School Days

Even during its formative years, education was important to Tallmadge.  David Bacon’s 1807 plan for the community included an Academy and six district schools.  The first recorded school was established in 1809 in the home of Captain Joseph Hart.  Between the years 1809, when the first log school building was constructed, and 1836, Tallmadge erected eleven schools. 

The Tallmadge Academy, established in 1815, was initially located on the site of the present Congregational Church. Sometimes referred to as the Tallmadge Academical Institute, it offered more advanced studies than the district schools.  Students came from all over the Western Reserve to attend this prestigious institution. It wasn’t until 1878 that Tallmadge established a high school. In that year, a four-room schoolhouse was constructed which served Tallmadge students until 1910.  Subsequent high school buildings were constructed in 1915, 1939, and 1959. 

In 1827, Tallmadge established the first school for deaf-mute children.  When the Ohio Deaf and Dumb Asylum was established in Columbus in 1829, the Tallmadge students were transferred to the new facility.

Tallmadge continues its tradition of commitment to public education and is rated by the State of Ohio as an “Excellent District.”