Lewis Sands Elementary School

Lewis Sands Elementary School played a significant role in the growth and development of the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District. Built during a period of rapid population growth, the school served generations of students and reflected the community’s commitment to providing quality education. Its history is closely tied to the post-World War II expansion of Chagrin Falls and the evolving needs of local families.

Growing Enrollment Creates a Need for a New School

For many years, the school buildings located on Philomethian Street adequately served the educational needs of Chagrin Falls students. As the village and surrounding township continued to grow, however, enrollment steadily increased.

The population boom that followed World War II placed significant pressure on existing school facilities. By the early 1950s, it became clear that additional classroom space was needed, particularly for elementary-age students. School officials began planning for a new campus that could accommodate the district’s growing enrollment.

Chagrin Falls School Board Purchases Former Fairgrounds Property

A major step toward expanding the school system occurred in 1955 when the Chagrin Falls Board of Education purchased the former fairgrounds property from the Cuyahoga County Commissioners for $5,000.

The acquisition provided the district with 54 acres of land, creating ample space for future educational facilities and long-term growth. This property would eventually become one of the most important educational campuses in Chagrin Falls history.

Construction of Lewis Sands Elementary School

Construction of the new elementary school began in November 1956. The building was named Lewis Sands Elementary School in honor of Lewis Sands, a respected educator who served the Chagrin Falls school system as a teacher, principal, and superintendent.

Sands dedicated more than three decades of service to local education, working in the district from 1927 until 1959. His leadership and commitment to students left a lasting impact on the community, making him a fitting namesake for the new school.

The school was officially dedicated in December 1957 and quickly became the primary elementary school for many Chagrin Falls families.

The Little Red Schoolhouse Addition: An Innovative Educational Concept

This addition introduced an open-concept educational design that was considered progressive for its time. Rather than constructing four separate classrooms, the addition featured one large learning area divided into four instructional sections surrounding a central common space.

Enrollment growth continued throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, creating an immediate need for additional classroom space. In 1961, the district approved an innovative expansion to Lewis Sands Elementary School known as the “Little Red Schoolhouse.”

Movable cabinets served as classroom dividers, allowing flexibility in how the space was used. Students carried their books and materials in tote trays as they moved between learning areas. The central common area provided space for group activities, assemblies, and collaborative learning experiences involving multiple classes.

Demolition of Lewis Sands Elementary School

After serving the Chagrin Falls community for more than four decades, Lewis Sands Elementary School was demolished in 1999. The removal of the building made way for the construction of a new middle school designed to serve seventh and eighth-grade students.

One important portion of the original school was preserved. The Lewis Sands all-purpose room, which had functioned as a cafeteria, gymnasium, and stage, remained standing and was incorporated into the new middle school facility. This preserved a tangible connection to the school’s history while allowing the campus to continue serving future generations of Chagrin Falls students.