Boys' private school in Ohio completes $42 million upgrade of middle school

University School has renovated its middle school campus in Shaker Heights and built a three-story addition.

Oct. 27, 2025

Highlights

The project includes a 41,000-square-foot, three-story addition and extensive renovations to the middle school facilities.
Matson Hall is named for alumnus Dick Matson, who contributed $12 million toward the $42 million campus upgrade.
This expansion is part of a broader effort to modernize the 100-year-old campus and improve grounds and infrastructure.

The University School, a private school for boys, has completed the renovation and expansion of its middle school on the Shaker Heights, Ohio, campus.

The News-Herald reports that the 41,000-square-foot, three-story addition and 24,000 square feet of renovated space serves 261 boys in grades 5 to 8. The project is part of a master plan to update the facilities and grounds of the 100-year-old campus, the school says.

The new middle school building will be named Matson Hall, in honor of alumnus Dick Matson, who committed $12 million tothe $42 million campus project.

“Matson Hall is a world-class professional home for our accomplished and inspiring educators," Head of School Patrick Gallagher said. “Here, our teachers have the facilities and tools to do their very best work with our boys."

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.