Lawrence School Upper Campus, located at 10036 Olde Eight Road, in Sagamore Hills has graduated from its original 47 acres to 58.5 in the last year.
School officials are exploring ways to utilize the additional land for its 7th to 12th grade student body. The property was once home to Fell Lake Swim Park.
The independent co-ed day school specializes in teaching students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other language-based learning differences, according to the school website.
The expansion was announced on the school’s website in a question-and-answer session.
“It is my honor to formally announce the expansion of Upper Campus to include 11.5 acres of adjacent property,” Board President Nathaniel E. Leonard, stated on the site. “It’s time for Lawrence to begin thinking about the future—and the future looks bright.”
When Lawrence School purchased its original 47 acres 20 years ago the additional 11.5 contiguous acres were four parcels of privately owned land, according to the site.
Trustees Susan Karas, Jill Harrington and Rob Risman were instrumental in the purchase by both organizing and donating.
“Back then we all knew these additional parcels would be amazing to have,” Karas was quoted on the site. “However, the timing was never right for either the families who owned the properties or the school.”
According to Karas the idea to purchase the parcels was not new. “Adding this property completes the original vision so many of us had when we acquired the Sagamore Hills land nearly 20 years ago,” Karas added. “It’s a long-time dream come true.”
During a 2019 strategic planning retreat, because the school had been thriving, the board decided it was finally time to expand, Karas said.
A group made up of real estate and financial professionals was formed to discuss purchasing the property and to determine future uses, Karas added
“Through those conversations, months of hard work, and the group’s due diligence, the stars aligned, and we were able to purchase this acreage we’ve always loved,” Karas said.
Crews have recently begun demolishing homes on the properties. “We may very well create a clean canvas for future builds,” Risman said. “The Board and Lawrence’s leadership team will begin working on future planning for the school, which will inform our long-term plans.
“We’ve discussed many options about what this land could one day become,” Harrington said. “Nothing will happen immediately of course—chances are another capital campaign will grow out of panning sessions.”
Harrington said it’s an exciting time to be part of the Lawrence community.
“What excites me most is what this property will eventually mean for our students,” Harrington said. “These kids—their personal growth and futures—is what it’s all about. We’re expanding the property, but we’re also expanding their possibilities and pride.”
More than 250 students attend The Upper Campus.
Lawrence School also has a Lower Campus in Broadview Heights which houses close to 100 students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
For additional information call 330-908-6800 or visit www.lawrenceschool.org.
