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 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 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:
9
450 of hours dedicated to Compass project ideation, research, fieldwork, rehearsals and presentations hundreds endless WOOHOOS shouted genes analyzed in Cancer Immunology
3,450
725
t-shirts sweatshirts MADE in the WIC hats
- service & travel -
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 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 Heidelberg International Summer Science School, 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:
hours spent in service to others 2,953
$80,320 = 50,000+ of in-kind donations
1,000s miles covered economic value of service hours in service and exploration countless changed s
- 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 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.
Last year saw:
6,000 Over 75 dance numbers in at least 5 styles
2 recitals
2 plays
1 musical THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE
2 1 27 broken strings broken bridges exploded bow pounds of new clay pounds of recycled clay
2,000
- 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: committed athletes 39
- learning support -
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, 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. Student evaluations are provided by the TAC at no additional cost to families, a significant savings not offered at other schools.
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:
SKILLS acquired
MATERIALS organized
HABITS formed
BREATHS taken
CONFIDENCE gained
Western Reserve Academy is a premier coed boarding and day school for grades 9–12 and PG students, located in the heart of Hudson, Ohio. Since 1826, we’ve inspired students to blaze trails in learning and in life through an education illuminated by tradition, sparked by innovation and energized by joy. With over $9 million dollars in financial aid and merit awards distributed each year, we bring top-level education well within the realm of possibility.
Visit wra.net/admission, email admission@wra.net, call 330.650.9717 or scan to learn more!
