Willoughby-Eastlake
City Schools
OUR STORY
The story of our school district is one of growth rooted in community pride, while honoring our past and forging ahead with an innovative spirit. Serving seven unique Lake County communities, Eastlake, Lakeline, Timberlake, Waite Hill, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, and Willowick, the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools District has been a cornerstone of education and community growth.
The Little Red Schoolhouse
The Little Red Schoolhouse was built in 1901 and served as a school until 1920. It was known as “District No. 7” when it was located on Euclid Avenue in Willoughby. It was moved to that location in 1975 and renovated. The Little Red School House Society, Inc. maintains the current three building complex located at 5040 Shankland Road. It was very common for communities to have one room schoolhouses in the early days of our country’s history. The building comes alive with the excited voices of today’s youths when current students visit and get to experience school in 1901. The Little Red School House Society
From One High School to Two (1915–1958)
Willoughby Union High School, established in 1915, honored the educational aspirations of Willoughby and the surrounding areas. As Lake County’s population surged in the post–World War II years, migration to the suburbs accelerated the founding of seven municipalities and precipitated the division of Union High. In 1958, Willoughby Union High School officially split into Willoughby South High School and Eastlake North High School.
Suburban Growth
The boom of the 1950s and '60s brought sprawling neighborhoods, new families, and vibrant civic pride. That growth has continued to the present day. The school district evolved to match the needs of the community, growing into a comprehensive system including two high schools, multiple elementary and middle schools, a preschool, a career institute with two campuses, and the School of Innovation, a STEM-focused 3–8 school.
New Buildings 2019
As part of a voter-supported facilities master plan and bond issue, aging buildings were retired and replaced with modern campuses. In fall 2019, students moved into brand-new campuses for Eastlake North High School, Willoughby South High School, and Longfellow Elementary School.
Community Collaboration
The old South High building was thoughtfully repurposed into Willoughby Middle School, adjacent to the Lake County West End YMCA and the Willoughby Senior Center. The three facilities have a shared use agreement between them which provides access to the field house and the pool as recreational resources for students and residents.
Board of Education
In 2017, tragedy struck when our historic mansion in Willoughby, home to district administrative offices, was lost to fire. It was a beautiful building with a lot of historical significance for the community. By January 2019, we had secured and renovated a central office in Eastlake, designed for accessibility and collaboration across all communities.
Our district is continuing to evolve. With an enrollment approaching 7,200 students and almost 1,000 employees, W-E Schools is the largest employer in Lake County. We listen closely to our communities, embrace innovative learning, and plan strategically for tomorrow’s needs. Our ongoing facilities plan includes upgrades to ensure we can meet high quality educational standards to prepare our students to be future-ready.