Source: R1 / General
Cleveland has produced its fair share of legends—from Hollywood actors and NFL stars to award-winning musicians and national leaders.
But where did they all go to high school?
We’ve rounded up 17(ish) Cleveland-area high schools that helped launch some of the most famous names in entertainment, sports, politics, and business.
Whether you’re repping Glenville, Shaker Heights, or St. Ignatius, these schools have some serious bragging rights.
Scroll through to see if your alma mater made the list—and discover which local classrooms helped shape icons who went on to make headlines across the country.
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1. Glenville High School
Source:General
Steve Harvey, Don King, Ted Ginn Jr., Donte Whitner
Football stars, comedy royalty and a heavyweight promoter—Glenville brings heat.
2. Cleveland School of the Arts
Source:General
Avant, Stephanie Howse
Cleveland School of the Arts helped shape chart-topping R&B star Avant and civic leader Stephanie Howse—proof that talent here hits both the stage and the statehouse.
3. Shaker Heights High School
Source:General
Kid Cudi, Paul Newman, David Pogue
The creative trifecta—actor, rapper, tech journalist—all walked Shaker halls.
4. Cleveland Heights High School
Source:General
Charles Oakley, Kym Whitley
Comedy, NBA grit and TV laughs—CHHS hits the trifecta.
5. Lakewood High School
Source:General
Michael Symon, Byron Scott, Jim Brickman
From the kitchen to courts—Lakewood’s talent runs deep.
6. Benedictine High School
Source:General
Chuck Noll, Jerome Baker Jr., Rich Paul
NFL-winning coach, pro linebacker, superstar agent—this all-boys school delivers.
7. St. Ignatius High School
Source:General
Drew Carey, Brian K. Vaughan, Charles Geschke
From sitcoms and comics to co‑founding Adobe: Jesuit excellence has pedigree.
8. John Adams High School
Source:General
Don King (briefly), Albert Ayler, Madeline Manning
Promoter, jazz sax legend, Olympic gold—diverse greatness in East Cleveland.
9. Collinwood High School
Source:General
George Voinovich, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Tony Adamle
From governor to congresswoman to NFL linebacker—Collinwood packs punch.
10. Warrensville Heights High School
Source:General
Arsenio Hall, Yvette Nicole Brown, Brad Sellers
Talk-show star, funny actor, NBA mayor—this school stands out.
11. Jane Addams Business Careers Center
Source:General
Terrence Howard
Oscar-nominated actor got his start here.
12. Parma Senior High School
Source:General
Alan Ruck
“Ferris Bueller” alum himself—Parma’s iconic cinematic export.
13. Valley Forge High School
Source:General
Benjamin Orr
Bassist behind The Cars’ hits came from this school.
14. St. Joseph’s High School
Source:General
Bob Golic
Browns legend and NFL standout called it home.
15. Collinwood (again!)
Source:General
Eppie Barney, Cecil Shorts III
Multiple NFL players, plus boxing legends—Collinwood builds pros.
16. Maple Heights High School
Source:General
Ric Ocasek, Chuck Findley
Cars frontman and Tonight Show trumpeter—they both hail from Maple Heights.
17. Cleveland High School
Source:General
From quiz-bowl star to utility CEO—Cleveland HS shapes leaders.
