Northeast Ohio Independent School Guide

Are you considering a new school for your child? Consult the guide below for a listing of Northeast Ohio private and other school options for your child’s next educational step. For a complete listing, view our online Education Directory.

Scheduling a visit or attending an open house is a great first step in gathering information about any of these schools. Start the process by checking Independent School Open House Listings.

CLEVELAND MONTESSORI
Cleveland Montessori is celebrating over 25 years of serving the children of Greater Cleveland. The school is located in the historic Alta House.  Students in preschool through middle school thrive within this unique urban campus inclusive of Little Italy and University Circle. A Cleveland Montessori education looks at each child’s individual potential academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Students become independent thinkers with compassionate hearts. The authentic Montessori curriculum incorporates a variety of opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom to the culturally rich neighborhood of Little Italy. Proximity to University Circle provides many extensions for cultural and scientific exploration, setting the stage for an experience rich in diversity, growth and joy. 12510 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-421-0700, clevelandmontessori.org

CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy is a private, college-preparatory, inter-denominational Christian middle and high school (grades 6-12) that seeks to educate and cultivate servants for Christ. Our 850 students stand out as we strive to prepare them for college and beyond.  Our 70 plus acre campus provides the perfect setting for students to grow spiritually and academically, while providing numerous opportunities to maximize their gifts in athletics, fine arts and many different clubs and ministry opportunities. CVCA is fully committed to maintaining an ethnically/culturally diverse faculty and student body within a biblical community that strives to point students towards a deepening relationship with Christ.  CVCA is a school that is dedicated to training and mentoring as educators walk alongside students during these critical years of development.  Find out more and learn about how CVCA has met the challenge of the pandemic while continuing the mission to educate and cultivate servants for christ. cvcaroyals.org/admissions/experience-cvca/ 

EDUCATION ALTERNATIVES
Education Alternatives provides special education services to hundreds of children K-12 in eight sites throughout Northeast Ohio. EA uses a trauma-informed approach to treat intensive behavioral challenges and incorporates the ACE scores of each child into their individualized plan. Children receive both group therapy and academics and may also access individual counseling, behavior supports and psychiatry. REACH Behavioral Health provides the therapeutic services in each Education Alternatives site. 216-332-9360, easchools.org

HANNA PERKINS SCHOOL
Hanna Perkins School provides preschool and kindergarten in a nurturing environment with great academics and a focus on healthy social-emotional development. We support parents in the hard work they do through a unique team structure, regular meetings and unparalleled developmental insight. COVID preparedness includes large rooms, small classes, practices that meet or exceed guidelines, and a culture that encourages each child’s control over his/her own body. Provider for EdChoice, Ohio Autism Scholarship and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship. Call about openings in the current school year. 19910 Malvern Road, Shaker Heights, 216-991-4472, hannaperkins.org 

HATHAWAY BROWN
Hathaway Brown is an independent day school for girls in K-12. HB also offers a coed Infant and Toddler Center and Early Childhood program. Distinguished academics at HB allow students of all ages to explore new things, take risks and stretch their imaginations. This school year, Upper School students have a blended learning model of in-person and remote instruction. In addition to on-site attendance, advanced technology in each classroom allows girls in K-8 to have an engaging and enriching #HBatHome experience. A variety of admission events are held each month. 19600 North Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-932-4214, hb.edu/admission

HAWKEN
Hawken School is an independent, coed day school of over 1,400 students, toddler through grade 12, located on two campuses in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, a campus on Cleveland’s West Side, and a campus in University Circle that is home to the recently opened Mastery School of Hawken, which takes the school’s problem-based programming to scale. Hawken was founded in 1915 as an educationally progressive school, and we remain academically progressive — because that’s what it takes to prepare students to thrive in a changing world. From recognizing the value of a coeducational environment to designing programs, learning spaces and innovative schedules that support learning by doing, Hawken boldly adapts to prepare students for a promising future. hawken.edu

HERSHEY MONTESSORI
School should be interesting, engaging, educationally sound — and Hershey Montessori School is. Hershey’s redesigned face-to-face learning experience supports the vital human connection that students of all ages need, while providing an enhanced, socially connected, remote learning option for Middle and Upper School students. Hershey’s on-campus designs incorporate beautiful indoor and outdoor classroom environments that adhere to recommended health guidelines. For more than 40 years, Hershey’s approach to education has allowed students to master the skills and abilities needed to adapt as the world changes, careers shift, and the demand on human ingenuity evolves. The life-transforming outcomes demonstrated by Hershey students, espe­cially through these unprecedented times, reveals why Hershey is revered as a world leader in Montessori education. Hershey students are inspired to learn, to thrive academically, expand their interests, and develop important life skills. hershey-montessori.org

INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY
Founded in 1935, Incarnate Word Academy is a premier, independent, Catholic School serving a diverse group of young learners from Preschool to 8th grade. The Sisters of the Incarnate Word built this school with a commitment to delivering a superior education in an environment rooted in faith with the highest ethical values and conduct. Nationally recognized, IWA has grown to become a model of educational excellence. We strive to inspire and support each student to achieve academic and personal success through advanced classes, enriching clubs and team athletics. 6620 Pearl Road., Parma Heights, 440-842-6818, incarnatewordacademy.org

LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY
Lake Ridge Academy is an independent kindergarten through grade 12 college preparatory school. Strong academic programs, engaging faculty, and an 8:1 student to teacher ratio, creates an educational environment that fuels a student’s passion for learning. Lower School (K-5) students learn to think critically through a rich, hands-on curriculum that connects them to the natural world. Special emphasis is placed on social-emotional learning and cultural appreciation through world language classes. Virtual K-12 Open Houses and Kindergarten Readiness sessions are held each month this fall. Register online today. 37501 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, 440-327-1175, lakeridgeacademy.org   

LAUREL SCHOOL
Laurel School, founded in 1896, is a nationally recognized college preparatory, independent day school for girls, kindergarten through grade 12, with a coeducational pre-primary. Its traditional Lyman Campus is in Shaker Heights and its 150-acre Butler Campus is in Russell Township. The Butler Campus is home to competitive athletics and outdoor experiential learning, including northeast Ohio’s only outdoor pre-primary school. Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls (LCRG) was established in 2007, drawing on the school’s long history as a site of pioneering research on girls. LCRG conducts and sponsors original research on girls, harnesses existing research to shape the day-to-day education of girls and connects parents and teachers with research findings relevant to raising and educating girls. laurelschool.org

LAWRENCE SCHOOL
Serving K–12 students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD, Lawrence is the school of choice for students who learn differently. We partner with families and draw upon everything we’ve learned over the last 50 years to remove barriers and nurture conditions for phenomenal academic growth. Our students gain new skills and achieve success in the classroom — but most importantly, they build self-confidence and embrace both their strengths and their challenges. When the time comes to leave our halls, they’re prepared to independently tackle their biggest dreams. Broadview Heights and Sagamore Hills, lawrenceschool.org

MAGNIFICAT
Magnificat High School is a girls’ Catholic, college-preparatory high school founded by the Sisters of the Humility of Mary that prepares young women to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. 720 students with a diversity of backgrounds, interests, and aspirations choose Magnificat for the distinctive educational experience we provide. Classroom learning is enriched through experiential learning, service, and leadership opportunities. Under the mentorship of teachers, counselors, and advisors, each student designs a unique educational experience, choosing from a course selection that includes over 30 AP and Honors courses, more than 50 co-curriculars, and 15 varsity sports. 20770 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, 440-331-1572, magnificaths.org

MANDEL JCC
Learn, explore and grow at The J! The Mandel JCC offers enriching programs that foster a child’s growth through all stages. This fall, new in-person or virtual K-12 art or Playmakers Youth Theatre programs will spark your child’s creativity. The J’s Five Star Step-Up-to-Quality rated Preschool and ToddlerCare offers a cultural and academic setting where children 18 months to Pre-K flourish. The new School Days at The J program was created to support families this school year by providing a structured, safe environment for K-6 virtual learners complete with STEAM electives and outdoor recreation. 26001 S. Woodland Road, Beachwood, 216-831-0700, mandeljcc.org/fall 

MENLO PARK ACADEMY
Menlo Park Academy is Northeast Ohio’s only tuition-free school for gifted children in grades K-8. The school offers an innovative, accelerated curriculum, including high school credit classes; flexible learning spaces; the opportunity to learn alongside like-minded peers; and flexible learning programs for the 2020-21 school year. Students maximize their talents, while achieving academic, emotional and social success inside and outside the classroom. Menlo Park Academy is ranked as one of Niche.com’s 250 Best Schools in the Nation. 2149 W. 53rd St., Cleveland, 440-925-6365, menloparkacademy.com

RUFFING MONTESSORI
Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights is a vibrant school community where bright, curious children, ages 18 months through the 8th grade, thrive. Boasting spacious and purposefully prepared indoor and outdoor learning environments and skilled Montessori-trained teachers, Ruffing has challenged educational norms for 60+ years. Its dynamic Montessori curriculum prepares children to become self-sufficient, independent thinkers and creative problem solvers. The result? Ruffing students excel academically with confidence and compassion, setting them apart for high school, college, and life. Learn why Ruffing is the compelling school of choice for so many by scheduling a personal or virtual tour at ruffingmontessori.net. 3380 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-7571 

SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A lifetime love of learning starts at Seton Catholic School! Young hearts and minds develop into thoughtful, educated students – ready to thrive and grow in an ever changing world. Families of many faiths find a home at Seton, comfortable in knowing that character education, values, and morals are part of every lesson and interaction. Immersed in the humanities, arts and sciences, foreign languages, mathematics, and environmental education – students are nurtured in a setting of constructive and personalized learning. Seton students receive incredible opportunities to develop into independent thinkers, creative individuals, and most importantly, happy, well-rounded young people ready to lead their generation into the future. 6923 Stow Road, Hudson 330-342-4200, setoncatholicschool.org

SPRING GARDEN WALDORF
Spring Garden Waldorf School (SGWS) is the only accredited Waldorf School in Northeast Ohio.  Located on a rural campus in Copley, SGWS serves children from nursery school through 8th Grade. They educate children so they can contribute to the future of the world with clear and creative thinking, moral strength, compassion and courage. Come and see their outdoor classrooms. To learn more about this broad and balanced education, please contact Amy Hecky, Director of Admissions, at 330-666-0574 or [email protected]. 1791 S. Jacoby Road., Copley, sgws.org

ST. BARNABAS
St. Barnabas Catholic School is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence ranging from preschool through eighth grade. St. Barnabas is a family, fostering lifelong relationships and a spirit of loyalty and pride. The school is dedicated to the spiritual, academic, social, physical and emotional development of all students. St. Barnabas offers STEM for grades pre-k through eighth grade, giving our students valuable experiences in critical thinking, problem solving, engineering processes, creative design, and collaboration in a technology-rich environment. We offer extra-curricular activities such as athletic teams, a student-run TV station, academic teams, community service opportunities and leadership development programs. 9200 Olde Eight Rd., Northfield, 330-467-7921, sbcatholicschool.com

ST. DOMINIC SCHOOL
St. Dominic School is a Catholic, coed elementary school serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade in the heart of Shaker Heights. Their mission — to create confident, competent leaders — emanates into every aspect of school life and inspires students to become their very best. With small student-teacher ratios, a top-notch curriculum, interactive boards in every classroom, science and technology labs, robust sports programs, and specials such as Spanish and music, every student has the opportunity to grow and thrive. They are proud to be a National Blue Ribbon School and ensure their students not only meet the standards, but soar well above them. Call today for a private tour. 3455 Norwood Road, Shaker Heights, 216-561-4400, stdominicschool.net 

ST. PAUL WESTLAKE
As Westlake’s oldest independent preparatory school for students in preschool through grade eight, St. Paul Westlake School is your child’s gateway to an exceptional future. St. Paul prepares students for academic success in high school and beyond with cutting-edge technology, innovative curriculum and individualized attention to each student. An “exemplary school,” as designated by the National Lutheran Schools Association, St. Paul prioritizes students’ spiritual growth and academic excellence. We offer small class sizes, with a student-teacher ratio averaging 14:1. Our 1,250 square-foot dedicated STEAM Lab is complete with touchscreen technology, 3D printers and professional-grade digital photography equipment. Rolling admissions. 27993 Detroit Road, Westlake, 440-835-3050, stpaulwestlake.org

ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH SCHOOL
Educating students from preschool through eighth grade, St. Sebastian Parish School continues to focus on the directive outlined in its mission statement of “excellence in education and commitment to Christ.” Students participate in hands-on, problem-based learning that is cross-curricular and features collaboration. For the second year in a row, St. Sebastian Parish School and 20 members from its teaching staff were awarded the Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research. Only 37 schools in Ohio achieved this distinction with the selection being done by the Ohio Academy of Science. Outside the classroom students can participate in many extracurricular activities. 500 Mull Ave., Akron, 330-836-9107, stsebastian.org/school

URBAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Urban Community School (UCS) strives to break social and economic barriers to success for Cleveland’s near west side children by providing an individualized, innovative, and challenging education. Rooted in the Ursuline Sisters’ tradition of faith, character, and educational excellence, UCS engages our faculty, families, and community partners in the successful whole child development of our students. 4909 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-939-8330, urbancommunityschool.org

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
“My children receive top-notch instruction and are valued and respected in a safe environment. The classes are small and rooms are bright and big. We love the missions projects because it reminds our children to serve. They are truly being set up for success in every way.”  —VCA Parent. Valley Christian Academy is a private, pre-K through eighth grade school in Aurora. VCA offers a Christ-centered, loving atmosphere and challenging academics. This quiet, caring school hosts enrichment programs, a one-of-a-kind STEAM strategy, extracurriculars and so much more. Schedule a visit today. 1037 East Blvd, Aurora, 330-562-8191, valleychristian.com  

VILLA ANGELA-ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School is a Catholic, comprehensive college-preparatory school committed to the spiritual, academic and personal growth of each student. The high school is guided in faith by the dual charisms of the Ursuline Sisters and Marianist Brothers. It is the only school in the world that is cosponsored by the two orders, making up the unique identity of VASJ. When you become a student at VASJ, you become a member of a family. It is a place where you can grow in your faith, be challenged academically, and create high school memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. 18491 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland 216-481-8414, vasj.com/admissions