Withrow High School

Withrow University High School is a public secondary school in Cincinnati, Ohio, operated by the Cincinnati Public Schools district and serving approximately 1,328 students in grades 7 through 12 as of 2023–2024 with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.^[1][2] Located on a 27-acre campus at 2480 Madison Road in the Hyde Park neighborhood, the school emphasizes college preparatory education through programs such as its School of Business, Credit Flex for earning college credits, and an International Language Program offering four years of world language study.^[3][4] The student body is highly diverse, with 98% minority enrollment representing over 37 countries, and the school has been designated a School of Promise by the Ohio Department of Education for its efforts in student achievement.^[5][3] Established as Withrow High School, the institution opened in September 1919 after ground was broken in December 1915, with initial enrollment of 1,300 students and 65 teachers; construction had been delayed by World War I, during which the site was briefly considered for use as a hospital.^[4] The school's historic main building, designed by noted Cincinnati architect Frederick W. Garber, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, recognizing its architectural and educational significance.^[6] In 2002, it transitioned to Withrow University High School as a focused college preparatory magnet school starting with ninth grade, expanding to include twelfth grade by 2005 and later incorporating seventh and eighth grades to form a comprehensive 7-12 academy; as part of a district redesign, it is transitioning to grades 9-12 for the 2025–2026 school year.^[4][7] The school's mission is to inspire, develop, and deploy critically-thinking leaders to positively impact local, state, national, and global business communities, with notable programs including partnerships with Cincinnati State Technical and Community College for dual enrollment and a focus on multicultural arts and heritage language courses.^[3] Despite challenges such as low proficiency rates—9% in math and 20% in reading based on 2023–2024 state tests—and a four-year graduation rate of 70%, Withrow maintains a commitment to equity and progress, celebrating its centennial in 2019 with events highlighting alumni successes in business, sports, and the performing arts.^[1][5][8]

Overview

Location and administration

Withrow University High School is located at 2488 Madison Road in Cincinnati, Ohio 45208, situated in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the east side of the city.^[9][10] As a public coeducational institution serving grades 7 through 12, the school operates within the Cincinnati Public Schools district.^[2][11] The school is governed by the Cincinnati Board of Education, which consists of seven elected members overseeing district policies and operations. Current leadership includes Principal Stephen Lickert, supported by a team of assistant principals and administrative staff.^[12][13] The school's mascot is the Tigers, with official colors of black and orange.^[14][15]

Enrollment and demographics

Withrow University High School enrolls 1,328 students in grades 7 through 12 for the 2023-2024 school year.^[2] The student body reflects a gender distribution of approximately 52% male (696 students) and 48% female (632 students).^[2] The school's demographics highlight its urban character, with 98% minority enrollment, predominantly Black or African American students.^[5] The racial and ethnic composition is as follows: ^[2] This high level of diversity underscores the challenges typical of urban public schools serving predominantly low-income communities, where over 95% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals under community eligibility provisions.^[16] The student-teacher ratio stands at 15.65 to 1, supported by 84.84 full-time equivalent teachers.^[2] Academic performance indicators reveal areas for improvement, with only 9% of students proficient in mathematics and 20% in reading based on state assessments as of the 2023-2024 school year.^[5] The school's overall GreatSchools rating is 2 out of 10, reflecting below-average outcomes compared to Ohio peers.^[11] Graduation rates vary by cohort, ranging from 79.3% to 87.6% for recent classes, while chronic absenteeism affects about 43.5% of students, contributing to broader attendance challenges in the district.^[17]

History

Founding and early development

In 1913, the Cincinnati Board of Education acquired 27 acres of land at the intersection of Erie and Madison Roads from the estate of Andrew Erkenbrecher to develop a new high school site, addressing the increasing educational demands in the city's east side neighborhoods.^[4] Groundbreaking occurred in December 1915, with the project designed by the architectural firm Garber & Woodward in a colonial style adapted for a campus setting.^[18] Construction faced delays due to World War I but was completed by 1919, establishing the institution as a comprehensive high school on this urban campus.^[4] The school opened in September 1919 as East Side High School, welcoming an initial enrollment of 1,300 students and 65 faculty members.^[4] Its early facilities included basic classrooms and study halls, though amenities like electric lights, class bells, and full laboratory equipment were initially absent; students brought their own tableware to an incomplete lunchroom, and the stadium remained under construction.^[4] By September 1920, enhancements such as lockers in corridors, two gymnasiums, and two swimming pools were added to support physical education and daily operations.^[4] The founding reflected post-World War I educational expansion in Cincinnati, with the curriculum emphasizing standard high school subjects to serve a diverse student body from the east side amid rapid urban growth.^[4] Planned under Superintendent Dr. Randall Condon and School Board President Dr. John Withrow, the school aimed to provide accessible secondary education in a burgeoning residential area.^[4]

