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Private School Guide

Finding the right private school for your family

Finding the right private school for your family

Selecting the perfect private school is well worth the time it takes to research, visit and finally make your selection. To find the one for you, you should consider these 10 things. Read More » 

 

Listing of Private Schools

An alphabetical listing of over 40 schools in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties!


All Saints of St. John Vianney School
28702 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe
(440) 943-1395
www.allsaintssjv.org

Andrews Osborne Academy
38588 Mentor Avenue, Willoughby
(440) 942-3600
www.andrewsosborne.org

Beaumont School
3301 North Park Boulevard, Cleveland Heights
(216) 321-2954
www.beaumontschool.org

Cleveland Montessori
12510 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
(216) 421-0700
www.clevelandmontessori.org

Cleveland Montessori is celebrating over 29 years of serving the children of Greater Cleveland.  The school is located in the historic Alta House.  Students in preschool through middle school thrive within this unique urban campus inclusive of Little Italy and University Circle.  

A Cleveland Montessori education looks at each child’s individual potential academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.  Their students become independent thinkers with compassionate hearts.  

The authentic Montessori curriculum incorporates a variety of opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom to the culturally rich neighborhood of Little Italy.  Their proximity to University Circle provides many extensions for cultural and scientific exploration, setting the stage for an experience rich in diversity, growth and joy.  Cleveland Montessori operates on a school year calendar, September to June.  

Call to arrange a personal tour.  Visit their website for more information.

Communion of Saints School

2160 Stillman Road, Cleveland Heights
(216) 932-4177
[email protected]
www.communionofsaintsschool.org

Corpus Christi Academy
5655 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst
(440) 449-4242
www.corpuschristiacad.org

Corpus Christi Academy is a family-friendly pre-K through 8th grade school serving Lyndhurst and the surrounding communities.  At CCA, your child will develop the foundational knowledge to deepen their curiosity in learning, while enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  

The school boasts a 1:1 technology program that supports student creativity and innovativeness in the classroom.  Intimate class sizes encourage individualized learning plans for each student to deepen their spiritual, social-emotional, and academic accomplishments guided by a caring and dedicated faculty. 

Full- and part-time pre-K options are available.  For more info call (440) 449-4244.

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
www.creativeplayrooms.com

Creative Playrooms Montessori and Child Care Centers have been a part of the Greater Cleveland community for over 50 years.  These unique learning centers provide families with Montessori and traditional programs, swimming lessons, cafeteria-like lunchrooms, 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 their schools, you’ll find dedicated and highly-trained staff who are deeply committed to providing children with the skills they need to reach their individual potential.

Additionally, Creative Playrooms is part of the Early Learning Academies (ELA) family, a network of trusted early childhood learning centers led by a team of seasoned and committed childcare professionals.

For more information about their six locations and program offerings, visit creativeplayrooms.com.

Gesu Catholic School
2450 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights
(216) 932-0620
www.gesu.com

Gilmour Academy
34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills
(440) 473-8050
[email protected]
www.gilmour.org

As an independent, Catholic school, Gilmour Academy stands alone in its ability to prepare students who thrive.  Its mission is rooted in educating the mind and empowering the heart, ensuring that every student develops to their fullest potential. 

From 18 months to 18 years, everything at Gilmour — from the curriculum to the academic extension programs to extracurriculars — is focused on cultivating their seven graduation outcomes, designed to develop students as leaders of their generation.  These outcomes call the students to be people of hope on a journey of:

  • Faith
  • Reflective, analytical thinkers
  • Innovative, resilient problem- solvers
  • Authentic, effective communicators 
  • Courageous, collaborative leaders
  • Empathetic, engaged global citizens
  • Curious, resourceful lifelong learners 

These are introduced in the Montessori preschool programs, and then expanded upon and developed throughout the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. 

Gilmour graduates emerge primed for the next step and confident in their ability to make the world a better place.

Call (440) 473-8050 or email them at [email protected] for info.

The Goddard School
7645 Fredle Drive, Concord Township
(440) 350-1333
www.goddardschool.com

Gross Schechter Day School
27601 Fairmount Boulevard, Pepper Pike
(216) 763-1400
www.grossschechter.org

Hathaway Brown School
19600 North Park Boulevard, Shaker Heights
(216) 932-4214
HB.edu

Hathaway Brown is an all girls K–12 day school in Shaker Heights. Since 1876, HB has educated and empowered girls with the “Learn for Life” signature preparatory approach.  The school’s distinguished academics are nationally recognized and are valued by families, top colleges and universities, and employers. 

The signature approach allows students to take ownership of their education with outstanding experiential learning opportunities such as the Storyline model in the primary school, the Academies in middle school, and the Fellowships for the Applied Studies in the upper school. 
HB’s model, facilitated by an impressive and engaged faculty, empowers girls to rise boldly to the challenges of the times, achieve their goals and reach their utmost potential. 

