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. (For our complete preschool directory, click here.)
BRIGHT FUTURES PRESCHOOL
Bright Futures Preschool staff believe learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. The team of passionate and highly educated specialists use a curriculum that provides an individualized educational experience for each student and their unique interests and needs. Bright Futures Preschool, located within Cleveland Sight Center, is open to children age 3-5 and is enriched with technology and equipment that is readily designed and available for those who have low or no vision. Enrollment is open year-round. 216-791-8118 or clevelandsightcenter.org
CANTON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Preschool years are transformative years for children, and help to build a child’s emotional, social and personal growth and development during that time. Canton Country Day School, Canton’s premier private school, has provided award-winning, accredited preschool programming for decades to area families. CCDS combines the qualities of community — knowing, loving, and appreciating each and every student for his or her unique gifts. cantoncountryday.org
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 prepared classrooms that offer social, emotional and academic experiences in a unique urban setting. Apply now for 2023-24.216-421-0700, [email protected], 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 An award-winning childcare provider with six locations and 50+ years of experience in the Greater Cleveland area, they offer multiple programs for infants through school-age. Also, a choice of traditional or montessori programs. creativeplayrooms.com
FIT BY FIVE
“We love getting children ready for kindergarten. It’s our mission!” At Fit by Five, academics & school readiness skills are presented through group activities, relays, concept obstacles, table time and station time. It’s the most all-inclusive-curriculum you’ll find in the area. And they have a lot of fast-paced fun. You will also find plenty of pre-math concepts, numbers, letters, colors, associations, and reading readiness. Please visit this Cuyahoga County’s family owned preschool, since 1969. 440-835-8558, fitbyfive.com
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 2023-24. Applicants must be 18 months by Sept. 30. 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. Learn more at lensc.org/preschool-programs
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
Established in 1968, they are a 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
THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT
Early Childhood at TMS offers high quality morning & full-day preschool and kindergarten with a creative curriculum that includes music, drama, social-emotional learning, and more. A full foundation for learning, TMS nurtures individuals, fosters brain and social development, builds confidence, encourages expression, and promotes play. Offering generous financial aid options and an inclusive community at campuses in University Circle and Ohio City. Music instruction and music therapy options for all ages are also available at TMS. themusicsettlement.org
OUR LADY OF THE ELMS
For 100 years, Elms students have been encouraged to explore through play-based learning and hands-on activities. Preschoolers develop kindergarten readiness skills with a focus on pre-literacy through the Scholastic curriculum. Their co-ed preschool program is designed for ages 3-5. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction. On their 33-acre campus in West Akron students enjoy STEAM projects, music, library time, and urban farming. 1375 West Exchange St., Akron, 330-836-9384, theelms.org
RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights is a vibrant school community for children ages 18 months through eighth grade. Join them for an admissions event or personal tour to explore Ruffing’s beautiful classrooms and spacious outdoor play spaces, meet our 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 (Full Day Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade) is a community of educators and families committed to the common goal of providing a rich, faith-filled school experience for students. Their comprehensive curriculum engages students in active, personal learning with an emphasis on problem solving, creativity, and discovery that fosters a lifelong love of learning. The school provides a faith-based education in which academic excellence, citizenship, and service define the experience for every student. setoncatholicschool.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 2023-2024 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. 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. 500 Mull Avenue, Akron, 330-836-9107, stsebastian.org/school
STEP FORWARD
Step Forward helps ensure every child has the opportunity to begin their education right and develops a love of learning from the start. Head Start serves preschoolers from ages 3-5. Head Start combines classroom instruction, learning through play and field trips for a rich educational environment that engages children. This early childhood education is available at 10 sites throughout Cuyahoga County or offered at home, and is at no cost to income-eligible families. stepforwardtoday.org
THE TUTTI MUSIC PROGRAM
The Tutti Music Program is a bilingual (English/Spanish) music school that offers customized early childhood music sessions and educational concerts for preschools, child care institutions, libraries, and schools as well as private cello lessons for children. “Serving and honoring childhood every step of the way.” Instructor: Carolina Borja, M.Mus., Fulbright Scholar, Certified Suzuki Cello and Early Childhood Music Educator. [email protected], 216-816-0164, tuttimusicprogram.com
