2025 Preschool Guide
Ten tips for finding the right preschool
Tips to consider and questions to ask when searching for the perfect preschool for your child. Read More »
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Listing of Preschools
Scroll to see Cuyahoga listings followed by Lake County then Geauga County.
Carol Nursery School
19824 Sussex Road, Shaker Heights
(216) 991-3449
carolnurseryschool.org
Carol Nursery School creates a nurturing and engaging environment where children can learn and grow at their own pace. Knowing every child is unique, their curriculum is individualized to support emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. Through guided play, children learn and develop imagination, exploration and collaboration. Their STEM lab offers additional opportunities to engage with materials that allow for teamwork and critical thinking.
In order to foster a strong partnership with parents, families are informed and involved in their child’s education. Their offerings include part-time classes for children 2.5 to 5 years of age. A first school experience is their Moving On Up program which provides a safe, supportive experience for the youngest learners while their caregivers are nearby in a class for adults facilitated by experts
In order to foster a strong partnership with parents, families are informed and involved in their child’s education. Their offerings include part-time classes for children 2.5 to 5 years of age. A first school experience is their Moving On Up program which provides a safe, supportive experience for the youngest learners while their caregivers are nearby in a class for adults facilitated by experts
Cleveland Montessori
12510 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
(216) 421-0700
www.clevelandmontessori.orgCommunion of Saints School
2160 Stillman Road, Cleveland Heights
2160 Stillman Road, Cleveland Heights
(216) 932-4177
Corpus Christi Academy Preschool
5655 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst
440-449-4242 ext. 102
www.corpuschristiacad.org
The Corpus Christi Academy prekindergarten program offers both full- and half-day options to meet the needs of your family. The half-day program is offered M–F from 8:15–11:15 a.m. and the full-day program is offered M–F from 8:15 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
Prekindergarten students will examine their world using a play-based approach that encourages critical thinking and builds confidence as the littlest Eagles learn to soar. Before-care and after-care options also available.
The Corpus Christi Academy prekindergarten program offers both full- and half-day options to meet the needs of your family. The half-day program is offered M–F from 8:15–11:15 a.m. and the full-day program is offered M–F from 8:15 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
Prekindergarten students will examine their world using a play-based approach that encourages critical thinking and builds confidence as the littlest Eagles learn to soar. Before-care and after-care options also available.
Creative Playrooms Montessori & Child Care Centers
Solon (440) 248-3100
Independence (216) 524-8008
Parma (216) 898-9520
Strongsville (440) 572-9365
Westlake (440) 835-5858
Maple Hts. (216) 475-6464
At Creative Playrooms Montessori & Child Care Centers, their mission is to offer the highest quality, learning environment for the successful development of the total child, in clean, modern, and safe facilities. This is achieved through programs balancing individual experience, small group participation, and large group activities with nurturing, caring caregivers.
They believe that children carry within them the full potential of the person they will someday become. They are continually at the forefront of innovation program development and continue to set industry standards. Their goal is always to ensure that the best interest of the total child remains the single most important consideration.
They offer programs for ages 6 weeks to 12 years old; infant/toddler, nursery school, prekindergarten, Montessori program, chartered private kindergarten, before- and after-school programs, and summer camp. Some activities offered are swimming lessons in their indoor pool, computer labs, music, gymnastics, Spanish classes, and science. Their experienced cooks serve breakfast, snacks and hot lunches.
Fairmount Early Childhood Center
24601 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood
(216) 464-2600
www.beachwoodschools.org/fairmount.aspx
24601 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood
(216) 464-2600
www.beachwoodschools.org/fairmount.aspx
Gilmour Academy
34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills
(440) 473-8165
Gross Schechter Day School
27601 Fairmount Boulevard, Pepper Pike
(216) 763-1400
Horizon Child Development Center
1050 E 200th Street, Euclid
(216) 481-3830
2285 Columbus Road, Cleveland
(216) 344-3000
JDN Early Childhood Center
22201 Fairmount Boulevard , Shaker Heights
(216) 320-8489
www.bellefairejcb.org
JDN Early Childhood Center offers quality, year-round Infant, Toddler, and Preschool programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. A Jewish program with a wonderfully diverse student body, they excel at fostering academic readiness, confidence and a love of learning, while attending to the social and emotional needs of young children. A custom designed, warm, stable, child-oriented atmosphere with dedicated, degreed teachers and small classes, creates a comfortable environment within which young children flourish.
