Grandview Heights High School

Grandview Heights High School (GHHS) was built in 1922. The original high school had 22 rooms, was designed to accommodate 600 students, and cost $290,000. One of the distinguishing features of the new high school was the inclusion of a combination gymnasium and auditorium, which included a stage and movable chairs (now only used as an auditorium). According to an article in the February 1922 Norwester magazine:

“[the building] is designed to meet all the needs of the child's school life. In addition to the provision for the regular curricular activities, the physical welfare of the child is cared for through the gymnasium, locker and shower rooms. Physical education is not a coming thing; it is already here. With the completion of the building, gymnasium periods will be as much a part of the work in school as English or mathematics.”

The school’s design also incorporated a growing trend to use buildings all year around by making them available for community use in off-hours and during the summer months. Controllable access routes and independent heating units were planned so that public spaces could be accommodated without impacting the remaining parts of the facility.

The school’s football stadium (immediately north of Third Avenue across from school’s main entrance) was built in 1938 through the efforts of local donations and the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA). 

Famous GHHS alumni: 

Jack A. Bates (1941) – Founded Stanley Steemer International cleaning company

Ralph Guglielmi (1951) – Quarterback Notre Dame football team; 4^th in Heisman Trophy voting in 1954; College Football Hall of Fame, 1^st round National Football League draft pick

Charles Penzone (1963) – Local entrepreneur and philanthropist, founder of PENZONE Salons and Spas

Teresa Cincione (1982) – International opera star

The high school was the third school built in the district. Other notable schools in the Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff area include:  

Harding School – Built 1895 (before Grandview school district established); first school in the area, corner Fairview and First Avenues, used as high school after Edison Elementary was built; razed 1930. 

Edison Elementary – Built 1911; 1240 Oakland Ave. (original entrance on now-closed Fairview Avenue); still in use; planned for demolition in 2023. 

Kindergarten Annex – Built 1950; Fairview Avenue; award-winning design that included furniture and facilities built specifically for younger students; planned for demolition in 2023

A $25M renovation to GHHS is planned to begin in June 2021 and will include an upgrade in utility systems, classroom expansions, increased collaborative workspace, and additional security and safety features. The iconic façade of the 1922 high school will be maintained in the 2021 renovation; a specific request from area residents interested in preserving our historic community. 

1922 high school construction; buildings in far distance at top are on Fifth Avenue.  

 1955 Aerial view of high school and football field (top of photo is South).

High school gym in 1922; gym equipment could be removed and the space reconfigured as an auditorium.

Kindergarten annex on Fairview Avenue.