Western Reserve Academy in Akron, Ohio

“WRA is a highly competitive, academically strong school that builds character as well as knowledge. It has done wonders for my daughter, demanding much of her, but at the same time, giving her the resources to succeed. The faculty is top notch and are readily available after hours to help. The dress code is stringent, classes are held on Saturdays, and the classes are small and intimate. It is a great school for students who want to be challenged and prepared for a rigorous college education. It is expensive, but aid is available and in this case you do get what you pay for.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a rising 4-year senior at WRA and I can honestly say that I have recieved the best education I could ever ask for. Reserve is like my second family and I couldn't ask for a more loving community. The sports are great and there is always something to do on campus. I am a boarding student and I believe that by boarding I was able to get a feel for dorm life and how life will be when I go to college in a year. -Julia R. '08”
This review was posted by a student.

“This school has been great for me. I learned so much during my time there and really grew as a person becoming more a more confident, assertive, and well rounded person than I was when I first started. This school has amazing opportunities in terms of extracurriculars and the teachers are great and are always willing to help you out with whatever problems you have whether they are personal or academic; they have a great support system in place. In addition the school has really great resources. They could have better social options but the parent groups really do as much as they can and are great especially in helping boarding students celebrate holidays and especially during exam weeks. This school was overall a great place and one would be hard pressed to find a school as great as this one.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“I love WRA because of the teachers and sports.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I have attended WRA since my freshmen year. As most of these reviews have said, the campus is beautiful and 99% of the teachers are great. However, some should not be teaching at any school, let alone one of this reputation. From personal experience, this school is just a business, not an educational institution. Spending $18 million on a gymnasium that is beyond extravagant and unnecessary is just for pure advertisement.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I am a freshman at WRA and Love it. Yes, it is challenging, but I know it will prepare me for college and beyond. The diversity of students and variety of classes make this a great school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Very academically challenging, with a large amount of homework and required extra curricular activities. That being said, teachers are highly involved, always willing to help outside of normal hours, and have a strong desire to see students succeed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been attending Western Reserve Academy for 2 years now and it has been hard. Academically the school is very challenging and very few pupils average better then a 6.5 (which is rediculous). Sports at Reserve are not very good except for the lacrosse team. If you are hoping to play a sport at the NCAA level besides lacrosse, WRA is not the school for you. Overall I have not had a good experience at Reserve and would not recommend it to kids that like to have fun.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Yes, Western Reserve Academy is a beautiful school. The teachers are great, the dorm life is nice, and the academics are strong, but there is always a downside to a school. The headmaster is great at enlarging the campus, but he doesn't know more than half of his students or what grade they are in. The Academy is known for their academics, but have been focusing on building the athletic complex. Yes, a school needs nice athletic facilities, but why not work more on the academic buildings and the dormitories (especially the female dormitories.) Another downside is the grading scale: a 7 point scale. When students are looking to apply to colleges, schools are a little thrown off by the GPA. Colleges don't realize how difficult the academics at Reserve are. A 5.5, which is honor roll at WRA, is a 3.2 when you convert to a 4 point scale.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I've only been here for two years, and I can already say that Reserve has been the most remarkable educational experience I have ever had. The beautiful campus takes on a spacious New England style with beautiful brick buildings. The faculty here are extremely well-knowledged (60% have masters degrees or doctorates) and are not just faculty but mentors, coaches, and life-long friends for many alumni. The boarding experience is incredible, and I hear from many alumni Reserve dorm life is excellent preparation for college life. There is an $18,000,000 fieldhouse being constructed, several athletic fields, a completely renovated science building with computer-equipped labs, a 50,000 volume library, an arts building with drama, art, and dance studios, and a rigorous curriculum, one that teaches the value of time management. It's extremely difficult to earn straight 7's and 6.5's here (the equivalent of A's at most other schools).”
This review was posted by a student.

“My son is a freshman at WRA. He is a boarding student. He is receiving excellent academic instruction from his teachers, who are all available into the night for extra help if needed. The sports are excellent. The headmaster has been there for 20+ years and knows each student by name. WRA has a nice midwestern feel. I couln't be happier. Brenda G.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love this school with all my heart and without it I would not have has as many opportunities and I would not be the person I am today. --Marie '01”
This review was posted by a former student.

“This school is better than excellant. You may want to check out their website at www.wra.net. This school has over a 176 year tradition for instilling excellence, integrity and compassion in its students. It has been listed as one of America's most outstanding prep schools (according to US World News and Report) and has facilities, etc. that more than rival colleges. All the sudents (100%)that graduate go on to complete a four degree and attend the most prestigious colleges in the United States. It is also listed on the National Registar for historic places. Most the teachers have master's degrees. If you want your child to learn values that last a life time and believe in life long learning and friendships, you should check out Western Reserve Academy.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“This is a top notch school. It is very strong academically with a caring teaching staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.