Visits from their music specialist, naturalist, volunteers and children’s librarian enhance their already rich curriculum that aligns with Ohio’s Early Learning Content Standards. Their state-of-the-art playground is exceptional, complete with trike path, swings, and waterpark. They are state licensed and gold-medal rated by Step Up To Quality, Ohio’s quality rating system.
For more information or a personal tour, contact Suzanne Appel, LISW, director, at (216) 320-8489.
Laurel School
22201 Fairmount Boulevard , Shaker Heights
(216) 320-8489
www.bellefairejcb.org
JDN Early Childhood Center offers quality, year-round Infant, Toddler, and Preschool programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. A Jewish program with a wonderfully diverse student body, they excel at fostering academic readiness, confidence and a love of learning, while attending to the social and emotional needs of young children. A custom designed, warm, stable, child-oriented atmosphere with dedicated, degreed teachers and small classes, creates a comfortable environment within which young children flourish.
Visits from their music specialist, naturalist, volunteers and children’s librarian enhance their already rich curriculum that aligns with Ohio’s Early Learning Content Standards. Their state-of-the-art playground is exceptional, complete with trike path, swings, and waterpark. They are state licensed and gold-medal rated by Step Up To Quality, Ohio’s quality rating system.
For more information or a personal tour, contact Suzanne Appel, LISW, director, at (216) 320-8489.
Laurel School
Butler Campus
7420 Fairmount Road, Russell Township
Lyman Campus
One Lyman Circle, Shaker Heights
Laurel School, founded in 1896, is a nationally recognized college preparatory, independent day school for girls, kindergarten through grade 12, with a coeducational early childhood program. Named a top all-girls school in Ohio by Niche.com, its traditional Lyman Campus is in Shaker Heights and its 150-acre Butler Campus is in Novelty. The Butler Campus is home to competitive athletics and outdoor experiential learning, including grades 3–5, northeast Ohio’s first outdoor prekindergarten class, and home to the new Ruhlman Family Center opening in 2026!
Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls (LCRG) was established in 2007, drawing on the school’s long history as a site of pioneering research on girls. LCRG conducts and sponsors original research on girls, harnesses existing research to shape the day-to-day education of girls and connects Laurel parents and teachers with research findings relevant to raising and educating girls.
RSVP for the April 12 all-school open house at LaurelSchool.org/OpenHouse.
Mandel JCC Early Childhood Program
26001 S. Woodland Road, Beachwood
(216) 831-0700, ext. 1375
mandeljcc.org/preschool
Mandel JCC Early Childhood Program
26001 S. Woodland Road, Beachwood
(216) 831-0700, ext. 1375
mandeljcc.org/preschool
Montessori School of University Heights
23599 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst
(216) 381-8388
The Montessori School of University Heights is celebrating 50 years as a pre-primary school dedicated to helping the child become the unique person his/her Creator intended in a Christian atmosphere of peace, love, and respect. Their approach involves:- Providing comprehensive, individualized opportunities for growth. Each child is introduced to the materials as the child becomes ready for the concepts that the material embodies. Children develop order, concentration, coordination, independence, and self-discipline.
- Engaging children in a caring, supportive community. Their multi-age environment, serving children ages 3 through 6 years old, provides a family-like atmosphere. Children develop compassion and confidence.
- Respecting each child's developmental abilities and personality. Montessori children enjoy choosing their own work each day guided by adults who are sensitive to each child's unique personality. Children experience joy in learning.
They warmly encourage interested parents to schedule a personal tour.
Our Lady of the Lake School
175 East 200th Street, Euclid
(216) 481-6824
Ruffing Montessori School
Saint Paschal Baylon Preschool
5360 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights
(440) 442-6766
St. Rita School Little Falcon Learning Center
33200 Baldwin Road, Solon
(440) 248-1350
www.stritaschool.com
University School 33200 Baldwin Road, Solon
(440) 248-1350
www.stritaschool.com
us.edu/summer
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
20701 Brantley Road, Shaker Heights
(216) 321-8260
Grades 9 to 12
2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley
(216) 831-2200
At University School, junior kindergarten boys learn, play, and discover in a joyful classroom environment. They spend time outdoors on their 32-acre Shaker Heights Campus, which includes a new play park with climbing structures, a turf field, and an arboretum for hands-on exploration of nature.
