Clubs & Organizations
Activities... to develop your special interests
Our students do not build self-reliance through studying alone. We know how important it is to just be a typical teenager. Our students can choose from different activities scheduled every weekend, including special trips to Cedar Point Amusement Park, the Cleveland Zoo, The Cleveland Playhouse to see plays, and Playhouse Square, which showcases musicals such as "Miss Saigon" and "The Phantom of the Opera." Weekend activities can also include trips to the movies, shopping, special restaurants, and social opportunities with students from other schools. Seasonal camping trips are also offered in which we go hiking, camping and canoeing.
For the student that wants to get involved, there are a variety of clubs at AOA that should fill at least some interests for every student. Its a lot of fun to plan a trip, dance, or party with others that you share an interest with.
Art Club
This organization is for students who are interested in experiencing and creating art outside the classroom. By visual and hands-on applications, students expand their knowledge of various art forms and techniques.
Black Cultural Awareness
The BCA is an interracial group that explores the dimensions of African-American culture and its implication for people of all races through field trips, assemblies, and dances.
Blue Key
Students interested in promoting the school and sharing their AOA experiences may volunteer as members of Blue Key through the Office of Admission.
Chess Club
Beginning and advanced chess players are encouraged to join. Matches between students are scheduled throughout the school year. Faculty and staff are also welcome to participate.
Class Organization
Classes function as organized bodies for the purpose of arranging social events and service projects for the individual class groups. Any student who meets grade requirements in the class may choose to run for any office through the petition process. Elections are held in the fall or previous spring, and each class votes yearly dues. To run for class office, candidates must have at least a 2.0 average.
Class Trips
Each year trips are organized to build class unity and to provide enrichment in academic areas at a given grade level. There are also special interest trips which are generally open to the upper grades, such as trips to Spain and France, choir tours, athletic trips, and outdoor activities.
Cleveland Area Arts Experience
C.A.A.E. is offered to all students interested in gaining a sense of the cultural offerings found in the Cleveland metropolitan area. Three to four performances are selected by the head of the fine arts department and presented as a package which students may purchase at the beginning of the school year.
Community Service
All students each year are expected to do both in- and out-of-school community service. Community service is a graduation requirement, however, students have the opportunity to pursue community service opportunities that interest them.
Environmental Club
This group is for students interested in environmental concerns. Activities include the school recycling program.
Equestrian Clubs
The Riding Club offers participants a chance to enjoy social activities that do not directly involve riding, but are related to equestrian interests. Riders on the Interscholastic Riding Team must be able to competently canter, and be interested in competing nationally with other school teams (Fall, Winter and Spring). Lessons are available to students of any ability level and are offered seven days/week.
Fine Arts Association
The Fine Arts Association is a professional center for the arts located on the AOA campus in Willoughby. Applied lessons in vocal and instrumental music as well as classes in theatre, dance, and art are available to students. Anyone interested in scheduling a class or lesson may confer with the head of the fine arts department or directly with the Fine Arts Association. Fees are paid directly to Fine Arts.
International Club
Open to anyone at AOA, the International Club is a cultural group that sponsors trips to museums, ethnic restaurants, and special programs; this club is responsible for International Day, a celebration of our cultural and ethnic diversity.
Literary Club
The club publishes a magazine that includes various creative and formal writing entries written by Middle School and Upper School students. The Magazine is published at the end of the school year.
Mock Trial
This group participates in the Mock Trial Program. Students prepare both sides of a fictional case and compete against other schools. Winning teams at the local level may advance to state and national competitions.
National Honor Society
Junior and senior students with a 3.3 grade point average, and who have been at AOA for at least one year, who have demonstrated qualities of citizenship, scholarship, leadership, character and service may apply for inclusion into the National Honor Society. Final selection of applicants includes an evaluation of these qualities by the faculty and a vote of the selection committee chaired by the College Counselor.
R.O.A.D.
Respecters of All Diversities strives to study and oppose prejudice against people of all diversities and to promote matters of equity and justice.
Ski/Snowboard Club
During winter months students may take lessons and spend ski weekends at area resorts.
Student Council
Upper School Student Council consists of class representatives, concerned individuals, and six officers. Activities are planned so that the total student body can become involved in service to the school and the community and in social activities.
Middle School Student Council consists of three officers and two representatives. Activities are planned to involve the Middle School student body in the school and in the community.