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 Play House 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 for hiking, camping and canoeing.
For the student that wants to get involved, there are a variety of clubs and groups at AOA. It's 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.
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.
Chemistry Club
The mission of the Chemistry Club is to expand the chemistry and physical science knowledge of the student body at AOA and the community by studying life-relevant chemistry situations. In order to accomplish this goal, Chemistry Club members meet twice a month to learn about different chemical phenomena using practical situations as models. Additionally, each month, members will develop and accomplish a community service task designed for the Willoughby and Greater Cleveland community. Through our study and community service, we will develop partnerships with local organizations and universities/colleges that will help members to network and prepare for further education. We are an American Chemical Society (ACS) recognized high school chemistry club (one of five in the state of Ohio). As an ongoing monthly project, Chemistry Club members will tutor peers in science subjects.
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 grade point 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.
Film Club
Open to students interested in viewing and discussing classic, contemporary, foreign, and documentary films. They can organize trips to film festivals, coordinate guest speaker events, and will take turns serving as hosts to introduce films before viewings and to guide discussions afterward. Students take the lead in promotion and signage of film club activities and organize fundraisers.....and eat popcorn.
Fine Arts Association
The Fine Arts Association is a professional center for the arts located on the AOA campus. 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.
French Club
French Club is a new club at AOA open to Middle and Upper School students. It brings together students who are interested in the French and Francophone cultures and languages. The club members cook food, watch movies, go to the Cleveland Institute of Art, go to French restaurants, and attend lectures related to the French culture and society.
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 Magazine Club (Flight Risk)
This is an annual publication that features creative student work. The magazine is DVD compatible and will feature a variety of multi-media contributions including film, poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, photography, artwork, graphic arts, and music. Students act as art directors and editors and are fundamental to the process from submission of works through publication.
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.
Model United Nations
This group is open to Upper School students. Students learn about the United Nations and examine global issues as they research, debate, negotiate, and compromise in a simulation. Students act as ambassadors of various countries and attend a conference with students from other schools in the Cleveland area.
National Honor Society
Junior and senior students with a 3.3 grade point average who have been at AOA for at least one year and 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.
Respectors of All Diversities strives to study and oppose prejudice against people of all diversities and to promote matters of equity and justice.
Outdoor/Ski Club
Various activities are organized to encourage an appreciation of the outdoors. During the 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.