The greater Cleveland/Akron area is home to many options when it comes to preschool. If it’s time to start considering which area preschool would be the right fit for your child and your family, begin your search by consulting the following list of private preschools in Northeast Ohio.
CLEVELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Cleveland Montessori has been serving the Little Italy and Greater Cleveland community for over 25 years, providing an education for life, which celebrates diversity, growth and joy. Students from preschool through eighth grade are met with respect and compassion as they strive to meet their individual potential in beautifully prepared classrooms that offer social, emotional and academic experiences in a unique urban setting. Apply now for 2023-24. 216-421-0700, info@cleveland
montessori.org, clevelandmontessori.org
CREATIVE PLAYROOMS
Creative Playrooms Montessori and Child Care Centers give children a leg up as they begin to climb the ladder of lifetime learning. Their gifted educators help kids fall in love with learning, and their centers focus on enriching the whole child — physically, emotionally, and cognitively — through their traditional and play-based Montessori approach. As an award-winning childcare provider with six locations and 50-plus years of experience in the Greater Cleveland area, Creative Playrooms offers multiple programs for infants through school-age, but also provides families an additional choice of traditional or montessori programs. creativeplayrooms.com
GILMOUR ACADEMY
Gilmour’s Montessori Preschool Program serves toddlers (18 months to age 3) three or five days/week; half-or full-day and prekindergarten (ages 3-4) five days/week; half-, three-quarter- or full-day. Montessori students enjoy unique opportunities including Spanish instruction and experiential learning opportunities such as collecting eggs from their chicken coop. Before and after care available for those who would like to extend their day. Students then move seamlessly into the Lower School for grades K-12, where they continue to develop as curious learners. gilmour.org
HAWKEN
Hawken’s Early Childhood program allows your child to experience the joys of childhood while developing foundational knowledge, creative and critical thinking skills, citizenship, and the habits of mind to support lifelong learning. Highlights include introduction to Spanish and Chinese in kindergarten and afternoon enrichment classes in science, movement, visual and dramatic arts, language and culture, and music. Applications are now being accepted for 2024-25. Applicants must be 18 months by September 30. For more information, visit hawken.edu
LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER
As one of the first and largest nature-based preschool programs in the region, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center serves children ages 1 to 6 with age-appropriate activities to support social, physical and academic development. Children explore the wonders of science and nature with hands-on activities, crafts, music, live animal encounters, and planetarium shows. The surrounding 100-acre parkland and access to Lake Erie serve as an extended classroom for outdoor adventures. lensc.org/preschool-programs
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
Montessori School of University Heights, established in 1968, is a pre-primary school dedicated to helping each child become the unique person his/her creator intended in a Christian atmosphere of peace, love and respect. Children enter at age 3 and remain through their kindergarten year. The Montessori approach involves: providing comprehensive, individualized opportunities for growth; engaging children in a caring, supportive community; and developing concentration, independence, self-discipline, compassion, confidence, and joy in learning. 216-381-8388, ms-uh.org
PIONEER PRESCHOOL
Pioneer Christian Preschool provides a caring, loving environment which encourages children to learn and grow. They have been serving children from ages 2-5 for over 40 years. Their students enjoy occupational play in the large indoor gym, outdoor classroom, and playground. They provide music and movement, Spanish, interactive school assemblies, field trips, and an annual Christmas pageant. Your child will be well prepared for kindergarten. Preschool hours are 9-11:30 a.m. and extended day 11 a.m.-2 p.m. pioneerpreschool.org
RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights is a vibrant school community for children ages 18 months to eighth grade. Join them for an admissions event or personal tour to explore Ruffing’s beautiful classrooms and spacious outdoor play spaces, meet their Montessori-trained teachers, and learn about Ruffing’s rigorous curriculum that prepares students to lead and excel academically. Schedule a tour today by calling Julie or Rosie at 216-321-7571 or visit ruffingmontessori.net
SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Seton Catholic School (pre-kindergarten through eighth grade) is a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School. A lifetime love of learning starts here. Young hearts and minds develop into thoughtful, educated students — ready to thrive and grow. Immersed in the humanities, arts and sciences, foreign languages, mathematics, and environmental education — students are nurtured in a setting of constructive and personalized learning. Innovation and tradition unite with guided responsible use of technology, successfully integrated with time-honored instruction. setoncatholicschool.org
SPRING GARDEN WALDORF SCHOOL
Spring Garden Waldorf School offers a nurturing and joyful early childhood education that fosters a child’s intellectual, physical and social-emotional capacities. Their warm classrooms are filled with natural materials and activities that help your child’s imagination and curiosity flourish. Their outdoor space – where children spend half their day – is ideal for developmentally appropriate learning through play with peers. Each day little ones give and receive empathy, respect and kindness while reaching developmental milestones. sgws.org
ST. BARNABAS SCHOOL
St. Barnabas Catholic School is a National Blue Ribbon School of excellence ranging from preschool through eighth grade. Their preschool and full-day pre-kindergarten provides many options for ages 3, 4 and 5. They offer before and after care in their early learning center as well as summer childcare for enrolled students. The school is dedicated to the spiritual, academic, physical and emotional development of students. Apply today for the 2024-2025 school year! 330-467-7921, sbcatholicschool.com
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL
St. Francis of Assisi School, a 3 year old preschool – eighth grade school, is centered on their faith. Students learn about God’s world and what we can do to make it an even better place. While academics are their core, they see their mission as serving the individual students and their God-given gifts and talents. As a result, their students help drive their programs such as the broadcast studio, aquaponics area and service projects. sfaschoolgm.org
St. Paul Westlake
St. Paul has served the Westlake community for 165 years. St. Paul lead teachers for their preschool programs are highly educated specialists that provide a rich academic environment and share the love of Jesus with students every day. They offer a preschool 3-year-old program for both full and half days (5 days) and a pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds full day (5 days). Contact [email protected] or visit at stpaulwestlake.school
ST. THOMAS MORE
St. Thomas More is sensitive to each child’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs. Each child’s unique development growth is nurtured through age-appropriate activities that emphasize a hands-on learning process. Through exploration, the child discovers God in the world around him or her. Their program is designed to develop in children a sense of independence and responsibility. They encourage not just learning, but also the love of learning. St. Thomas More offers part-time, full-time, and extended-day programs for ages 3 to 5. 216-749-1660, [email protected]
THE ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING
Established in 2001, the St. Sebastian Parish Center for Early Learning, a Catholic preschool in West Akron, provides a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for the enhancement of each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, spiritual and physical potential. Offering full day and half day programs ages 3 to 5. All classes taught by degreed teachers. 330-836-9107, stsebastian.org/school
WESTSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Westside Christian Academy’s Pre-K engages children in play-based learning activities to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. Introducing students to the subjects of literacy, math, and science through hands-on activities, teachers cultivate a joyful atmosphere where children are taught according to Biblical principles. Their program instills a love for school, a love learning, and a love for God. The program accepts students ages 4 through young 5’s. Morning or afternoon classes available. To schedule a tour go to westsideacademy.org
