Meet Jordan, a Richmond Heights student beginning their day at the Upper School. As Jordan walks through the front doors, staff members greet them by name. A classmate stops to talk about last night’s game. A teacher asks how a project is coming along. In a district this size, these moments are part of the routine — not the exception.
At Richmond Heights Local Schools, relationships are woven into the school day. With just two buildings serving the entire city, the district operates as a close-knit learning community where students are known, supported and challenged. That sense of belonging shapes everything from classroom instruction to long-term planning.
Jordan’s schedule reflects the breadth of opportunities available. The morning might begin with an Advanced Placement course, followed by a hands-on class that connects learning to real-world careers. Between periods, Jordan moves through a 21st-century Learning Center that opened in 2021. The school feels familiar and welcoming, where educators understand each student’s strengths, interests and goals. Later in the day, Jordan heads to the Cuyahoga County library — located directly on campus — before staying after school for a club meeting or practice.
Each interaction points back to the district’s vision: to be a first-choice school district that provides an equitable, safe, and respectful environment where pride in self, school, and community flourishes.
A District Rooted in Purpose
Located southeast of Cleveland, Ohio, Richmond Heights Local Schools serves a city of approximately 10,000 residents and is the only public school district in the community. The district includes one elementary school serving grades PreK–6 and one upper school serving grades 7–12, allowing for continuity and strong relationships across grade levels.
The district’s mission is clear: to prepare individual learners to navigate an evolving global community using 21st-century competencies. That mission guides decision-making at every level, from instructional practices to community partnerships. Richmond Heights balances its proud history, dating back to school facilities built in the 1960s, with a future-focused approach that prioritizes relevance and opportunity.
Programs That Differentiate and Build Spartan Pride
Richmond Heights offers a comprehensive academic program designed to meet students where they are while preparing them for whatever comes next, whether college, career or the military. Students can choose from 14 Advanced Placement courses, the Early College Early Career program, and a growing menu of career-focused pathways.
One of the district’s most distinctive offerings is its Aviation career pathway, developed through a partnership with the Mayfield Excel TECC Consortium. Scheduled to launch in the 2026–2027 school year, the fully accredited program will be hosted at Richmond Heights, giving students hands-on exposure to aviation mechanics, aerospace systems and high-demand technical careers. Few districts of similar size can offer such a specialized and forward-looking program.
Another defining feature is the district’s co-located community library, the only one of its kind in the county embedded within a school building. The library serves students and community members, reinforcing the idea that schools are central to community life and that learning extends beyond the classroom.
At the elementary level, Richmond Heights has invested in outdoor learning spaces that include a courtyard classroom, butterfly garden, Safety Town and interactive play areas. These spaces support hands-on learning, creativity and social-emotional growth while giving educators flexible instructional options.
A Diverse Community with Strong Outcomes
Richmond Heights serves approximately 780 students. The student population is predominantly Black (87%), with representation from multiracial, Hispanic, White, and Asian or Pacific Islander families. About 68% of students are identified as economically disadvantaged, 15.9% receive special education services, and just over 2% are English learners.
Despite the challenges many students face, outcomes remain strong. The district reports a 100% graduation rate — almost unheard of — and a 92.8% attendance rate. The class of 2025 earned more than $1 million in scholarships, were accepted to more than 2,000 colleges and universities across six states, and 60% were college-bound, 34% entered the workforce, and 6% enlisted in the military. The small but mighty class of 61 students also earned 142 College Credit Plus credits.
Meeting Students’ Individual Needs
Personalization is a strength of Richmond Heights. With a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio and a 1:1 technology program, educators are able to tailor instruction and respond quickly to student needs. The district also boasts a five-star Step Up To Quality preschool, giving its earliest learners a strong start. Support is in place for students with disabilities, English learners and those needing academic intervention, while enrichment opportunities challenge advanced learners.
Social-emotional learning is embedded throughout the district. Peer-to-peer programs, mental health awareness initiatives, and partnerships that provide tutoring, public speaking, and mentoring ensure students receive support beyond academics. These efforts reflect a holistic understanding of student success.
The People and Departments Behind the Work
Appointed superintendent in 2024, Dr. Marnisha Brown has been part of the Richmond Heights Local Schools community since 2014, with a professional background that spans classroom teaching, school leadership and student support roles.
Richmond Heights’ success is supported by a collaborative and dedicated staff working toward a shared goal. Academic and student services teams focus on curriculum, instruction and intervention. Operations, transportation, food services and facilities ensure safe, well-maintained environments, despite aging facilities. And technology staff support thousands of devices and district-wide systems that keep learning connected.
Strong fiscal oversight is another point of pride. Despite financial challenges related to state and federal funding changes and recent legislation, the district has earned a clean audit from the Auditor of State for several years running and maintains an A+ bond rating from S&P Global, reflecting responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The district has also secured more than $300,000 in grants in recent years to support safety, wellness, and college and career readiness.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Equity and inclusion are not treated as add-ons at Richmond Heights; they are foundational. The district partners with community organizations to host events and learning opportunities that celebrate diversity and encourage civic engagement. Students participate in leadership programs, service learning and cultural activities that help them understand their role in a broader society.
Enrichment beyond the School Day
Students at Richmond Heights have access to a wide array of extracurricular opportunities. Athletics include seven varsity sports, with several recent achievements:
- Football returned as a varsity sport in 2025 and went 7-1 on the season
- The boy’s basketball team were back-to-back-to-back state champions in 2022, 2023 and 2024
- The girl’s basketball team were named Chagrin Valley Conference champs in 2025 and won the first two rounds of playoffs
- The middle school track team qualified for state in 2025
- Several athletes have continued their athletic journey at the college — and in some instances — the professional level
The performing arts program features choir, band, musicals and visual arts, including an annual Peer to Peer Art Show that spotlights mental health awareness through student and staff artwork. Clubs span interests such as debate, entrepreneurship, culinary arts, environmental stewardship, student government and mental health advocacy.
These programs help students build confidence, leadership skills and a strong sense of belonging.
Career Readiness and Community Partnerships
Career exploration begins early at Richmond Heights. Elementary students participate in career days, while older students engage in career-focused coursework, guest speaker series, college visits and industry field trips to organizations such as the FBI.
Partnerships with higher education institutions, military representatives and local professionals provide mentorship and networking opportunities that help students make informed decisions about their futures.
The district also works closely with the city of Richmond Heights and local organizations to host events that strengthen school-community connections, from back-to-school celebrations to family resource fairs.
Leading the Way for Public Education
Richmond Heights Local Schools has also taken on a leadership role beyond its borders. As a lead plaintiff in Ohio’s voucher lawsuit, the district is advocating for fair and constitutional funding for public schools. When the EdChoice voucher program was ruled unconstitutional, Richmond Heights stood at the forefront of the decision, reinforcing its commitment to students, families and taxpayers who invest in public education.
A Small District with a Clear Direction
As public education continues to face complex challenges, Richmond Heights Local Schools remains clear about who it serves and why. The district’s work is guided by a long view, one that balances innovation with responsibility, advocacy with accountability and opportunity with care.
From the classroom to the community, decisions are shaped by what will best serve students today while protecting the future of public education tomorrow. That clarity of purpose has allowed Richmond Heights to lead, even when doing so requires standing at the forefront of difficult conversations.
Richmond Heights is not focused on being the biggest district or the loudest voice. It is focused on doing the work well, honoring the trust placed in its schools, and creating pathways that reflect the strengths and needs of its community.
One Vision. One Mission. One Richmond.
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