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.
BELLEFAIRE JCB
Bellefaire JCB’s JDN Early Childhood Center offers full-day, year-round programming for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. In 2014, JDN became one of the first early childhood program’s to earn Ohio’s Step Up To Quality’s Gold Level rating. JDN fosters academic readiness, confidence, self-control, creativity and a love of learning while its team of educators and staff attend to the social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs of children. Call 216-320-8489 to learn about enrollment. bellefairejcb.org
THE CENTERS
The Centers operates five early learning centers in Northeast Ohio, providing a high-quality educational experience for children 6 weeks to age 5 to prepare them for kindergarten and future success. The early learning centers offer a stimulating learning environment, interactive activities and a team of dedicated and experienced teachers and staff. Welcoming classrooms cater to children of all abilities. Programs are affordable for all families, with payment options for private pay, voucher qualified and early/head start eligible families. 216-325-9678, thecentersohio.org
CHAPEL HILL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
CHCS Preschool offers a Christ-centered, nurturing environment where children grow in faith, learning and character. Since 1966, they have partnered with families to support each child’s spiritual, social and academic development. With flexible three- or five-day options, daily Bible lessons, weekly chapel and purposeful play, CHCS equips preschoolers to thrive and discover their God-given potential. chapelhillchristianschool.org
CREATIVE PLAYROOMS
Creative Playrooms Montessori and Child Care Centers provide children with a strong foundation for their lifelong learning journey. Their gifted educators inspire children to develop a love for learning, focusing on the development of each child — physically, emotionally and cognitively through both traditional and play-based Montessori approaches. As an award-winning provider with six locations and 50+ years of experience in the Cleveland area, Creative Playrooms offers a variety of programs for infants through school-age children. Visit creativeplayrooms.com
GILMOUR’S MONTESSORI
PRESCHOOL PROGRAMMontessori students enjoy unique opportunities,
including Spanish instruction and experiential learning opportunities such as collecting eggs from the chicken coop. Before and after care is available for those who would like to extend their day. The toddler program (18 months to age 3) is three or five days/week, half- or full-day. Pre-kindergarten (ages 3-4) – five days/week, half-, three-quarter- or full-day. Students then move seamlessly into the lower school for grades K-6, where they continue to develop as curious learners. gilmour.org
HAWKEN SCHOOL
Hawken School, a co-ed day school for toddlers through grade 12, 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. For more information, visit hawken.edu
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 NEST SCHOOLS
The Nest Schools offers more than preschool — serves as a trusted partner in each child’s growth, learning and happiness. With a proprietary, research-backed curriculum, caring educators and a safe, nurturing environment, children are supported in reaching their full potential. As part of its comprehensive approach, the Nest Play curriculum features three enrichment programs — Fit Buddies, Paints & Pianos, and Art of Living — designed to build confidence, creativity and personal development, all included in the tuition. thenestschools.com
OUR TRIBAL EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER
Discover Our Tribal ECE Center, a nurturing and safe haven for young learners since 2011. It offer a supportive environment where children thrive, backed by CPR and First Aid certified staff. Our Tribal ECE Center is proud to be now enrolling new students into its cherished program. Akron, 330-733-8300, ourtribalece.com
RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights is an exceptional 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 their Montessori-trained teachers, and learn about Ruffing’s rigorous curriculum that prepares students to lead and excel academically. Schedule a tour today at 216-321-7571 or visit ruffingmontessori.net
SHAKER HEIGHTS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Ludlow Early Learning Center, part of Shaker Heights Schools, is an International Baccalaureate preschool where children begin their journey as curious, confident thinkers. Rooted in inquiry and play-based learning, Ludlow nurtures joyful exploration, strong social-emotional growth and global awareness. With dedicated educators and inclusive, engaging classrooms, children build the skills they need for kindergarten and beyond. At Ludlow, learning is hands-on and community-centered. Learn more at shaker.org/preschool.
SPRING GARDEN WALDORF SCHOOL
Spring Garden Waldorf School is one of only two accredited Waldorf schools in Ohio, and they have been educating children from the surrounding five-county area for 44 years. Families come to Waldorf education because they’re ready for something different. Their curriculum challenges students with hands-on learning, critical thinking and creative expression. By engaging the whole child with a multi-disciplinary approach, they nurture a lifelong passion for learning. Discover education that engages, inspires, and empowers! sgws.org
STARTING POINT
For 35 years, Starting Point has been Northeast Ohio’s leading expert in quality child care, early education and after-school resources. Whether you’re a parent trying to find child care or preschool that works for you, an early childhood educator, a business that wants to explore child care solutions, or someone interested in opening a child care program, we’re your starting point. Call them at 216-575-0061 to explore options.
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Valley Christian Academy is a private, Pre-K through 5th grade school in Aurora, Ohio. VCA offers a Christ-centered, loving environment with challenging academics. The quiet and caring environment is home to enrichment programs, a one-of-a-kind STEAM strategy, extracurriculars and so much more. Schedule a visit today. 330-562-8191, valleychristian.com