Renaming and mid-20th century growth

In 1924, East Side High School was renamed Withrow High School to honor Dr. John Withrow, the retiring president of the Cincinnati Board of Education, who had played a pivotal role in modernizing the city's school system, including the reorganization of the board and improvements to school infrastructure such as the relocation of Hughes High School and the establishment of East Side High School in 1919.^[19] Withrow, a prominent physician and educator who served as Cincinnati's Health Officer and a professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, was remembered for his community-oriented decisions, including a notable 1898 incident where, as Health Officer, he temporarily banned pretzel sales on school grounds due to concerns over their digestibility, sparking a public debate resolved after inspections confirmed the products' safety and highlighting pretzels' popularity as a staple school lunch item.^[19] Enrollment at Withrow expanded rapidly in the early decades following its opening, reflecting the school's increasing role as a key educational hub for Cincinnati's east side neighborhoods.^[4] This growth necessitated significant facility enhancements, including the completion of a football stadium with an 8,000-seat capacity, two gymnasiums, and two swimming pools by September 1920, which supported the school's emerging athletic and physical education programs.^[4] By the 1930s and 1940s, performing arts elements were integrated into the curriculum, establishing Withrow as a center for fine arts education with active theater, band, choir, and orchestra programs that drew hundreds of participants and hosted frequent performances.^[8][20] During World War II and the post-war era, Withrow adapted its offerings to meet community needs, emphasizing both vocational tracks—such as technical and trade skills to support wartime industries—and traditional academic programs to prepare students for higher education and civic roles on Cincinnati's east side.^[4] The school solidified its position as a community anchor, fostering local engagement through expanded extracurriculars and serving a diverse urban population amid post-war demographic shifts. In recognition of its architectural design by Frederick W. Garber and its enduring educational significance, Withrow High School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.^[10]

Restructuring and recent milestones

In 2002, Cincinnati Public Schools restructured Withrow High School into three smaller, specialized programs sharing the campus to enhance student focus and academic outcomes, with Withrow University High School established as a college-preparatory institution starting with 200 ninth-grade students.^[4][21] The initiative aimed to transform the traditional large comprehensive high school model into more targeted environments, including an International Baccalaureate program and a career technology center alongside the university track.^[21] Grades 10 through 12 were added progressively, with 12th grade incorporated by 2005; seventh and eighth grades were later added to form a 7-12 academy.^[4] Since 2000, Withrow has undergone extensive modernizations as part of Cincinnati Public Schools' Decade of Renaissance facilities initiative, which included a comprehensive 10-year plan launched in 2002 for renovations, maintenance, and growth across district buildings.^[22] These updates encompassed full overhauls of classrooms, the media center, and cafeteria to meet contemporary educational standards while preserving the school's historic Colonial Revival architecture.^[22] The gymnasium received specific attention, including a new floor installation in 2017 following flood damage from a summer storm that had rendered the previous surface unusable.^[23][24] Withrow marked its centennial in 2019 with a series of events celebrating 100 years of operation, drawing alumni, state officials, and community leaders to highlight the school's legacy.^[8] Activities included gatherings on Fountain Square and a gala, with participation from Ohio lawmakers honoring the milestone through a house resolution.^[25] Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley proclaimed September 6-8 as "Withrow Weekend" to commemorate the occasion.^[8] In early 2025, Withrow faced a controversy over a proposed $3 million indoor tennis complex funded by a private foundation, intended to expand athletic facilities near existing courts but ultimately rejected by the school board amid strong opposition from Hyde Park neighbors concerned about neighborhood disruption and potential commercialization of school property.^[26][27] In December 2024, the Cincinnati Public Schools board approved a district restructuring plan that will revert Withrow University High School to grades 9-12 starting with the 2025-26 school year, moving 7th and 8th graders to a new junior high school at the former Evanston Academy building.^[28][29] The district continues to integrate Withrow into broader ongoing facilities strategies, building on the 2002 plan for sustained maintenance and adaptive growth to support educational needs.^[30][22]

Campus and facilities

Architectural features

Withrow High School was designed by architect Frederick W. Garber of the Cincinnati-based firm Garber & Woodward, renowned for creating several local landmarks including Walnut Hills High School and the Avondale Branch Library.^[4][31] The structure, completed in 1919, embodies Colonial Revival architecture, characterized by red brick construction, pilloried porticos, and symmetrical facades that evoke early American educational institutions while prioritizing practical functionality for a growing urban student body.^[32][33] Prominent among its architectural elements is the 114-foot clock tower, which serves as a central campanile and visual anchor for the campus, complemented by an arched entry bridge that spans a shaded valley to connect Madison Road with the main buildings.^[31][34] The 27-acre site further enhances this design through extensive landscaping, featuring mature trees and plantings that integrate the buildings harmoniously with the rolling terrain, creating a park-like setting amid Cincinnati's east side.^[4][34] Recognized for its aesthetic and historical value, the school was named Ohio's most beautiful public high school in a 2017 Architectural Digest feature, highlighting its blend of grandeur and accessibility.^[31][35] Its intact early 20th-century features led to designation on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, underscoring the rarity of such preserved educational architecture in an urban environment.^[36]

