The Olmsted Communities
Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township are suburban communities located southwest of Cleveland, Ohio, with a combined population of approximately 18,500 residents. This picturesque and historic community is primarily residential with a median household income of approximately $60,840 per year. The small town atmosphere provides an ideal area to raise families and is cherished by residents.

Downtown Cleveland is about 19 miles northeast and accessible by rapid transit or by driving via interstate highways 480 and 71. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is nearby as is the International Exposition Center (IX Center) which houses exhibits year round. Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township are within easy driving range of major shopping centers, University Circle, Severance Hall, The Cleveland Clinic, Progressive Field, Quicken Loan Arena and the Lake Erie shores.

The community is actively involved with the schools and provides support in various ways. The district's Endowment and Alumni Association and other community organizations provide more than 100 local scholarships to graduating seniors each year. Community recreation associations provide programs that support district activities. Community volunteers are active in providing assistance to classroom teachers.

The local PTA is active in supporting learning by underwriting student assemblies, by providing tutoring and by providing an avenue of communication with district leaders and teachers. There are PTA units in each of the five schools as well as the early childhood community. There is also an active PTA Council for the District.

Olmsted Falls School District is also home to a number of outstanding booster clubs which provide added support for academic, atheletic, music and other performing arts activities.  The Olmsted Falls Academic Boosters, the Olmsted Falls Athletic Boosters, the Olmsted Falls Music Association, and the Masquers & Forensics Patrons are among these important volunteer run organizations that help ensure that our students can expand their realm of educational experiences. 

The District
Olmsted Falls City Schools prides itself on outstanding academic programs, modern facilities and well trained staff. The District, which currently serves more than 3,800 students (Pre-K through 12th Grade), consistently earns the Ohio Department of Education’s rating of Excellent on the annual school report card. Olmsted Falls City Schools is comprised of five school buildings – Olmsted Falls Early Childhood Center (PreK - K), Falls-Lenox Primary School (Grades 1-3), Olmsted Falls Intermediate School (Grades 4-5), Olmsted Falls Middle School (Grades 6-8) and Olmsted Falls High School (grades 9-12).  The District is affiliated with the Polaris Joint Vocational School.

Curriculum complies with State Standards and reflects a blend of college prep, advanced placement, career-technical, gifted and other programs. Academically, student test scores on the ACT and SAT college entrance tests are consistently above both State and national averages. More than 75% of graduating seniors continue their education at a college or university.

Olmsted Falls City Schools has achieved our superior academic results while our spending per pupil is in the bottom quarter of the other 31 districts in Cuyahoga County. The voters’ passage of an operating levy in February  2010 ensures the district's financial stability through 2013.  This important levy supports staffing, programs and student services.  Additionally, passage of a permanent improvement levy in 2012 is providing much needed funding for building upkeep and renovations. 

Olmsted Falls Schools believes that our teaching staff is key to learning and is proud to employ a highly experienced group of teachers. Nearly 66% of our teachers have Master’s Degrees and they average almost 14 years of experience. Their daily attendance rate is among the highest in the State. All high school teachers teach in the subject area in which they are certificated. Many of our teachers live in the community. Our Employment link provides a listing of current openings for certificated, non-certificated and supplemental positions as well as an on-line application process.

Safe and well-maintained facilities and grounds maximize our learning environment. Network infrastructure supports instruction using computer labs, new classroom computers, Internet access and software in each building. The District was the first in the county to have internet access in every classroom. We are participating in the innovative SMART project that is designed to improve elementary and middle school science and math instruction and student learning by providing teacher training, and classroom materials.

Diverse extracurricular programs are supported by athletic fields and performing arts stages at both the Middle and High Schools. In Fall 2005, a newly renovated stadium facility was dedicated. The Charles A. Harding Memorial Stadium, featuring the state-of the-art Robert Shaker / Class of 1972 Press Box and the Dara Hosta Memorial Garden, was made possible solely through donations from the private sector coordinated by the dedicated Olmsted Falls Endowment and Alumni Association. No taxpayer dollars were used in the stadium renovation project.

The Philosophy
Olmsted Falls City Schools are guided by the following District Guiding Beliefs:  

• Education requires a working relationship between the home, the school and the community.
• Schools should provide an atmosphere conducive to learning and promoting the dignity of individuals. Self worth, freedom of expression and joy of learning ensure a positive learning environment and individual dignity.
• Education should provide a well balanced program which includes academics, technical skills needed to compete in an ever-changing society, cultural arts and extracurricular activities.
• Everyone can learn and all have the right to be educated to his/her potential.
• Quality education requires an investment of financial resources. The State and local community must share in providing these resources.
• Schools should provide a safe and secure environment to enhance the educational process.
• A Quality staff is necessary to fulfill the educational expectations of the school district.
• Education is the cornerstone of our society and is necessary for continuing our way of life.
• Learning occurs best in a disciplined environment where everyone accepts the consequences of their behavior.
• Education is essential in creating discerning and analytical individuals.

The Growth
Between 1995 and 2010, the Olmsted Falls City School District experienced steady growth.  Over the course of those 15 years, student enrollment increased from approx. 2,800 (1995) to more than 3,800 (2010).  While this growth has now leveled off, the abundance of new housing developments indicate the desirability of this area for upwardly mobile families. The school district, with its emphasis on basics and high performance levels, is a deciding factor for people considering a move to this area. With significant amounts of land available for additional housing, growth is expected to continue.

In May 2007, the community passed a 2 Mill Bond Issue that provided funds for the construction of a new intermediate school, which opened its doors at the start of the 2009-2010 school year.  Funds generated by the May 2007 bond issue were also leveraged to gain additional State funding in the amount of $7.7 million from the Ohio School Facilities Commission which has made possible the construction of a 32 additional classrooms at Olmsted Falls Middle School.  Construction on this addition to the Middle School got under way in the Fall 2009 with anticipated completion in Fall 2010.  These recent building construction projects solve overcrowding issues in the District for grades PreK - 8.