Western Reserve Academy
TRANSFORMATIVE PROGRAMS & OPPORTUNITIES
For 200 years, Western Reserve Academy, a premier coed boarding and day school for grades 9–PG students in Hudson, Ohio, has inspired students to blaze trails in learning and in life — honoring tradition, sparking innovation and radiating joy. Scan to inquire!
Western Reserve Academy prepares students to blaze trails in learning and in life, offering an unparalleled educational experience rooted in tradition, innovation and joy. Below are a sampling of WRA programs (and heads of school!) that transcend the ordinary and enter the realm of the truly unique — Sui Generis
Suzanne Walker Buck, the first female Head of School in WRA’s 200-year history, leads with a dedicated commitment to wellness and community. Drawing on a shared history of light and truth, Suzanne embraces joy as an additional beacon. The result brings a harmonious balance that not only fuels the vibrant energy and creativity on campus but leaves an enduring impact that resonates long after.
Advanced science courses in Cancer Immunology and Synthetic Biology connect students with Cleveland’s leading healthcare institutions, offering hands-on research, cutting-edge lab access and real-world applications — from cancer vaccine research to genetically engineered solutions.
WRA’s future Center for Food Innovation, Service and Sustainability (CFISS) seeks to explore food through scientific, cultural and economic lenses — bringing courses like Anthropology of Food Systems and Agricultural Engineering to life and preparing students to take the lead on global challenges.
WRA’s Compass program empowers students to pursue bold ideas, navigating the pitch, the challenges, the presentation, and ultimately, the meaningful solutions.
The Wang Innovation Center (WIC) is a dynamic 6,000-square-foot hub that transcends the typical makerspace, offering state-of-the-art equipment and dedicated areas for ideation, prototyping and final production. Since its opening in 2016, it has been a vibrant space for diverse student activities, including the creation of PPE during shortages, culinary molds and entrepreneurial ventures. The WIC embodies a spirit of limitless possibility and hands-on, brain-on exploration, proving that where there’s a WIC, there’s a way.
Last year saw:
Western Reserve Academy offers transformative learning that extends beyond the classroom, connecting local service with global engagement. Through Community Outreach & Global Engagement, students develop empathy, problem-solving skills and a commitment to the greater good.
WRA’s service program builds intentionally across grade levels: freshmen support the school community; sophomores serve locally; juniors focus on environmental impact; and seniors and PGs lead, reflecting on service as a lifelong value. Service Leaders help anchor a campus culture of giving, organizing events and volunteer efforts.
Global opportunities include the annual Reserve on the Rez trip to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and the Jump the World exchange in Guatemala, blending cultural immersion and service. These experiences cultivate global citizenship and perspective.
The Ellen C. Long Study Abroad (ELISA) Program offers fully funded summer homestays in countries like Costa Rica, France, Taiwan and Germany, deepening cultural understanding and language fluency.
WRA also partners with alumni and institutions around the world. Students can intern with Dr. Paul Klotman ’68 at Baylor College of Medicine, participate in the International Summer Science School Heidelberg, or pursue research and earn college credit through Kenyon College and the University of Akron. Break trips, like those to the Galápagos and Italy, further inspire discovery.
At Reserve, global and local engagement prepare students to lead with awareness, empathy and purpose.
Last year saw:
2,953 1,000s miles covered economic value of
countless changed s $80,320 = 50,000+ of in-kind donations
- athletics -
Western Reserve Academy’s comprehensive athletic program features boys and girls soccer, cross country, tennis, volleyball, basketball, swimming & diving, lacrosse and track & field, coed golf, fencing, indoor track, riflery, wrestling and esports, boys baseball and girls softball and field hockey programs, alongside yoga, spinning and weight training. The school’s strength and conditioning program focuses on sport-specific training to enhance performance, reduce injury and instill lifelong fitness habits.
The Murdough Athletic Center features state-of-the-art facilities, including a 45,000-square-foot field house with a 200-meter track, batting cages and multipurpose practice areas; basketball gymnasiums; a swimming pool with a diving well; a wrestling/multipurpose room; a fitness center and an array of other amenities. Outdoor facilities include a tennis complex, baseball and softball fields, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey turf fields under the lights and a cross country trail. The Reserve Sports Network (RSN), a student-run (and created) organization, provides live coverage and commentary on WRA athletics, offering students hands-on experience in broadcasting and media.
