OTS Class of 2026: Prepared for What Comes Next

In June, the Old Trail School community gathered to celebrate 34 members of the Class of 2026 as they closed one chapter of their educational journeys and prepared for the next.

Together, this year’s graduates represent what an Old Trail education is designed to cultivate: curious and capable learners, confident communicators, thoughtful leaders and young people prepared to make meaningful contributions wherever they go.

The Class of 2026 will continue its education at 10 secondary schools, including some of Northeast Ohio’s most respected independent, parochial and public schools. More than half of the class — 53% — will attend independent schools, while 35% will enroll in parochial schools and 12% will attend public schools.

Western Reserve Academy is the most popular destination for the Class of 2026, welcoming 15 Old Trail graduates this fall. Eight graduates will attend Walsh Jesuit High School, three will attend Archbishop Hoban High School and two will attend University School. Other graduates are continuing their education at Hathaway Brown School, Saint Ignatius High School, Revere High School, Copley High School and Rolla High School.

While their destinations differ, our graduates leave Old Trail with something important in common: the preparation to thrive in the environments they have chosen.

Old Trail’s Age 2 through Grade 8 model gives students the time and space to develop into confident, independent learners before entering high school. Small classes and close relationships allow teachers to know students deeply, while a rigorous academic program challenges them to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others and take increasing ownership of their learning. Along the way, opportunities in athletics, the arts, experiential learning, service and leadership help students discover their interests and understand how they can contribute to a community.

The result is a graduate who is not simply ready for the academic demands of secondary school, but prepared to participate fully in it.

That preparation is reflected in the range of highly regarded schools that continue to welcome Old Trail graduates year after year. Our students enter the secondary school search with strong academic foundations, meaningful experiences and a well-developed sense of who they are as learners — qualities that make them compelling candidates and position them for success well beyond their time at Old Trail.

For many members of this year’s graduating class, that foundation was years in the making. Fourteen members of the Class of 2026 — more than 40% of all graduates — began their Old Trail journeys in Kindergarten or earlier. They grew from some of the School’s youngest learners into its leaders, taking on the responsibilities and opportunities that come with being eighth graders before walking across the stage in June.

We are proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 and all they accomplished during their years at Old Trail. More importantly, we are excited to see where their curiosity, confidence and character take them next.

Class of 2026 Secondary School Destinations

• Western Reserve Academy — 15 graduates
• Walsh Jesuit High School — 8 graduates
• Archbishop Hoban High School — 3 graduates
• University School — 2 graduates
• Copley High School — 1 graduate
• Hathaway Brown School — 1 graduate
• Revere High School — 2 graduates
• Rolla High School — 1 graduate
• Saint Ignatius High School — 1 graduate

Congratulations to the Old Trail School Class of 2026!