About

Fernway Elementary is a Grade K-5 International Baccalaureate World School.

History:
Fernway Elementary School, built in 1927, is a vibrant and nurturing educational institution known for its commitment to excellence. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Fernway offers a challenging and engaging curriculum designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed.  Fernway School is located in the heart of Shaker Heights and enrolls students from portions of the Lomond, Moreland and Fernway neighborhoods.  

Fernway Elementary School stands out as a beacon of educational excellence in Shaker Heights, Ohio, fostering a community of learners who are prepared to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Enrollment:
Current enrollment at Fernway is approximately 360 students. Fernway's diverse student body includes 38% African American students, 49% white students and 13% representing other ethnicities. The student body has representation from numerous countries.  

Family-Friendly:
Student families are active partners with Fernway Elementary School. Teachers maintain close contact with families via newsletters, texting, voicemail and email to keep them informed of their student's progress. Conferences are held in the spring and fall, and teachers are available by appointment.  Fernway is a family-friendly environment where family participation is welcomed. Many families assist by attending field trips, helping with class celebrations or special projects, journal writing, etc. 

The Fernway School PTO is highly active and plays a crucial role in enriching the school experience for students and families. The PTO organizes a variety of activities and events throughout the year, including Fernway School Fall Fun Run, Read-A-Thon and Book Fest, cultural nights, fundraisers and family nights such as the Back-to-School Picnic, Food Truck Fridays, Fall Festival and block parties.

Curriculum:
As an IB World School, Fernway implements the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which focuses on developing the whole child as an inquirer both in the classroom and in the world outside. The curriculum is transdisciplinary, meaning it integrates subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts and social studies into a coherent and engaging learning experience. This approach helps students make meaningful connections across subjects and develop critical thinking skills.  For more information on transdisciplinary curriculum, please visit our International Baccalaureate page and view our Programme of Inquiry.

The regular education classroom teacher provides daily instruction in:
• Math
• Language Arts (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
• Social Studies
• Science

Specialists provide regularly scheduled instruction in:
• Art
• Library
• Music
• Physical Education
• Spanish

Additional Support for Students:
When needed, support is available from a school counselor, student care specialist, school nurse, a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist, a school psychologist, a teacher of English as a second language, intervention specialists, and literacy specialists.  

Faculty and Staff:
The staff at Fernway Elementary School is dedicated to providing high-quality education and support to all students. The team of around 75 educators comprises experienced and passionate teachers and support staff who work collaboratively to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. The Principal, International Baccalaureate Coordinator, Instructional Coach and Dean of Students are key leaders who guide the school's vision and ensure the implementation of best educational practices.