The focus in junior kindergarten is helping each boy develop the academic, social, and emotional skills needed to enter kindergarten with self-confidence and independence. Boys engage in activities that propel the development of early cognitive language and math skills while infusing science, language, art, music, and physical education. Their teachers understand and support the needs of young boys, and small class sizes allow for close and trusted connections.
University School is a vibrant and welcoming community where each boy is known and loved. Schedule a personal visit or join them for an upcoming event. Learn more at www.us.edu/visit.
At University School, junior kindergarten boys learn, play, and discover in a joyful classroom environment. They spend time outdoors on their 32-acre Shaker Heights Campus, which includes a new play park with climbing structures, a turf field, and an arboretum for hands-on exploration of nature.
The focus in junior kindergarten is helping each boy develop the academic, social, and emotional skills needed to enter kindergarten with self-confidence and independence. Boys engage in activities that propel the development of early cognitive language and math skills while infusing science, language, art, music, and physical education. Their teachers understand and support the needs of young boys, and small class sizes allow for close and trusted connections.
University School is a vibrant and welcoming community where each boy is known and loved. Schedule a personal visit or join them for an upcoming event. Learn more at www.us.edu/visit.
YMCA of Greater Cleveland
LAKE COUNTY
All Saints School of St. John Vianney
28702 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe
(440) 943-1395
www.allsaintssjv.org
Located on the peaceful campus of the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, All Saints School offers a distinctive educational experience where faith, academics, and community come together. They are fortunate to have a special partnership with the seminarians who live on campus, enriching their students’ lives. These seminarians bring knowledge, passion, and a unique perspective to the classroom, offering insights into faith, service, and Catholic traditions. This partnership fosters unity and shared purpose, benefiting both the students and seminarians.
At All Saints, they recognize that each child is unique. Their commitment to personalized learning ensures every student thrives and reaches their full potential. Their rigorous curriculum meets state and diocesan standards, preparing students for academic success while nurturing their spiritual and moral development. They believe education shapes character, instilling a love of learning, compassion, and a deep connection to Catholic faith.
Schedule a tour today at (440) 943-1395.
(440) 943-1395
www.allsaintssjv.org
Located on the peaceful campus of the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, All Saints School offers a distinctive educational experience where faith, academics, and community come together. They are fortunate to have a special partnership with the seminarians who live on campus, enriching their students’ lives. These seminarians bring knowledge, passion, and a unique perspective to the classroom, offering insights into faith, service, and Catholic traditions. This partnership fosters unity and shared purpose, benefiting both the students and seminarians.
At All Saints, they recognize that each child is unique. Their commitment to personalized learning ensures every student thrives and reaches their full potential. Their rigorous curriculum meets state and diocesan standards, preparing students for academic success while nurturing their spiritual and moral development. They believe education shapes character, instilling a love of learning, compassion, and a deep connection to Catholic faith.
Schedule a tour today at (440) 943-1395.
Friends Early Learning Center
2846 SOM Center Road, Willoughby Hills
(440) 944-1026
www.friendselc.com
The Goddard School
7645 Fredle Drive, Concord Township
(440) 350-1333
www.GoddardSchool.com
Great Day Child Care Learning Center
Madison
2471 Hubbard Road
(440) 428-5993
Middlefield
14810 Madison Road (St. Rt. 528)
(440) 632-1832
Perry
4325 Manchester Road
(440) 259-8125
www.greatdaychildcare.com
10229 Prouty Road, Concord Township
(440) 357-0918
Hope Ridge Preschool
9870 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor
(440) 639-8817
9870 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor
(440) 639-8817
www.hoperidge.com/preschool
Hope Ridge Preschool, located in Hope Ridge United Methodist Church in Mentor, has been serving the preschool needs of Lake County for over 50 years! They strive to provide an educational setting where children "love to learn and learn with love," and aim to encourage children's innate curiosity as they explore the world around them. They have a variety of scheduling options for 3-, 4- and 5-year-old students. Programs range from two- to five-day options and include opportunities to participate in special events throughout the year.
For more information or questions email the preschool director, at [email protected] or call the preschool office at 440-639-8817.
Hope Ridge Preschool, located in Hope Ridge United Methodist Church in Mentor, has been serving the preschool needs of Lake County for over 50 years! They strive to provide an educational setting where children "love to learn and learn with love," and aim to encourage children's innate curiosity as they explore the world around them. They have a variety of scheduling options for 3-, 4- and 5-year-old students. Programs range from two- to five-day options and include opportunities to participate in special events throughout the year.
