Suburb School Info (Cleveland, Parma, Strongsville: house, theater, school districts)

[Mama O]

I have scoured the posts about the best places to live in/around Cleveland when relocating to the area.

Our major concern is schools. It is almost impossible to determine such things on rankings and test scores, so I need some biased, unbiased, honest opinions.

We are looking for a district where the public schools offer pre-school capabilities, foreign languages starting in kindergarten, small student to teacher ratios, AP course curriculum, gifted and talented program, extra-curricular activities in Middle & High School including band, choir, show choir, theater, sports and various other clubs.

If we do relocate, my husband will be working in Valley View. So, we are looking for a community with the above mentioned school system, housing under 300K, and a great sense of community. Ideally, I would love what katiecabot, I think posted - about her ideal city - Medina - but I think that may be too far of a commute.

The areas we were thinking based upon posts and my husband's recollection (he grew up in OH) are: Hudson, Solon, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Strongsville, Twinsburg, North Royalton.

Any advice and or other areas within a 30 min commute would be greatly appreciated.

[CTownNative]

I think any of the cities you posted would be good.The one I've always heard good things about is Solon.

[ivanabacowboy]

The Brecksville/Broadview Heights school district is consistently one of the highest rated and best funded in Ohio. It would be a close commute for your husband (15 minutes tops depending what streets). I am not sure about the foreign language in kindergarten tho, but if any school has it or could arrange it-->it would be Brecksville/Broadview Heights. (They were teaching him how to use a PC before I had even bought one at home lol!) You should easily be able to find housing within your price range in most parts of this area (some of the newer fancier subdivisions may top your range). As far as the preschool I am not sure-but there are a number of excellent private child care centers nearby.

Brecksville is actually quite a historic community. Complete with little town square and gazebo. An awesome portion of the MetroPark (public park) system runs through Brecksville. A bit economically higher class than Medina.

Hudson, Solon and Twinsburg would be much longer commutes than the others.

North Royalton is the next community generally speaking over from Broadview Heights. It is basically a "bedroom community". A few stores, groceries etc. Strongsville is the next community over from North Royalton-it is the biggest and most developed of the cities you identify, and has an awesome Mall where they just completed a large addition this year opening some higher end shops. Commutes from both would be reasonable (ie under 30 minutes, again depending on exact location and streets). Parts of North Royalton are also in the Brecksville/Broadview Hts school district.

[ivanabacowboy]

By the "him" in my earlier post I meant my son. We lived in Broadview Heights during K-6. ;-0

[Mama O]

Thanks for the information ivanabacowboy. I really appreciate it.

Do you not live in the area any longer? Can anyone tell me about what the levy requests are all about in the Brecksville/Broadview Heights area?

[ivanabacowboy]

No-I moved to Parma Heights (Parma school district) when my son was in 7th grade. And in less than 30 days, I will be moving to Phoenix, Arizona as my job is relocating me. ;-)

I have not followed the levies etc so no knowledge. Perhaps the school district website may have details?

[ottomobeale]

For West side it would be Westlake and Olmsted Falls. Lived in Cleveland area 30 years.

[IDTwinsMom]

I'd suggest giving strong consideration to Medina County. Particularly, Highland, Wadsworth, and Medina school districts. The schools are excellent and you get SOOO much house for your money down here. I grew up in Macedonia (Summit County). The schools are fair there, but nothing great. The same house I'm selling now for $240000 would list for $325000+ up there! The commute would be about 35 min. from Medina County, depending on where you picked. Good luck!

Denise