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.)
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 School, a co-ed toddler-12th grade day school, offers a nationally recognized early childhood program on its Lyndhurst campus. The school’s forward-focused mission of preparation through the development of character and intellect applies to even its youngest students through a dual commitment to academic and social curricula. Teachers put students at the center of learning by focusing on language development, science inquiry, math awareness, creative arts exploration, and social and emotional growth. 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
THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT
Early Childhood at TMS offers morning & full-day preschool and kindergarten programs with a creative curriculum that includes music, drama, social/ emotional learning, and more! Our courses foster brain and social development, build confidence, encourage expression, and promote play. Offering open enrollment, generous financial aid options and an inclusive community, TMS has campuses in Cleveland’s Ohio City and University Circle. Early Childhood Open House is on Thursday, November 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. at both campuses. themusicsettlement.org
PIONEER PRESCHOOL
At Pioneer Preschool they provide a caring and loving Christian environment that encourages children to develop spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively, in preparation for kindergarten. They offer a 2-year old class, 3-year old class and 4/5-year old Pre-K class. Pioneer Preschool has been educating young minds for over 45 years. Their school day is 9-11:30 a.m. with daily enrichments offered ending at 12:30 p.m. For a tour or more information contact [email protected] or visit pioneerpreschool.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. 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
YMCA OF GREATER CLEVELAND
Y-Club helps hundreds of children every day reach their fullest potential in a welcoming, supportive environment. By incorporating the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into all of their youth programs they give children the solid foundation they need to thrive. Preschool at the YMCA is like a home away from home, where kids ages 3-5 years of age laugh, learn and explore while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. clevelandymca.org
