Russell Center

Chagrin Falls thinks very highly of their schools, but the truth is that their academic performance in no way "bends the curve" regarding the underlying demographics. A multivariate regression with independent variables of the parents' affluence, education, and family structures would predict school scores this high or higher. When factoring in the relatively high per-pupil spending, the district might actually be labeled as under performing. Perhaps the biggest concern is cultural. Don't let the small town fool you... this is not a Midwest town holding fast to traditional values. Gurney has become fiercely anti-Christian. We attended multiple Holiday Concerts where our children sang songs about Kwanza and Hanukkah, but where all Christmas songs were modified to remove "Christ", in one case actually being replaced with the glorification of recycling. (All beliefs treated with respect... except one). More recently, the administration imposed a ban on the use of the words "boy" and "girl," and affixed rainbows to student desks. One wonders how they will go about teaching genetics and anatomy if they refuse to acknowledge the science of biology. A growing number of Christian employees have left the district, including one wonderful teacher with more than 30 years of tenure. Consider Chagrin if you are a coastal-style liberal progressive. If you are a Christian and/or conservative, you'd be wise to look at other districts in Summit and Geauga Counties.