Best Catholic schools east of Cleveland? (Hudson, Solon: house, university, moving)

[ChloeBill]

Hi all,

We are looking at a possible move to the Cleveland area. Because of the location of our employer, we would be considering suburbs east of the city, including (but not limited to) Solon, Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Shaker, Chagrin Falls, and Hudson.

Our kids currently attend a Catholic grade school in our current city. I'd love to hear about the best Catholic grade schools east of the city of Cleveland. Strong academics, good leadership, good teachers, stability (i.e., growing or stable enrollment, not shrinking), good reputation -- all those are important to us. If there were a particularly excellent option, we might tailor our eventual house hunt to that area.

I have looked on greatschools, but I'd like to hear something a little deeper if possible.

Many thanks in advance!

[Degs99]

My children are at Gesu in University Heights. Good school academically. My oldest has done very well this year and has really blossomed. My only complaint, and it's a big one, is that there is little to no sense of community compared to other catholic schools that I or my children have attended. To say the parents are less than friendly would be an understatement. They are much colder than the previous catholic school we sent our children to in another city.

If meeting people through the church and being welcomed is something you desire, I would say to think twice about Gesu. If that doesn't matter as much, then Gesu is an excellent academic school.

[Clevelander17]

Gesu is one of the largest Catholic grade schools in the entire diocese and it's probably also one of the wealthiest, too. One or both of those things may have to do with why it seems so cold. Regardless, I've also heard great things about it academically. A number of my friends growing up attended Gesu (others also went to St. Ann, St. Gregory the Great, St. Pachal's, St. Clare, and St. Dominic's) and I always got the impression that it was pretty good.

It's located just off of Fairmount Boulevard (across the street from John Carroll University) so it's pretty easy to get to and from, as well.

[ChloeBill]

Thanks, Degs99 and Clevelander17. "Cold" isn't exactly ideal, especially for a family moving from another city who will be in need of a welcome. I am however glad it's known to be academically excellent. I will also take a look at the other schools you mentioned, Clevelander.

What about Seton Catholic School in Hudson? A bit more expensive, so I see, but it certainly has a nice web site. Hudson is geographically appealing to us.

[Clevelander17]

Originally Posted by ChloeBill

Thanks, Degs99 and Clevelander17. "Cold" isn't exactly ideal, especially for a family moving from another city who will be in need of a welcome. I am however glad it's known to be academically excellent. I will also take a look at the other schools you mentioned, Clevelander.

What about Seton Catholic School in Hudson? A bit more expensive, so I see, but it certainly has a nice web site. Hudson is geographically appealing to us.

I've never heard of Seton, to be honest, but then again I don't know a lot about grade schools in Summit County. Looking at the website, though, it looks like it would be a good school.

[ChloeBill]

Thanks again!