For prospective student-athletes, WRA offers a platform to share athletic achievements and connect with coaches through the “Recruit Me” portal. WRA’s Postgraduate (PG) program supports students who have completed grades 9-12 in enhancing their academic, athletic and personal profiles to support college outcomes.
Last year saw:
39 COMMITTED ATHLETES in the Class of 2025
- fine & performing arts -
Western Reserve Academy offers a rich and varied Fine & Performing Arts program with over 20 courses, including Stagecraft, Ceramics, Costume Design, Dance and Digital Music Production. Expert faculty lead these classes, guiding students in technical skills and creative expression.
The Knight Fine Arts Center (KFAC) is the heart of the arts, featuring a 400-seat flexible theater with a 40-foot proscenium stage, full fly system and complete backstage facilities. It also includes gallery space, dance and photo studios and the Wang Innovation Center (WIC), supporting a wide range of artistic pursuits.
WRA’s Visual Arts program includes 2D and 3D studios, kiln and sculpture rooms, a digital media lab and a production area. Courses span all levels, from Art 1 to Advanced Portfolio, including Ceramics, Environmental Art and Photography. The Moos Gallery showcases rotating exhibits of student and professional work.
Performing Arts students take part in three annual productions — two plays and a musical — open to all. The dance program welcomes all skill levels, with two annual recitals that highlight both seasoned and beginner performers in a joyful, inclusive community.
WRA’s music program, housed in Hayden Hall, offers ensembles like Choir, Symphonic Winds, String Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Musical Theater and Music Theory. Students may take private lessons, perform at campus events such as Grandparents’ Day, Vespers and Divas & Desserts, and showcase their talents at public venues and on international tours.
Last year saw:
6,000 Over 75 dance numbers in at least 5 styles
2 recitals 1 musical THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE
2 plays
2 1
27 broken strings broken bridges exploded
- college counseling -
Western Reserve Academy’s college counseling program showcases personalized guidance and comprehensive resources, making it a leader in student support and advocacy throughout the college admission process. The program benefits from a team of six college counselors who build strong relationships with students and maintain professional connections with college admission officers nationwide, ensuring a low counselor-to-student ratio.
This customized approach is further enhanced by a suite of exclusive offerings: an online, self-paced test prep program accessible at no additional cost, dedicated college prep programming beginning sophomore year, two on-campus college fairs featuring diverse institutions and an abundance of dynamic resources for families from day one. Customized and intentional letters of recommendation emphasize each student’s strengths and growth at WRA.
WRA also facilitates direct engagement with college representatives through personal sessions and dinner meetings, with the 2024-25 academic year welcoming over 90 college reps from liberal arts colleges and research universities including Bowdoin College, University of Chicago, the Ohio State University and Princeton.
Application and essay help sessions, a web-based college and career management service and the guidance of the WRA College Advisory Board, composed of admission professionals who consult with the school, offer additional support to students throughout their search. Chaperoned college visits during school breaks further enhance the exploration process.
Through these robust services, WRA ensures students are well-prepared and supported, making its college counseling program a model of excellence.
Last year saw:
The Academic Center (TAC) at WRA empowers eligible students with tailored support aimed at developing effective study techniques, refining organization and time management practices, enhancing writing and critical reading abilities and strengthening self-advocacy and executive functioning skills to balance the academic workload with dynamic commitments. TAC Learning Support Specialists collaborate closely with deans, faculty and school counselors – including college counselors and external support professionals – to holistically promote academic success and social-emotional wellbeing. The team may conduct school-based evaluations to identify learning, attention or emotional concerns and provide early intervention or referrals for outside support if necessary.
In addition, this experienced team designs and implements programming accessible to the entire WRA community, including structured study hours, workshops and weekly peer tutoring across all academic areas. Developing study skills, organizational tools, time management tips, healthy habits around attention and task initiation ensures that all students have the opportunity to enhance their academic and personal growth.
