Discovering Andrews Osborne Academy: A Meaningful Visit to a Warm and Well-Rounded U.S. Boarding School

On April 24, 2025, the GE team, accompanied by outstanding education consultants from China, visited Andrews Osborne Academy (AOA), a century-old American boarding school located in Willoughby, Ohio. This was my first time stepping onto the campus of AOA, and as an educator, every school visit is both a learning opportunity and a way to verify whether a school's philosophy aligns with its actual practices.

Arrival at AOA: A Clean and Tranquil Town Atmosphere

AOA is about a 30-minute drive from Cleveland International Airport, with a typical American suburban landscape along the way—wide roads, tree-lined streets, and a quiet, orderly town. The school sits on a 200-acre campus. As our vehicle entered the gates, the first sight was the iconic red-brick academic building with its pointed roof. The school emblem stood proudly on the front lawn, surrounded by tall oak trees. The campus exuded a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

We had scheduled our visit in advance, and upon arrival, we were warmly greeted at the entrance by the Director of Admission, Rachelle, and her colleague Steph. Head of School Gonzalo Garcia-Pedroso also came out to welcome us in person. They guided us through the sign-in process and provided visitor badges before officially starting the day’s itinerary.

Visit schedule

Campus Tour: A Student’s Perspective

The campus tour was led by an upper-grade international student who has been studying at AOA for three years. She was fluent in English, cheerful, and very familiar with the school’s daily operations.

We visited several key areas including academic buildings, science labs, the arts center, gymnasium, dormitories, and the student center.

In the academic building, she showed us the AP classrooms and ESL support classrooms. She explained that every student is assigned an academic advisor who regularly checks in on course selection, academic progress, and mental well-being.

The science lab was equipped with 3D printers, anatomical models, lab instruments, and a wall displaying student project achievements.

What impressed me most was the arts building. It had excellent lighting, spacious and well-organized function rooms, including an oil painting studio and a ceramics classroom. Students’ artwork hung on the walls, with some pieces having won state-level awards. She told me, “Art is not just an elective at AOA—it’s a core subject,” which I found particularly exciting.

School Info Session: Understanding AOA from Multiple Perspectives

After the campus tour, we were invited to a conference room for a brief school presentation. We heard from key staff including the Director of the International Department, the College Counselor, and the Heads of the Arts and STEM Programs. They shared insights into AOA’s curriculum, faculty background, college outcomes, and support services for international students.

The International Department noted that AOA currently has around 360 students, with international students comprising nearly 25%, representing 22 different countries. The school offers tiered ESL classes to help students transition, while encouraging them to integrate into mainstream courses as early as possible. The college counselor detailed students’ college admission outcomes, including acceptances to prestigious universities such as New York University, Boston University, the University of California system, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Notably, a few international students also spoke during the session. One student shared, “Language was a challenge when I first arrived, but the teachers were always willing to help and my roommate was very friendly. Now I’m used to English instruction and I even joined the school’s Model UN.” Another student who is applying to art schools mentioned that she’s currently preparing her portfolio with one-on-one guidance from a dedicated art mentor.

Their stories were heartfelt and genuine, offering real glimpses into student life and reinforcing my confidence in AOA’s support system.

Lunchtime: A Conversation with the Head of School

At noon, we were invited to dine in the school cafeteria. That day’s lunch included three main course options combining Chinese and Western cuisine, along with a fruit bar, salad station, and beverage area. The dining space was bright and spacious, and students lined up in an orderly fashion. We also noticed teachers dining with students at the same tables, interacting naturally.

Most memorable was the opportunity to have lunch with Head of School Gonzalo Garcia-Pedroso, who spoke with warmth and insight. He shared AOA’s current strategic focus in three areas: curriculum internationalization, personalized learning design, and a comprehensive upgrade of the college counseling system. He emphasized AOA’s openness to welcoming more outstanding international students and its understanding of Chinese families’ concerns regarding safety, academics, and college admissions.

He said something that stuck with me: “We’re not trying to create perfect students. We’re here to walk with them as they become who they are.” I still remember that quote—it was powerful.

Dormitory Tour: Thoughtful Residential Life Management

After lunch, we toured both the boys’ and girls’ dormitories. Each dorm has a resident advisor and nightly check-ins. Rooms are assigned as doubles or triples and were neat and clean. Students are free to personalize their space—some rooms had plush toys, while others featured walls of artwork and cozy string lights.

Each floor has laundry rooms, lounge areas, and shared refrigerators. Posters in the hallways advertised various community events such as “Pizza Night,” “Craft Workshops,” and “Monthly Birthday Parties.” The overall atmosphere was warm and inviting, ideal for international students starting their academic journey abroad.

A Boarding School Worth Considering

This visit to AOA gave me a more concrete understanding of the school’s philosophy, educational quality, and student care. AOA may not be a high-profile "viral" American high school, but it is a solid, warm, and well-rounded boarding school—an excellent choice for students looking to grow steadily and holistically during their U.S. high school years.

If you're considering a U.S. boarding school that offers a beautiful environment, a complete curriculum, and strong student support, AOA is definitely worth putting on your list.