Cleveland Area Public Schools for Gifted Middle Schooler (Akron, Canton: 2014, house prices)

[aspelin]

We are considering a move to the Cleveland area and I am a bit overwhelmed by research on best area for schools. I would prefer to keep my commute to Wickliffe under 30 minutes but my main concern is education options for my son who is currently in a gifted and talented academy. He will be entering the 6th grade in August.

I love the look/feel/vibe of Shaker Heights but get mixed messages about the quality of the schools. State ratings aren't the best for Shaker Heights but I hear people saying great things about the schools. Orange, Mayfield Heights and Beachwood also appear to be good options but the house prices are higher for not as much character.

Additionally, my husband is a avid cyclist and likes to go on long distance bicycle rides. He's interested in living in a place where he can get out to open road without risking life and limb on highways.

Any advice?

[L2DB]

Trade-offs, for sure. I think any of the options you listed are okay school-wise. I'd probably go Beachwood, Orange, Mayfield, and then Shaker.

I think one of the plusses to areas of Beachwood is that you're close to some of the restaurants, shops, etc. in SH and CH. Where I live, Shaker is pretty much across the street. Orange is more rural and Mayfield is more commercial (IMO).

As for cycling, Beachwood/Orange are probably going to get you closest to Fairmount (which, AFAIK) is one of the main "cycling" roads (once you get East of Richmond and more so East of Brainard/Lander). It's rolling hills and not a ton of traffic.

[Clevelander17]

Shaker's gifted and talented program is without a doubt amongst the strongest in the area. For a "regular ed" student I wouldn't necessarily recommend Shaker above Orange and then Beachwood (in that order), but for a gifted kid? Absolutely. And for gifted Mayfield wouldn't even really be in the discussion for top five on the east side.

Shaker's gifted program is well-funded and there exists a large enough concentration of students for a wider variety of programs to be offered than some of the smaller suburban districts on the east side. It's also the only district in the area that offers the International Baccalaureate from K-12, and the high school has a full slate of AP courses.

[Azure Ray]

As far as biking, your hubby can take the Cuyahoga Valley railroad from Independence down to Canton and ride his bike back (or he could do both ways). It's a great deal and a beautiful (and safe!) bike trail.

The only gifted school I am aware of is Miller South in Akron, but it is music/arts based.

[teacherdad]

How is this area of UH?

2551 Ashurst Rd

Thanks!

[WRnative]

Chagrin Falls has excellent schools and is one of the most charming towns in Greater Cleveland.

I know an avid road cyclist who lived there and loved it.

http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/R...vationTrailMap

Chagrin Falls High School in CHAGRIN FALLS, OH | Best High Schools | US News

Search Ohio High Schools | US News

Consider the size of the school system when evaluating the following.

National Merit Scholarship semifinalists named: Who at your school made the cut? | cleveland.com

Kirtland has a very small school district, and not much of a downtown, but great parks and Holden Arboretum.

Lake Metroparks - Activities: Biking

Does your husband have any interest in cross country skiing? Kirtland is even better for that as you can cross country ski at Holden, which I don't believe allows cycling.