Cleveland Schools Face Nearly 172 Nearby Shootings Each Year

Cleveland ranks second among 31 similarly sized cities for the annual rate of shootings near schools, according to data from The Trace. The independent organization tracks gun violence and partnered with News 5 Investigators to analyze incidents in the city over the last decade.

The analysis covers the period from 2017 through 2025. During that time, 1,547 shootings took place within 500 yards of a Cleveland school. This total averages to nearly 172 shootings per year. The frequency of these events creates a persistent environment of risk for students who live and study in these areas.

Violence often strikes with little notice. In a span of five months, three Cleveland teenagers were shot and killed in the vicinity of schools. Devonte Johnson died near Glenville High School in August 2022. Andre Wells was killed near Rhodes High School the following month. Pierre McCoy was shot at a bus stop outside John Adams in January 2023.

Kareem Smith, a member of The Safety Unit, works outside East Tech High School before and after school hours. His team walks with students to help them get home safely. East Tech ranked third among Cleveland schools in the data, with 56 shootings recorded within the 500-yard radius over the eight-year period. Smith noted that while the school itself is generally safe, the surrounding neighborhood often is not.

Dr. Lisa Ramirez, a child psychologist at MetroHealth, explained the cognitive impact of this environment. She stated that students worrying about their safety or the walk home struggle to focus on academic work. Repeated exposure to violence and fear can erode a child's ability to engage fully in the present moment.

Anita Deal’s family has experienced this pattern of loss repeatedly. Three of her sons were shot and killed over four years, including her youngest son, Maurco, who was 13 years old. Deal described her family as shattered, noting that many members now rely on therapy, psychiatrists, and medication to cope. She said they will never return to their previous state but are learning to live with the loss.

Ramirez emphasized that protective factors can help children withstand repeated exposure. Strong friendships, trusted adults, and participation in activities like sports serve as buffers against trauma. Smith’s team builds rapport with students at East Tech to mentor them and stay ahead of conflicts, aiming to keep the peace in the immediate vicinity of the school.