University School

2785 Som Center Road

Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

13 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 20, 2024

University School provides a strong academic environment with many interesting classes and extra curricular opportunities. The faculty is supportive and they understand boys needs and educational styles. Hands on learning really makes a difference in my sons learning experiences. We have had several outstanding teachers in the middle school and we are looking forward to the same in high school. My sons enjoyed taking the Young Surgeon's class, the Blood & Guts class, participating in the Maple Sugaring Club, Junior United Nations, Mock Trial, the school musicals and more. They are both a bit shy and making friends can be challenging at US but teachers encouraged them to expand their experience by signing up for optional classes/clubs as mentioned above and it really built their self-confidence. The high school campus is beautiful and has a fish hatchery, maple sugaring house and bee hives. The maple syrup and honey are sold in the school store. The present Head of School is really wonderful and a positive step in the right direction. There is a lot of homework and we have worked on how to manage time efficiently. The boys school attire provides an opportunity for boys to feel comfortable in more professional clothes. Its been remarkable to see them transforming into young men there. The emphasis on public speaking is a big plus. The 8th grade speeches they had to write and present were incredibly impressive. Math, English and Science are in-depth and depending where you are in math your child can attend classes in any grade. So one son will be taking math at grade level while the other is in a math two grades ahead. You do not have a chance to get bored. The school wants to make sure your student is challenged. My boys are looking forward to being a part of the Rocketry Club, the Forge Club, Mock Trial again and more. They can't wait to take one of the many photograpy classes and there is an engineering class one of my son's is looking forward to next year. My point is, the school is designed with boys in mind that includes a strong support system. It is a challenging academic environment but many things in life require hard work and they are learning resilience, persistance and a love of learning for learning sake. It can be competitive but my sons are learning how to navigate these situations as well. Every student has an assigned sponsor (teacher) who is there for them and is your first line of communication for parents. This is very helpful.
Submitted by other on August 16, 2023

I've been a part of this community for over a decade. The school provides exactly what they say. A place for boys to discover new interests, follow a passion, and find meaningful relationships with faculty mentors and their peers. While the school tuition is considerable, they provide significant aid and will ensure that boys of strong character who are high-achieving and driven can attend.
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2023

Since my review on Niche was removed in spite of the fact it complied with guidelines and families were asked to bombard the site with 5 star reviews, to counter any effect my review had, I will make the attempt here. Truth is our experience is our experience, and we have the right to express it to help other families make a balanced decision. I made sure my boys would get into US NO MATTER WHAT, I moved heavens and earth to get them admitted. After evaluating Gilmour, Hawken , WRA and other private schools, I (we) truly thought this was the best academic entity in the area. Instead, what I (we) learned in 4 years is the business model, although successful, did not align with our core values and educational quality was above average at times. The very healthy endowment which finances admission of extremely smart, talented and ambitious kids from families with limited financial resources, is supported by local affluent families that send their above average kids to US. The recruited smart kids carry the weight of maintaining the academic standard the school enjoys and brand recognition. While the intent and end goal are noble and accomplished, our family was directly impacted by the cost and risk of this business model because it creates a corrosive and volatile environment since the social abyss between the kids is stark , and affluent families have special treatment. Nothing wrong with that, IT IS BUSINESS, the problem is the kids are immune to discipline and everybody in the US community (teachers, other kids) know this. Rules and guidelines are bent and compromised to appease these families. We came to the point where we had to weight the pro’s and cons and cost/benefit of staying, and frankly the marginal gains in education quality, for a premium, was not worth the risk, to us. We were full tuition paying family, and our boys were excellent students with zero behavioral problems. So after many years and after having made life altering decisions to attend US until HS graduation, we decided it was best to leave. With that said, there are good families that believe this is a good fit for them, and I respect that, you just have to decide what you are willing to risk and at what cost.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2023

First, I am an alum of the school who now had a child there. It pains me how much the school has declined academically due to poor leadership.What has changed is that the school now prizes athletic success and diversity over achievement. Whereas students in my day were prepared for college and then some, today's school lowers standards enormously so that everyone gets a trophy. The top part of the class is elite, but the rest are not. No longer is U.S. worth the price tag. Just look at their list of college admissions. It's fallen off a cliff to the level of being an outright embarrassment. Sure, we live in competitive times, but U.S. is no longer competitive. Even the faculty who remain from my era will tell you they are shocked at how far the place has fallen and point the finger, albeit quietly, at a rudderless leadership and not-so-intrepid Head of School.I used to take great pride in what U.S. was. It's unflinching standards and elite teaching made it extraordinary. But that place is gone. Look elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2019

I have had a great experience. I don't think any school can be a perfect fit for everyone.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2019

I was warned but believed the promises that the school made and that you get what you pay for. WRONG. Wish I had never set foot through the door.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2019

New leadership is inconsistent. Rules are different for the children of faculty. Racism and anti-semitism is alive and well at this school. Some of the newer younger teachers think their role is more to indoctrinate the students rather than help them think deeply. If one has an extra 30k hanging around then go for it - but consider the idea that your son might not be one of the boys who are "known and loved." There are some teachers who are allowed to be verbally abusive to students. Some excellent teachers, but most good ones are from the Hawley era and likely retirement is on their minds.
Submitted by student on April 15, 2014

This school is a very comfortable and natural environment for learning. The teachers are extremely devoted to their students learning and gaining knowledge. I LOVE THIS SCHOOL!
Submitted by teacher on July 15, 2013

I give the school a four star rating based on the very talented and dedicated faculty. Compared to other schools at which I've taught, I'd say the students are mostly delightful, but there is a higher percent of mean-spirited ones than I've found elsewhere. The administrators are uneven. It is very preppy and the lack of girls is probably a disservice to the most talented boys (I say this because girls are precocious learners and set the competitive bar high). If your son is a fairly conventional, bright, athletic young man, he would be happy there. It is a very affluent school, and there is a certain sense of entitlement and privilege-blindness. I don't think there were any openly gay students. It's definitely a prep school rather than an independent school.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2013

Excellent School if you are looking for private, preparatory school with demanding curriculum, superior teaching and a working environment for your son. Expensive however if used correctly your son can receive and obtain and education and extra curricular experience that is worth every penny.Negative reviews are most likely their at the hands of their inability to position their child for the price. Plenty of helicopter parents whose money doesn't work at private schools either. Wake up and let go. Great school, as a parent we would do it all over again - and still have another year left!
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2013

US is a good school; however, be prepared to pay $20K for your son's education. I do not want to market other schools in this post, but there are other private and catholic high schools not too far from US that cost half as much. It is a good school, but the money is crazy, and the enrollment isn't helping either.
Submitted by other on November 14, 2012

used to be a decent school, but is not what it once was. the leadership is weak and the school is getting much worse.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2012

University School (US) (grades 9-12) in Hunting Valley has consistently provided the best educational opportunities in the United States for the past 30 years. The student to teacher ratio averages 7 to 1. This ratio allows for a focus and identification in all areas of student knowledge. The learning environment is rich in ensuring student excellence, reinforced by both fellow classmates, and teachers. The complete "team" success is stressed. The learning environment is enhanced by the schools college campus setting. Most students attend advanced placement classes comparable to many college level 101 courses. Each student is highly encouraged to participate in sports, which enhances the students rounded experience in the "person", growing process. Other personal growth areas of learning are speech debate, theater, and programs that ensure a young adult has the skills to immediately compete at the highest of college levels. Importance of the whole person is consistent in all training levels. Students enjoy lunch meals in a dining type of environment, leading to the manners of a gentleman. Please view the US website for a satellite view of this campus. (See US.edu)