For more information or questions email the preschool director, at [email protected] or call the preschool office at 440-639-8817.
Horizon Child Development Center
8303 Tyler Boulevard, Mentor
(440) 205-8420
1050 E. 200th Street, Euclid
(216) 481-3830
Lake Geauga United Head Start
Painesville Center
350 Cedarbrook Drive, Painesville
(440) 392-5636
West Center
32114 Vine Street, Willowick
7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland
(440) 525-7500
www.lakelandcc.edu/TLC
Little Light Learning Center
34201 Eddy Road, Willoughby Hills
(440) 585-2625
www.littlelightlearningcenter.com
Little Light Learning Center is an affordable, part-time Christian-based preschool program that has been known for over 20 years as “Willoughby Hills best kept secret.” They offer small class sizes of 12–16 children with a lead teacher and teaching assistant in each classroom that are below state required ratios. Their structured programs help children to learn, play and grow while preparing them for kindergarten. The dedicated and degreed teachers use a flexible curriculum that allows them to incorporate the children’s interests and meet them developmentally where they are at. Their safe and welcoming environment supports children in building friendships that last beyond preschool. For more information on their program, please call (440) 585-2625.
34201 Eddy Road, Willoughby Hills
(440) 585-2625
www.littlelightlearningcenter.com
Little Light Learning Center is an affordable, part-time Christian-based preschool program that has been known for over 20 years as “Willoughby Hills best kept secret.” They offer small class sizes of 12–16 children with a lead teacher and teaching assistant in each classroom that are below state required ratios. Their structured programs help children to learn, play and grow while preparing them for kindergarten. The dedicated and degreed teachers use a flexible curriculum that allows them to incorporate the children’s interests and meet them developmentally where they are at. Their safe and welcoming environment supports children in building friendships that last beyond preschool. For more information on their program, please call (440) 585-2625.
Love’s Learning Loft
www.loveslearninglofts.com
Mentor
6720 Center Street
(440) 534-1025
Chesterland
7976 Mayfield Road Suite #200
(440) 688-5683 (LOVE)
29840 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe
(440) 585-0800
www.MaterDeiAcademy.us
Mater Dei Academy’s preschool program for ages 3, 4 and 5 strives to provide a creative noncompetitive environment for the young child. Interaction with other children and adults in an atmosphere of Christian love and concern, promotes the healthy development of each child as an individual. The philosophy is that learning experiences should encourage spiritual, intellectual, social and physical growth.
The Little Knights’ preschool program creates a setting where your child will develop a positive self-image and become aware of the fact that he/she is a child of God and will grow in His love while developing skills, increasing independence and experiencing accomplishments. Small class size allows for individual attention while still allowing your child the enjoyment of being a part of a group and experiencing the opportunities to learn how to share and cooperate. Children develop math and early reading skills and explore science through experiments.
For more information on The Little Knights’ preschool program, please call the school office at (440) 585-0800 or visit their website at www.materdeiacademy.us.
Mentor Christian Preschool
8600 Lake Shore Boulevard, MentorMater Dei Academy’s preschool program for ages 3, 4 and 5 strives to provide a creative noncompetitive environment for the young child. Interaction with other children and adults in an atmosphere of Christian love and concern, promotes the healthy development of each child as an individual. The philosophy is that learning experiences should encourage spiritual, intellectual, social and physical growth.
The Little Knights’ preschool program creates a setting where your child will develop a positive self-image and become aware of the fact that he/she is a child of God and will grow in His love while developing skills, increasing independence and experiencing accomplishments. Small class size allows for individual attention while still allowing your child the enjoyment of being a part of a group and experiencing the opportunities to learn how to share and cooperate. Children develop math and early reading skills and explore science through experiments.
For more information on The Little Knights’ preschool program, please call the school office at (440) 585-0800 or visit their website at www.materdeiacademy.us.
Mentor Christian Preschool
(440) 257-3172
www.mentorchristian.com
St. Gabriel Learning Loft Preschool & St. Gabriel School
9921 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord Township
(440) 354-7574
www.st-gabrielschool.org
Part-time preschool (3/4/5-year-olds) with My Buddy & Me classes for 2-year-olds; full-time junior kindergarten for children age 4 by September 30.
