Mission: 

Old Trail School is a Preschool through Grade Eight independent, coeducational day school nestled within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Founded in 1920, the School, in partnership with its families, is dedicated to nurturing children by developing a strong academic foundation, a respect for themselves and others, and a love of learning.

Old Trail School cherishes the creative spirit in each child and is committed to a stimulating liberal arts curriculum with high academic standards which prepares students to thrive in challenging secondary schools. The student community is diverse, consisting of motivated, capable learners, who are guided by teachers, parents, and often by their peers. The faculty are supportive role models and caring, engaging educators. They are valued by our families for their creativity, their passion for teaching and learning and, most of all, for their joy in being a part of this vibrant community.

The ultimate goal of Old Trail School is to support young people as they pass through childhood and early adolescence, into a society where they emerge as thoughtful and constructive citizens with integrity, confidence and a desire to be of service to others.

Core Values

Old Trail School embraces four core values: Respect, Responsibility, Goodness and Service. The School steadfastly strives to direct instruction, discussion and reflection about these virtues into curricular, disciplinary and communication initiatives.

Vision Statement

Old Trail’s vision is to be a student-centered, academically challenging, financially well-endowed School that will serve as a national model of educational excellence. Students will grow intellectually, ethically, emotionally and socially through a forward-looking, creative and developmental curriculum enhanced by a supportive community partnership of faculty and families. With campus facilities adjacent to a National Park that are both traditional and innovative, an exceptional faculty, and a diverse student body, the School strives for the height of academic excellence and the deepest personal and moral responsibility.