While Beaumont has existed since 1942 at its present location, it traces its origin to the 1850’s, making it the oldest school in the Cleveland Diocese and the oldest secondary school in Cleveland.

On September 9, 1850, four Ursuline Nuns and a lay woman, newly arrived from France, first opened the doors of their school at #50 Euclid Avenue to welcome 300 eager children. Four years later November 28, 1854, the State of Ohio granted a charter authorizing the congregation, as the Ursuline Academy of Cleveland, to function as an association for the education of young women.

Throughout the years, school enrollment grew steadily, as did the congregation’s numbers, necessitating a move to a larger facility. The academy’s second home, an English-Gothic structure on East 55th and Scovill Avenue housed the school from 1893 until 1941. At that time the Sisters addressing both their own growing space needs and the federal government’s request for the property, sold the land and began the search for the academy’s next—and final home.

With a suitable site not immediately available and the school’s charter in jeopardy, the Ursulines petitioned the Ohio State Department of Education and the North Central Association of Secondary Schools for a continuance of the charter for the year 1941-1942. This unusual concession was granted with the stipulation that a new school building be in operation by September 1942

On February 21, 1942, Mrs. Kenyon V. Painter, wife of the deceased financier, agreed to sell her Cleveland Heights mansion to the Ursulines for use as an educational facility. The 27-acre property, bounded by North Park, Fairmount Boulevard and Lee Road included a 65-room mansion, a six-car garage, trophy room, aviary, and staff living quarters.

The move to Cleveland Heights ushered in a new era for the academy. With the congregation bearing Ursuline Academy of Cleveland as its corporate title, a decision was made to change the name of the school. Accordingly it was renamed Beaumont School for Girls, in tribute to the Ursulines’ first Cleveland Superior, Mother Mary of the Annunciation Beaumont.

Thus it was that school opened in September 1942 in a new building under a new name. One hundred students attended classes in the mansion, which also served as living quarters for the nuns. Additional space for the sophomores was created in 1943 with the renovation of the Painter aviary.

With the country at war, all major building projects came to an abrupt halt. However, 1944 did see the addition of a temporary four-room building to accommodate the freshmen. It was replaced in the late 50's  by a permanent structure, which today comprises the science wing. In March of 1964, the new main building was completed, providing classroom space for 540 students, a gymnasium, dining room, chapel and administrative offices. The former aviary and trophy room now houses the Fine Arts Department. In September 1979, the mansion, aviary, and banquet hall were designated as an official Cleveland Heights landmark.

Through the years a thriving athletic program led to the addition of Conway Field, built in 1994. This field is used by the track and field, soccer, and softball teams. As technology became a vital part of the educational process, Beaumont launched a major initiative in 1998 for school-wide fiber optic wiring, computer networking and comprehensive integration of technology across the curriculum.

To date Beaumont draws students from 44 different municipalities. Increasing numbers of commuting students have increased the demand for more parking. A circular drive and 40 additional parking spaces were added to the front of the building in the summer of 2000. This addition was carefully planned to preserve the natural beauty of the campus grounds. A statue of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline Sisters, was dedicated on March 26, 2001 and highlights the school’s refurbished North Park entrance.

In January 2003, the Board of Directors of Beaumont School unanimously approved moving forward with construction of a new $5 million Spiritual Life Center destined to be the hub of student spiritual, academic and social activities and the first major addition to the campus since 1964. Ground was broken on May 29, 2003 and Beaumont celebrated the ribbon-cutting and dedication of the new Spiritual Life Center on April 22, 2004. With its 185-seat chapel, 165-seat theater, and multi-purpose foyer, the Center connects the main classroom building with the Fine Arts Building and stands as a new “bridge” in the history of Beaumont School – the place where a rich tradition of Ursuline excellence in education for young women meets the future.

Designed by Doi Dickinson Architects, Ltd. and built by Turner Construction Company, the Spiritual Life Center adds approximately 12,000 square feet of new space to significantly improve Beaumont School’s ability to deliver high-quality education and student services as well as keep the school’s facilities both an asset and an inspiration to the Beaumont and Cleveland Heights communities.

Last Update:  09 November 2004