St. Gabriel Learning Loft Preschool and St. Gabriel School have been preparing graduates for life through faith, learning, and love for over 60 years. With state-of-the-art facilities and one-to-one technology, the preschool offers developmentally appropriate practices for young children that facilitates a deep love of learning to build a strong foundation. Through compassion, dedication, and expertise, their teachers ignite learning and see their vocation as a ministry. Their school is a second home where children learn about the world around them and most importantly their wonder, awe, and love for Jesus and His creation. The preschool has been voted #1 preschool in Lake County for four years in a row. For part-time openings for the Learning Loft Preschool call for a tour at (440) 354-7574 or visit St-GabrielSchool.org. Please note full-time program has a waiting list for 2025-26 school.
St. Mary of the Assumption Early Education Readiness Program
8540 Mentor Avenue, Mentor
(440) 255-9781
www.stmarysmentor.org
Part-time preschool (3/4/5-year-olds) with My Buddy & Me classes for 2-year-olds; full-time junior kindergarten for children age 4 by September 30.
St. Gabriel Learning Loft Preschool and St. Gabriel School have been preparing graduates for life through faith, learning, and love for over 60 years. With state-of-the-art facilities and one-to-one technology, the preschool offers developmentally appropriate practices for young children that facilitates a deep love of learning to build a strong foundation. Through compassion, dedication, and expertise, their teachers ignite learning and see their vocation as a ministry. Their school is a second home where children learn about the world around them and most importantly their wonder, awe, and love for Jesus and His creation. The preschool has been voted #1 preschool in Lake County for four years in a row. For part-time openings for the Learning Loft Preschool call for a tour at (440) 354-7574 or visit St-GabrielSchool.org. Please note full-time program has a waiting list for 2025-26 school.
St. Mary of the Assumption Early Education Readiness Program
8540 Mentor Avenue, Mentor
(440) 255-9781
www.stmarysmentor.org
Small Hands Big Dreams Learning Centers
8465 Market Street, Mentor
(440) 255-7775
9823 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland
(440) 367-2145
www.SmallHandsBigDreams.com
8465 Market Street, Mentor
(440) 255-7775
9823 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland
(440) 367-2145
www.SmallHandsBigDreams.com
GEAUGA COUNTY
Lake Geauga United Head Start
Geauga Center
12406 Madison Road, Huntsburg
(440) 636-5387
Geauga Center
12406 Madison Road, Huntsburg
(440) 636-5387
Saint Anselm School Early Childhood Education Program
13013 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland
(440) 729-7806
www.stanselmschool.org
13013 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland
(440) 729-7806
www.stanselmschool.org
St. Mary Chardon Little Scholars Academy
401 North St., Chardon
(440) 286-3590 x170
www.stmaryschoolchardon.org
For more than 25 years, the Little Scholars Academy at St. Mary School in Chardon has served as a catalyst in the early educational lives of hundreds of children. Their preschool and prekindergarten programs promote the spiritual, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of its young scholars through age-appropriate development experiences and play-based activities, while helping students transition from home to school.
Their 3-year-old preschool program offers a three-day, half-day option. While the prekindergarten program offers both three-day and five-day options in half-day and full-day.
If you are interested in learning more about their Little Scholars Academy or have questions about enrollment, please complete an admissions inquiry form online at stmaryschoolchardon.org or contact Mrs. Kimberly O’Keeffe via email at [email protected] or call (440) 286-3590 x170. Their teachers are ready and excited to welcome your child into their Little Scholars community!
401 North St., Chardon
(440) 286-3590 x170
www.stmaryschoolchardon.org
For more than 25 years, the Little Scholars Academy at St. Mary School in Chardon has served as a catalyst in the early educational lives of hundreds of children. Their preschool and prekindergarten programs promote the spiritual, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of its young scholars through age-appropriate development experiences and play-based activities, while helping students transition from home to school.
Their 3-year-old preschool program offers a three-day, half-day option. While the prekindergarten program offers both three-day and five-day options in half-day and full-day.
If you are interested in learning more about their Little Scholars Academy or have questions about enrollment, please complete an admissions inquiry form online at stmaryschoolchardon.org or contact Mrs. Kimberly O’Keeffe via email at [email protected] or call (440) 286-3590 x170. Their teachers are ready and excited to welcome your child into their Little Scholars community!