Knowing what I know now I would have fled this school and attended Cleveland Heights High. Every day I was depressed here. I just wish I'd understood that plenty of local schools are so much better. Ignatius routinely employs uncertified alumni with little experience. Two teachers and a coach were emotionally and psychologically abusive. I was a year younger than all the other students which doesn't help in this toxic environment. Homophobia and racism are endemic. Zero science during freshman year, zero opportunity to socialize with girls. Ignatius now offers a health science mentoring and internship program, probably because they noticed very few of us smarties were prepared for medical studies. They had to improve their game given the exhorbitant tuition and inferior curriculum compared to good public schools in the area that have four years of science, superior arts programs, healthier culture and don't subject young boys to four years of mandatory religious indoctrination. They actually told us there was zero networking for medical school. It seems like efforts were made to improve, but I would never send my son's here or indeed to any "Catholic" school after my experience. If your parents hold you back a year or two in one of the local "Catholic" grade schools, play football and the administration will shepherd you with better instructors and manipulate your record to improve your GPA. read more

Great school. On the expensive side, but a great education and program. Have the motto "Men For Others".

I am an alum and a parent of three sons that are either at Ignatius now or are themselves alums. All I can say is that there is no place like it anywhere nearby (perhaps simply anywhere). It is a truly unique and wonderful place. I am saddened and surprised by the reports of bullying I see in one of the posts. I can say that in my four years I NEVER saw any bullying. I ask my sons about it periodically and they tell me the same thing. Honestly, probably a sampling error in both instances. It probably happens from time to time. It is not a perfect place. I can say that if it happens it is not widespread or one of my three sons would have seen it somewhere, some time. I am sad to hear about it and my heart goes out to anyone who has been mistreated or made to feel unwelcome. There is no place for that in any community, of faith, of learning .. of anything. It just has not been a part of my experience at the school. So, what has been my experience? Good and caring faculty and staff genuinely interested in not only educating but inspiring students. The school is focused on the care of the individual person and launching Men for Others into the world. Ignatius is not interested in their students and the community just being ok. Ignatius wants its students and its community to be excellent. The connection to the near West Side is palpable. Students are encouraged - and to a certain extent required - to engage in service in the community. They are expected to invite the 'real world' into their lives and think critically about and pray for it. They are encouraged to respond to the 'real world' constructively and actively. When I attended freshman orientation for my oldest son the principal said *you give us the boy, we will give you the man. " I can say that Ignatius has delivered on that promise, contributing in a huge way to molding my sons into good, Christian men. If you are looking to continue (or to experience for the first time) Catholic education done right, send your son here. You will not be disappointed. read more

My experience was that of an excellent education tainted by bullying and intolerance. In the 1990s I was the son of a poor single mother in the inner city of Cleveland. St. Ignatius admitted me and gave me enough financial aid to attend, for which I am deeply grateful. Today, partly due to the excellent education they provided me, I have earned my Ph. D. and lead a successful and happy life on the other side of the country. However, their kindness does not excuse the harmful behavior that often took place and which seemed to be part of the fabric of the school's culture. For example, while I was a student several of my classmates were bullied to the point of committing suicide, such as an acquaintance of mine named Owen French. Once, when news hit of a different student committing suicide because he was gay and bullied we had an all-school assembly. Administration did not address bullying at this meeting, but instead warned the students against talking to the press about the school's culture. I am still in shock today that this was how the school responded to the suicide of a gay student. I also had a close friend named David Snyder who had a visible medical condition. The word "teased" does not capture the malice and abuse he suffered because of this. Four years of ostracism and abuse took its toll on him and not too long after graduation he would also be dead. These are just some extreme examples, but I can say that in my experience, homophobia, racism, elitism, and general xenophobia against anyone different were rampant, daily phenomena. At best this mindset was tacitly approved by the school's power structure, at worst, encouraged by it. To my knowledge, there was no mention of the students who committed suicide in our yearbook or any admission on the part of the school of failure to protect these kids. I would call on Saint Ignatius to take responsibility for bullying and intolerance. I have since been back and I saw a plaque that honors another student in my class who died of natural causes. Someday I hope to tour the school and see a plaque with names like David Snyder and Owen French conspicuously displayed saying, "Bullying contributed to the deaths of these students, and we will never let that happen again." Update 10/31/14. If you view the other posts you will see the "nothing is wrong" attitude which is really the root of the problem. One 5 star reviewer admits, "No, it is not for everyone" which is all too true- perhaps much more true than he intended to admit. Not everyone is welcome. He goes on to completely dismiss bullying and intolerance saying, "There is no 'boys will be boys' attitude in the culture of the school". Another 5 star reviewer implies that bulling is everywhere so St. Ignatius should not be held responsible. This is the viewpoint of the powerful majority; of those who fit in and do not face the stigma of being "the other". I'd encourage everyone who denies a problem to ask an actual student to count how many times a day they hear the word "f-g" (homophobic slur). When I attended, I counted it in the dozens. Blindness to the problem is the luxury of privilege. read more

