Roy C. Start High School is the largest comprehensive public high school in Toledo, Ohio, United States. The school opened in 1962 and is part of the Toledo Public Schools. It was named after Roy C. Start, two-time mayor of Toledo and founder of the West Toledo YMCA.
Serving 1,111 students in grades 9-12, Start High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Ohio for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 12% (which is lower than the Ohio state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the Ohio state average of 60%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Ohio state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Ohio state average of 34% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,111 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 74% (Btm 50% in OH)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
School Overview
Start High School's student population of 1,111 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 88 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,111 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
88 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Green, Gold
School Calendar
Average Class Size
20 students
School Rankings
Start High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,181 schools in Ohio (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Start High School is 0.63, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2879 out of 3181 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
54%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
60%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
53%
17%
White
27%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
74%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
63%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Spartans
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Start High School's ranking?
Start High School is ranked #2879 out of 3,181 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Ohio.
What schools are Start High School often compared to?
Start High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Waite High School, Whitmer High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% OH state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 60% OH state average).
What is the graduation rate of Start High School?
The graduation rate of Start High School is 74%, which is lower than the Ohio state average of 86%.
How many students attend Start High School?
1,111 students attend Start High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Start High School students are Black, 27% of students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Start High School?
Start High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Ohio state average of 17:1.
What grades does Start High School offer ?
Start High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Start High School part of?
Start High School is part of Toledo City School District.
In what neighborhood is Start High School located?
Start High School is located in the DeVeaux neighborhood of Toledo, OH. There are 7 other public schools located in DeVeaux.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Roy C. Start is indeed one of the Top schools in Toledo Ohio. I realize that isn't saying much, however I have conversated with students their of all races and all seemed to be very intellegent and decent teens. Roy C. Start offers above and beyond the educational help and finacial help the students are in need of. The teachers are very knowledgable; and we as parents know that is extremely important for children; but not only are they knowledgable they "explain things well" - student I had interviewed. Many websites and letters are sent to parents throughout the year to keep parents involved. I would with all my knowledge recommend this school to any teen becoming a freshmen or deciding to switch schools.
5 10/10/2025
I go here and I am learning more than when I attended Toledo Technology Academy; for more than a few reasons.
2 10/10/2025
great staff students are a joke
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