Cleveland is served by a robust and diverse educational ecosystem spanning public K–12, higher education, and community learning. The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) is Ohio’s third-largest district, educating over 36,000 students across numerous elementary, middle, and high schools, with options including STEM, IB, Montessori, and single-gender programming. Despite systemic challenges—such as declining college degree attainment (just ~17.5% with bachelor’s or higher vs national averages) and widening racial segregation since the 1990s—the city remains rich in educational pathways.

Beyond public schools, the Cleveland area hosts a strong network of public charter, magnet, private, and parochial schools. Quincy Heights High School, Cleveland School of the Arts, Cleveland School of Science & Medicine, and others offer specialized curricula focusing on arts, health sciences, and career preparation. The broader region benefits from reputable suburban districts such as Shaker Heights (home to an IB-accredited high school).

For postsecondary education, Cleveland features institutions like Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University (notably its Levin College of Public Affairs and Education), and Cuyahoga Community College. These schools offer a spectrum of programs from vocational training to doctoral and research degrees.

Public libraries play a crucial role in community learning. The Cleveland Public Library system—among the nation’s largest—supports literacy, digital access, and lifelong learning through branches across the city, along with special programs at cultural hubs like University Circle.