I'm an Ohio City resident with my boyfriend and his little one. We've lived here for about 4 years and the little guy (9 years old, now) has been spending every other week here with us since he was about 4. The other half of the time he lives in Mentor. With that being said, since the day we moved here, living within walking distance of this incredible school has made an impact on him. He doesn't talk about wanted to go to Mentor High everyday--he talks about wanted to go to St. Ignatius when he's old enough. He sees the morals and values instilled in these young men and the real life preparations they make for college and their careers, starting freshman year. Once a day, these young men are asked to stop and think about all the things that have happened for them to be there--teaching them appreciation for the sacrifices those around them have made, teaching accountabilty and responsibility for actions--which is something NOT taught to the newer generations of today. I know this because it was barely taught to my generation. And the fact that no one holds themselves accountable these days... let alone parents of children. Anyways... We also love taking him over to the school for sporting events, especially the varisty basketball games. They take place on Friday nights and are a great, positive influence on young athletes. It shows him how important grades are to seeking his dreams in the sports world. It reinforces good sportsmanship, attitude and all these things we try to instill in him at home. It's also a cheap, family-friendly activity, which is always welcome in this household. In general, this school just brings so much positivity to a neighborhood that's moving forward, but still in the grips of crime, drugs and violence. It's a beacon of light in a community in need of service, love, understanding and forward momentum. I'll admit I don't know the inner-workings of this institution, but I will say intolerance and bullying is everywhere. I went to Harvey High School, a public school in Painesville, OH so I've seen it all. It definitely comes from the parents--so hopefully St. Ignatius has taken a positive stand against these kinds of issues on campus. read more

First off let me say, I am an alumnus and my son is presently a student at St. Ignatius. Although poor behavior occurs in boys of this age group quite frequently, I must say that the students I have met here are very respectful and understanding of others. The school slogan "Men for Others" is a constant reminder that although many of these boys have been blessed with positives throughout their lives, they need to think about the aspirations of others. I graduated in the late 80s and have noted a shift in philosophy at the school. Back then, it was more anything goes, but now there is a distinct understanding that these boys will be treated as young men, but exemplary behavior is expected in return. The education my son is receiving at St. Ignatius is top notch. He is part of several extracurriculars including Crew which rows on the Cuyahoga (imagine that!). If you want your son to have the best high school education and personal growth experience in the Cleveland area, look into St Ignatius High School, your son is worth it! read more

The Breen center of the performing arts is a beautiful venue for Verb Ballets. Big stage, professional lighting. Clean and comfortable. Choice venue for Verb Ballets, local professional dance company. Great neighborhood near Ohio City! Perfect for hanging out before/after the show to make a nice night out in Cle complete! read more

It is really difficult to rate a school like you would a restaurant or other venue. I am not an alumnus, but I have had three sons go through the school and I have been involved with their activities for ten years. The experience was not at all what I expected. While the school has a reputation for athletics and academics, there is much more that makes its special. There are students from diverse cultural, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Not every graduate goes on to an Ivy League school, but they do tend to go on to be successful individuals. There is no "boys will be boys" attitude in the culture of the school - rather there is an expectation that "boys will be men." I have also witnessed an attitude of tolerance towards students. No, it is not perfect. No institution is. No it is not the only great school in the area, there are several. No, it is not for everyone. It does instill an attitude of being a team player among its students in it's "men for others" philosophy. It has certainly achieved my goal of reinforcing the values that I have tried to teach my sons at home. read more

In a time where we often deal with attitudes of "entitlement," St Ignatius creates "responsibility" in young men with an eye towards others rather than selves. This coupled with the strong faith based environment gives the school a "feeling" I've not felt anywhere else. We are blessed to have our son attend and thank all of the faculty, staff and coaches for their roles in shaping his future. read more