Renovations and modern additions

In the early 2000s, Withrow High School underwent a comprehensive modernization project completed in December 2007, funded by the Ohio School Facilities Commission and Cincinnati Public Schools at a total cost of $35.9 million.^[37] This effort modernized classrooms to meet contemporary state educational standards while preserving the school's historic Colonial Revival architecture, and it included a full remodel of the media center and cafeteria spaces.^[37] As part of the upgrades, the existing gymnasium and swimming pools—originally constructed in the 1920s—were converted into expanded food service areas and mechanical support facilities to better accommodate current operational needs.^[4][37] The modernization also enhanced sports facilities, adding a new gymnasium and locker rooms for varsity athletics, alongside upgrades to the existing stadium, which features artificial turf, a reconfigured rubberized track, relocated press box, and improved lighting.^[37] These additions created a larger sports complex capable of supporting the school's athletic programs while maintaining the campus's historic integrity.^[37] In 2017, following flood damage to the gymnasium floor in August 2016, the hardwood court was fully replaced to restore functionality for basketball and other indoor activities, marking a targeted post-disaster improvement.^[23] Withrow's renovations were integrated into Cincinnati Public Schools' broader 10-year facilities master plan, initiated around 2005, which focused on phased upgrades across the district to address aging infrastructure.^[30] This ongoing effort included the installation of new central mechanical systems for improved HVAC functionality at Withrow and emphasized accessibility enhancements to comply with modern building codes, ensuring equitable use of facilities for all students.^[37][22] In 2024, a proposal emerged to construct a $3 million indoor tennis complex on campus, funded entirely by the private Cincinnati Tennis Foundation to expand athletic opportunities for students.^[38] However, the plan was abandoned in early 2025 amid strong community opposition, primarily from nearby residents concerned about the removal of trees along the site's tree line and potential noise disturbances from year-round operations.^[26][27]

Academics and programs

Curriculum and academic offerings

Withrow University High School offers a comprehensive educational program spanning grades 7 through 12, with a strong emphasis on college preparation following its restructuring as a dedicated college-preparatory institution in 2002.^[4] This configuration includes a Prep Academy for grades 9-10 focused on foundational skills and transition support, and a Senior Institute for grades 11-12 emphasizing advanced coursework and college readiness.^[39] The curriculum integrates technology across all levels and requires students to pass seven end-of-course exams in core subjects to graduate.^[39] Core academic offerings include four years of world languages such as Spanish and French, with options for heritage speakers and College Credit Plus (CCP) courses.^[40] Advanced mathematics and science sequences feature pre-calculus, physics, chemistry, AP Biology, and AP Statistics, while English instruction covers literature, writing, and AP English Language and Composition from grades 9-12.^[40] Social studies encompasses U.S. history, government, psychology, sociology, and AP Human Geography, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement.^[40] Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available in multiple disciplines, with 14% of students participating in at least one exam.^[5] Support programs enhance career and college readiness through the district's Promise Center, which provides A2S (Attending to Student Success) and A2E (Attending to Educational Equity) initiatives tailored for high school students, including academic advising and behavioral support.^[41] Globally oriented courses, supported by an international student body from over 37 countries, promote cultural awareness via language immersion and multicultural perspectives.^[3] Targeted interventions, such as a three-week Summer Bridge program for incoming ninth graders and partnerships with organizations like FamiliesFORWARD, address achievement gaps; over 80% of seniors receive college scholarships or grants.^[39] In the 2023-24 Ohio School Report Card, the school received an overall rating of 2.5 stars, with 2 stars in achievement, progress, gap closing, and graduation components.^[42] State assessments indicate challenges in proficiency, with 9% of students proficient in mathematics and 20% in English language arts as of the 2021-2024 academic years, though interventions have contributed to graduation rate improvements reaching 70% in recent cohorts.^[5]