Last year saw:
- outcomes -
The 123 members of the Class of 2025 gained acceptances to 259 different colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and abroad. Their schools of matriculation are bolded, with multiple matriculants indicated in parentheses.
Acadia University
Adelphi University
University of Akron
University of Alabama University at Albany
Albion College
Allegheny College
American International College
American University
Amherst College
University of Arizona
Arizona State University Ashland University
Auburn University
Ave Maria University
Ball State University
Bard College
Baylor University
Bellarmine University
Belmont University
Belmont Abbey College Binghamton University
Boston College
Boston University (2)
Bowie State University
Bowling Green State University
Bradley University
Brandeis University
University of British Columbia
Bryant University
Bryn Mawr College
Bucknell University
University at Buffalo
Butler University
University of Calgary
University of California-Berkeley
University of California-Davis
University of California-Irvine
University of California-Los Angeles
University of California-Riverside
University of California-San Diego
University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Cruz
California State University Capital University
Carleton College
Case Western Reserve University
Catholic University
Central Michigan University
Centre College
College of Charleston (3) University of
University of Cincinnati
Clark University
Clemson University
Cleveland State University Coastal Carolina
University Colgate University
College of the Holy Cross Colorado College
University of Colorado Colorado School of Mines
Columbia University Connecticut College
University of Connecticut Cornell University
University (2)
Atlantic University (2)
Coast University Florida Institute of
Florida International University Florida Southern College Fordham University Franklin Pierce University Furman University Gardner-Webb University George Washington
Georgetown University
Southern University
Tech
College
University
College Gulf Coast State College Harvard University (3) Harvey Mudd College University of Hawaii Hawaii Pacific University
High Point University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Hofstra University
Howard University
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois State University
Indiana University (2)
Iona University
Ithaca College
James Madison University
John Carroll University
Johns Hopkins University Johnson & Wales
University Juniata College
Kalamazoo College
University of Kansas
Kent State University
Rutgers University
University of Kentucky
Kenyon College (2)
Lafayette College Lake Forest College
Lehigh University
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lewis and Clark College
Liberty University
London School of Economics
Louisiana State University Loyola University
Chicago
Loyola University Maryland Lynn University
Macalester College
University of Maine
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Marshall University
University of Maryland University of Massachusetts (3)
McGill University
McMaster University
Mercer University
Mercyhurst University
Miami University (4)
University of Miami
University of Michigan (2) Michigan State
University Middlebury College
University of Minnesota University of Mississippi
Monroe University
Universidad de Navarra University of New
Hampshire
University of Nevada
New York University (4)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina A&T State University
University of North Florida
University of North Texas Northeastern University (3)
Northwestern University Oberlin College (2)
Ohio Northern University Ohio State University (9)
Ohio University
Ohio Wesleyan University University of Oklahoma
University of Oregon
Oregon State University University of Ottawa
Otterbein University
Pace University
Palm Beach Atlantic University
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
University of Pittsburgh University of Portland
Princeton University
Providence College
Purdue University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhodes College (2)
Rice University
University of Richmond University of
Rochester Rochester Institute of Technology
Rollins College
Saint John Fisher College Saint Joseph’s
University
Saint Louis University
Salve Regina University Samford University
University of San Diego San Diego State
University University of Santa Barbara Santa
Clara University
Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design
Smith College
University of South Carolina University of South
Florida Southern Methodist University
Southern New Hampshire University
University of St Andrews
St. Lawrence University University of St. Thomas
Stetson University
Stevenson University
Stony Brook University
Syracuse University
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University University of Toronto
Trinity College
Trinity University
Tufts University
University of Tulsa
Union College
United States Air Force Academy
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
Ursinus College
University of Utah
Valparaiso University Vanderbilt University
University of Vermont
Villanova University
University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
Wabash College
Wake Forest University University of Washington Washington University in St. Louis
Washington & Jefferson College Washington &
Lee University Waynesburg University Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
West Virginia University Western University
Wheaton College
Whitman College
College of William & Mary Williams College
Wingate University
University of Wisconsin Wittenberg University
Wofford College
College of Wooster
Yale University
York University