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.
BIRCHWOOD SCHOOL OF HAWKEN
Birchwood School of Hawken’s early childhood program flows from their mission to build character and foster the unique potential of the individual. Close observation of each child’s interests and abilities allows teachers to plan for the next step of individual growth. Once ready to begin to read and develop spatial and numerical understanding to their unique capacity, their “no ceilings” philosophy encourages advancing without waiting until kindergarten. More information at birchwoodschool.org
CHAPEL HILL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
From a child’s very first classroom experience, Chapel Hill Christian School (CHCS) – Preschool is committed to lovingly nurturing young hearts and minds, laying a strong foundation of faith, learning, and character. In partnership with families and churches, we guide children through each stage of development, helping them grow in confidence, curiosity, and Christ-centered purpose. North Campus in Cuyahoga Falls and South Campus in Akron. chapelhillchristianpreschool.org
CREATIVE PLAYROOMS
Creative Playrooms Montessori and Child Care Centers have been a part of the greater Cleveland community for over 50 years. Their unique centers provide families with options such as Montessori programs, swimming lessons, cafeteria-like lunch rooms and expansive outdoor play spaces. They understand that today’s active families need a partner that really understands the need for safe, reliable, and loving care. At the core of its centers, you’ll find dedicated and highly trained staff who are deeply committed to providing your child the skills they need to reach their individual potential. creativeplayrooms.com
HAWKEN SCHOOL
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 a toddler program; a Forest Program option; and afternoon enrichment classes. Applicants to the toddler program must be 18 months by September 30; those who turn 3 by September 30 will be considered for our preschool programs. For more information, visit hawken.edu
IVYBROOK ACADEMY SOLON
Ivybrook Academy is a boutique, private preschool offering an elevated early-learning experience for discerning families. Blending Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles, their intentionally designed classrooms and passionate educators create a joyful, nurturing and academically rich environment. It honors each child’s individuality while building confidence, curiosity and strong social-emotional foundations. Ivybrook prepares children not just for school, but for life as compassionate, capable learners. Now enrolling for the Solon campus opening Fall 2026. ivybrookacademy.com/solon
JULIE BILLIART SCHOOLS BEGINDERGARTEN
Begindergarten is a full-day kindergarten readiness program for children with special learning and social needs. Designed to bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten, it builds essential skills and prepares students to transition to a JB kindergarten classroom or one that best fits their needs. With a 4:1 student-to-staff ratio and support from intervention specialists, speech, and occupational therapists, Begindergarten is offered exclusively at its Brecksville campus for children age 5 by September 30. juliebilliartschool.org
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
LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY
Lake Ridge Academy’s Junior Kindergarten is a joyful, nature-inspired introduction to school that builds confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. The program is open to qualifying four-and five-year-olds. In small classes, children explore early literacy, math and social skills through hands-on discovery and outdoor experiences. Caring teachers nurture independence, creativity and kindness, helping each child grow at their own pace while building a strong foundation for future success at Lake Ridge Academy. lakeridgeacademy.org
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. 216-200-5295, ms-uh.org
THE NEST SCHOOLS
At The Nest Schools, they believe involving children in hands-on experiences is the true definition of teaching. Each day, they’re re-imagining learning through creative play opportunities where they encourage children to wonder, question, work with their peers, and experiment with different possibilities. Each element of their Nest Play curriculum shares one goal: to help children love to learn. The Nest Schools’ preschool program will prepare children for the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA). thenestschool.com
PRIMROSE SCHOOLS
The Primrose Schools® Balanced Learning® approach combines purposeful play and nurturing guidance from teachers to inspire children to think with curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. This exclusive, time-tested approach brings together the best early education wisdom with modern research to encourage a love of learning that will serve children through kindergarten and far beyond. Learn more about the 13 Primrose schools in your area. Now enrolling ages 0–5. primroseschools.com/cleveland
SAINT JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Saint Joan of Arc Catholic School Preschool-8 Best-in-class academics, vibrant programming in technology, science, music and life skills, a safe and secure campus in the heart of Chagrin Falls and a community of faith that is actually part of a parish — St. Joan of Arc School is everything your student needs to develop a lifelong love of learning and grow as a person of faith. St. Joan of Arc School. Driven by excellence. Guided by faith. stjoanofarc.org
ST. BARNABAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
St. Barnabas Catholic School, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, serves students from Preschool through Eighth Grade. Its Preschool and full-day Pre-K programs offer flexible options for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, with before- and after-care in the Early Learning Center and summer care for enrolled students. Committed to the spiritual, academic, emotional, and physical growth of every child, St. Barnabas provides a nurturing environment for learning and faith. Apply today for the 2026-2027 school year. sbcatholicschool.com
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
ST. SEBASTIAN CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING
St. Sebastian Center for Early Learning serves West Akron and surrounding communities with a Christ-centered Catholic preschool experience. Its curriculum thoughtfully balances faith formation, academic readiness, and personal growth. They offer full-day programs Monday through Friday and half-day options for 4- and 5-year-olds, along with half-day programs for 3-year-olds Monday through Thursday. The Center is a natural precursor to St. Sebastian Parish School. Visit the Center’s open house on January 25 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. For details, call 330-836-9107 or visit stsebastian.org/school
WESTSIDE GYMNASTICS
The Sweet Peas Educational Gymnastics program at West Side Gymnastics provides foundational gymnastics skills for children 6 months to 5 years of age. The program is more than movement — it is a foundation for life. Children in their program work to build strength, self-esteem, and social confidence, as well as early neural development. They inspire greatness, with a legacy rooted in growth on and off the mat. More information is available at westsidegymnastics.net
