University School Photo #3 - Shaker Heights Lower School

University School

University School is a boys' school by design  We believe boys thrive in an environment that understands how they learn best and responds accordingly with a developmentally appropriate curriculum and school culture.
The US faculty and staff understand, appreciate and celebrate the uniqueness of boys.
We are committed to developing decent and kind young men as well as capable scholars.
Throughout his years at US, each boy learns to take responsibility for himself, his classmates and the school. Even the youngest boys take turns setting the lunch table and clearing the family-style meal.
Older boys accept responsibility for maintaining the school and its grounds.
Our goal is to nurture young men as skilled in service as in leadership, who are both creative problem-solvers and compassionate human beings.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked OH School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 824 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $30,174
  • Acceptance rate: 10%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

University School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1890
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Sun. Aug 31, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
824 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
19%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
University School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
125 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
84%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
16 courses
Average SAT score
1380
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Formal

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 30 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by grade level.
% on Financial Aid
47%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$20,306
Acceptance Rate
10%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Christina Townsend-Hartz
Endowment Size
$76 million

Sports

School Notes

  • School Motto: Responsibility, Loyalty, Consideration
  • School Mascot: Eagle
  • University School is a boys' school by design. We believe boys thrive in an environment that understands how they learn best and responds accordingly with a developmentally appropriate curriculum and school culture. The US faculty and staff understand, appreciate and celebrate the uniqueness of boys. We are committed to developing decent and kind young men as well as capable scholars. Throughout his years at US, each boy learns to take responsibility for himself, his classmates and the school. Even the youngest boys take turns setting the lunch table and clearing the family-style meal. Older boys accept responsibility for maintaining the school and its grounds. Our goal is to nurture young men as skilled in service as in leadership, who are both creative problem-solvers and compassionate human beings.
SHAKER HEIGHTS CAMPUS
20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
GRADES Junior K-8
Phone: 216-321-8260

HUNTING VALLEY CAMPUS
2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9-12
Phone: 216-831-2200
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does University School cost?
University School's tuition is approximately $30,174 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of University School?
The acceptance rate of University School is 10%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. University School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Ohio with low acceptance rates.
What sports does University School offer?
University School offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Diving, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Wrestling. University School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for most sports offered.
What is University School's ranking?
When is the application deadline for University School?
The application deadline for University School is Jan. 30 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 30 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked OH School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 824 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $30,174
  • Acceptance rate: 10%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Cuyahoga County, OH is $10,960 for elementary schools and $16,878 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Cuyahoga County, OH is 80% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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