Fine arts program

The Fine Arts Department at Withrow University High School offers a comprehensive array of programs in music, drama, and visual arts, serving hundreds of students historically and fostering creative expression through both curricular and extracurricular opportunities.^[40][20] Music instruction includes beginning, intermediate, and senior levels in band, strings, orchestra, steel drums, and choir, emphasizing technical skills such as tone production, music reading, and ensemble performance, with required courses in grade 7 and one fine arts credit for high school graduation.^[40] The visual arts curriculum progresses from beginning art to advanced options like AP Studio Art and Textile Design, focusing on individual exploration and multicultural influences.^[40] Drama integrates with these through theater productions, drawing on the department's tradition of student-led performances.^[20] Established as a core strength in the early 20th century, the fine arts program peaked from the 1930s to the 1980s as a "juggernaut," engaging hundreds of students annually in band, choir, orchestra, and theater, with frequent school-wide showcases that highlighted its cultural prominence within Cincinnati Public Schools.^[20] Participation and resources declined sharply in the 2000s and 2010s due to budget constraints and staffing shortages, reducing active ensembles to minimal levels by the mid-2010s, such as a single functional stage light for productions.^[20] A revival began in 2019, driven by alumni initiatives and dedicated staff, marking a post-2000s resurgence that has rebuilt enrollment and infrastructure.^[20] By 2023-24, the program produced full-scale events including the Broadway-style musical The Addams Family in November 2023, involving 25 students under alumni direction, alongside a Black History Month show featuring singing, dance, and mime in March 2024.^[43] Choir enrollment reached 22 seventh graders for the following year, with band growing to 70 students by 2022-23, supported by new hires like Band and Choral Director Zachary Sutton in 2022.^[44][20] In 2025, alumni funding accelerated this growth, with donations including four sets of timpani from Susan and Bill Schermer, $50,000 in fire-resistant stage curtains from River City Scenic, and scholarships via the Carlson-Berne Fund for private lessons in strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.^[44] Key activities now encompass spring concerts blending choirs, concert band, and strings; holiday shows; live performances at Washington Park broadcast on Star 64; and participation in the High School Shakespeare Festival, such as a condensed Hamlet production.^[44][43] These efforts, bolstered by renovated music spaces and ongoing auditorium upgrades, position the program for sustained expansion amid post-COVID recovery.^[44][43]

Athletics

Withrow High School competes as a member of the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference (CMAC), which includes other Cincinnati Public Schools institutions and facilitates interscholastic competition across multiple sports.^[45] The school's athletic programs emphasize varsity-level participation, offering approximately eight to ten teams depending on the season, including football, boys' and girls' basketball, boys' and girls' soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, track and field, cross country, wrestling, rugby, and cheerleading.^[46] These programs serve students in grades 9-12 and align with Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) standards, promoting physical fitness and team-based skill development within an urban educational setting. The Tigers have a storied history of athletic success, particularly in track and field and emerging sports like rugby. The girls' track and field team achieved OHSAA state championships in the 4x100-meter relay in 2007 and secured three consecutive state titles from 2015 to 2017, highlighting consistent excellence in sprint events.^[46] In 2023, the boys' rugby team captured its first state championship with a 36-34 victory over Watkins Memorial, marking a significant milestone for the program and ending a drought in team state titles.^[47] Historically, Withrow's tennis program contributed to early successes, including a Public High School League (PHSL) team championship in the mid-1960s and participation in OHSAA state tournaments dating back to 1931.^[48] The school's athletic legacy is further recognized through the Withrow Athletic Hall of Fame, established in 2023 to honor contributors like tennis standout Joe Dehner (class of 1966), and multiple inductees into the Cincinnati Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame, such as Gary Cobb (class of 1956).^[49][50] Athletic facilities at Withrow integrate seamlessly with campus infrastructure, supporting both physical education classes and competitive events. The primary venues include Withrow Stadium for football and soccer, multiple fields for track and field practice, and a gymnasium that hosts basketball, volleyball, and wrestling competitions.^[14] In 2017, the gymnasium received a full floor replacement following flood damage, enhancing safety and performance for indoor sports while accommodating the demands of a large urban student body.^[23] These resources underscore Withrow's commitment to fostering athletic growth despite the logistical challenges of city-based operations.

Notable alumni

Withrow High School has produced a number of notable alumni in various fields, including sports, entertainment, and business.

• Ethan Allen (class of 1922), Major League Baseball outfielder who played 13 seasons from 1926 to 1938, batting .300 career.^[51]
• Jimmie Dodd (class of 1927), musician, actor, and host of the 1950s Disney TV series The Mickey Mouse Club.^[52]
• Rosemary Clooney (attended in the 1940s), singer and actress known for hits like "Come On-a My House" and roles in films such as White Christmas.^[53]
• Carole Black (class of 1961), first female president and CEO of Lifetime Entertainment Services (2001–2005).
• Curtis Anderson (class of 1975), defensive end who played in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs (1979) and USFL for the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars (1983–1985).^[54]
• Teddy Bailey (class of unknown, attended 1960s), running back who played in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins (1967–1969).^[55]
• Tyrone Brown (class of 1991), wide receiver who played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills (1995) and arena football leagues.^[56]
• Shamika Cotton (class of 1994), actress known for roles in The Wire and P-Valley.
• Yancy Gates (class of 2008), professional basketball player who played college basketball for the Cincinnati Bearcats and professionally in Israel and Europe.