 25% |
| 1995 | 24% | 25% |
| 1994 | 23% | 25% |
Public Schools Eligible For Free Lunch in Ohio (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Eligible for Free Lunch
Grades
Location
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
A+ Arts Academy
Charter School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-8
1395 Fair Ave
Columbus, OH 43205
(614) 725-1305
Columbus, OH 43205
(614) 725-1305
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-1
6009 Dunham Rd
Maple Heights, OH 44137
(216) 438-6030
Maple Heights, OH 44137
(216) 438-6030
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Admiral King Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-5
720 Washington Ave
Lorain, OH 44052
(440) 245-6315
Lorain, OH 44052
(440) 245-6315
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Akron Alternative Academy
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: 9-12
65 Steiner Ave
Akron, OH 44301
(330) 761-3262
Akron, OH 44301
(330) 761-3262
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Akros Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: 6-8
265 Park St
Akron, OH 44304
(330) 374-6704
Akron, OH 44304
(330) 374-6704
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Alliance Academy Of Cincinnati
Charter School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-8
1712 Duck Creek Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45207
(513) 751-5555
Cincinnati, OH 45207
(513) 751-5555
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Alpine Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-3
1590 Alpine Dr
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 365-5359
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 365-5359
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Amanda Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-5
1300 Oxford State Rd
Middletown, OH 45044
(513) 420-4542
Middletown, OH 45044
(513) 420-4542
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Amesville Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-5
St. Rte. 329
Amesville, OH 45711
(740) 448-2501
Amesville, OH 45711
(740) 448-2501
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Andrew J Rickoff
(Math: 12% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-8
3500 E 147th St
Cleveland, OH 44120
(216) 838-4150
Cleveland, OH 44120
(216) 838-4150
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Anton Grdina
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-8
2955 E 71st St
Cleveland, OH 44104
(216) 838-1150
Cleveland, OH 44104
(216) 838-1150
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Apex Academy
Charter School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-8
16005 Terrace Rd
Cleveland, OH 44112
(216) 451-1725
Cleveland, OH 44112
(216) 451-1725
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Arbor Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-5
20400 Arbor Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44119
(216) 797-6200
Cleveland, OH 44119
(216) 797-6200
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Arlington Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-8
707 Woodsdale Ave
Toledo, OH 43609
(419) 671-2550
Toledo, OH 43609
(419) 671-2550
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Ashland County Community Academy
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: 7-12
716 Union St
Ashland, OH 44805
(419) 903-0295
Ashland, OH 44805
(419) 903-0295
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Avalon Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-3
5220 Avalon Ave
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 365-5361
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 365-5361
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Avondale Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-5
141 Hawkes Ave
Columbus, OH 43222
(614) 365-6511
Columbus, OH 43222
(614) 365-6511
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Barack Obama School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: 4-5
5800 Glenwood Ave
Maple Heights, OH 44137
(216) 438-6020
Maple Heights, OH 44137
(216) 438-6020
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Beatty Park Elementary School
Special Education School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-5
519 Trevitt St
Columbus, OH 43203
(614) 365-6074
Columbus, OH 43203
(614) 365-6074
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Bella Academy Of Excellence
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-6
19114 Bella Dr
Cleveland, OH 44119
(216) 481-1500
Cleveland, OH 44119
(216) 481-1500
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Belle Haven Elementary School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-6
4401 Free Pike
Dayton, OH 45416
(937) 542-4220
Dayton, OH 45416
(937) 542-4220
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Ben Franklin Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-5
533 Beacon Rd
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 670-7340
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 670-7340
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Benjamin Franklin
(Math: 19% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-8
1905 Spring Rd
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 838-3150
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 838-3150
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Bennett Venture Academy
Charter School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-8
5130 Bennett Rd
Toledo, OH 43612
(419) 269-2247
Toledo, OH 43612
(419) 269-2247
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Binns Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-5
1080 Binns Blvd
Columbus, OH 43204
(614) 365-5911
Columbus, OH 43204
(614) 365-5911
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Birmingham Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-8
2222 Bakewell St
Toledo, OH 43605
(419) 671-7700
Toledo, OH 43605
(419) 671-7700
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Blairwood Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-6
1241 Blairwood Ave
Dayton, OH 45417
(937) 835-5682
Dayton, OH 45417
(937) 835-5682
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Bluestone Elementary School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-5
1455 E 260th St
Euclid, OH 44132
(216) 797-6300
Euclid, OH 44132
(216) 797-6300
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Bond Hill Academy
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-7
1510 California Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45237
(513) 363-7900
Cincinnati, OH 45237
(513) 363-7900
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Boulevard Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: K-5
1749 Lee Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 371-7140
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 371-7140
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Boulevard Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-4
14900 Drexmore Rd
Cleveland, OH 44120
(216) 295-4020
Cleveland, OH 44120
(216) 295-4020
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Broadleigh Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-5
3039 Maryland Ave
Columbus, OH 43209
(614) 365-6144
Columbus, OH 43209
(614) 365-6144
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Buckeye Middle School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: 6-8
2950 Parsons Ave
Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 365-5417
Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 365-5417
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Buckeye West Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-5
243 N Mill St
Adena, OH 43901
(740) 546-3413
Adena, OH 43901
(740) 546-3413
Rank: #1 - 3691. - 369.
Eligible for Free Lunch: 100%
Grades: PK-2
527 S Missouri Ave
Wellston, OH 45692
(740) 384-6245
Wellston, OH 45692
(740) 384-6245
Show 100 more public schools in OH (out of 3,048 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ohio average of public schools students eligible for free lunch?
The Ohio average of public schools students eligible for free lunch is 42%% for 2026-27.
What are the public schools with the highest percentage of students eligible for free lunch in Ohio?
The best top-ranked public schools in Ohio include A+ Arts Academy, Abraham Lincoln School and Admiral King Elementary School.
What is public high school and public elementary school with the highest percentage of students eligible for free lunch in Ohio?
The public high school with the highest percentage of students eligible for free lunch in Ohio is Akron Alternative Academy, with a value of 100%. The public elementary school with the highest percentage of students eligible for free lunch is A+ Arts Academy, with a value of 100%.
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