For more information, visit HB.edu or contact the admission office at (216) 320-8767.

Hawken School

Lyndhurst Campus (Preschool–Grade 8)
5000 Clubside Road
(440) 423-2950
Gates Mills Campus (Grades 9–12)
Mayfield and County Line Roads in Gates Mills
(440) 423-2955
The Birchwood School of Hawken (Preschool–Grade 8)
4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland
(216) 251-2321
The Mastery School of Hawken (Grades 9-12)
11025 Magnolia Drive Cleveland
(440) 423-8801

Hawken School is an independent, coed day school of over 1,600 students, toddler through grade 12, located on two campuses in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, a campus on Cleveland’s west side, and a campus in University Circle that is home to the Mastery School of Hawken, which takes the school’s problem-based programming to scale.

Hawken was founded in 1915 as an educationally progressive school, and remains academically progressive—because that’s what it takes to prepare students to thrive in a changing world.  From recognizing the value of a coeducational environment to designing programs, learning spaces, and innovative schedules that support learning by doing, Hawken boldly adapts to prepare students for a promising future. 

Hawken’s nationally-recognized programming and nontraditional schedules support partnerships with world-renowned institutions that provide real-world learning opportunities, including interdisciplinary honors-level courses and STEMM internships.  These experiences instill in students the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.

Hershey Montessori School
(440) 357-0918
www.Hershey-Montessori.org
Concord Campus
10229 Prouty Road
Huntsburg Campus
11530 Madison Road

Hershey Montessori School’s approach to education allows students to master the skills needed to adapt as the world changes, careers shift, and the demand on human ingenuity evolves.  The transformative outcomes demonstrated by Hershey students exemplify why
Hershey is revered as a world leader in Montessori education.

In conjunction with Hershey’s robust academics, students learn about leadership, practical life, business, culture, and important societal issues, including embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Their Montessori model inspires students to learn — not memorize, to thrive academically, and to expand their interests.  Hershey students are resilient, articulate, open to change, and ready to be challenged.

For 45 years, Hershey’s education model has supported the scientific process of child development and serves students from two months of age through twelfth grade. 

Contact Hershey Montessori School to learn more about how this education model can benefit your child.

Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School
26500 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood
(216) 464-4055
mandeljds.org

Julie Billiart School

4982 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst
(216) 381-1191
www.juliebilliartschool.org

Lake Catholic 
High School 
6733 Reynolds Road, Mentor 
(440) 578-1020 
www.lakecatholic.org

Life at Lake Catholic High School is more than classwork and exams. It’s building you into the person you want to be spiritually, academically, physically, emotionally, and socially. 

It’s meeting friends who you will talk to long after you graduate.  It’s participating in classes that are not only good for your future, but also good for your soul: religious classes where discussions ground you, academic classes that challenge you, PLUS all those little extras that spark your interests: athletics, drama, robotics, music, art and more.  And it takes you out of the classroom too. Football on Friday nights. A world-class play on Saturday.  A service project on Sunday with fellow Cougars by your side. 

To be a Cougar means being a part of it all and building memories that last a lifetime.  This is their green & gray family.  Come discover all the ways you can create your extraordinary future.
 
Laurel School
www.LaurelSchool.org
(216) 464-0946
Lyman Campus
One Lyman Circle, Shaker Heights
Butler Campus
7420 Fairmount Road, Russell Township

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 school.  Laurel is the #1 Best All-Girls School in Ohio as ranked by Niche.com.  Its 11-acre Lyman Campus is in Shaker Heights and its 150-acre Butler Campus is in Russell Township.  The Butler Campus is home to competitive athletics, full-time outdoor experiential learning for grades 3–5, northeast Ohio’s first outdoor prekindergarten, and the Environmental Justice Semester for 10th and 11th grade girls. 

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 parents and teachers with research findings relevant to raising and educating girls.  

Lawrence School
www.lawrenceschool.org
Lower School Campus (Grades K-6)
1551 E. Wallings Road, Broadview Heights 
(440) 526-0003
Upper School Campus (Grades 7-12)
10036 Olde Eight Road, Sagamore Hills
(330) 908-6800

Lawrence School is a vibrant coed, independent K–12 school in northeast Ohio designed specifically for students who struggle with reading, writing, or math.  This can include learning differences, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and challenges with executive function. Lawrence School serves over 350 students from over 90 communities while maintaining a 9:1 classroom ratio.  For over 50 years, Lawrence has been the school of choice for students who learn differently to achieve personal and academic success.

Lillian and Betty Ratner School
27575 Shaker Boulevard, Pepper Pike
(216) 464-0033
www.theratnerschool.org

Mater Dei Academy
29840 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe
(440) 585-0800
www.materdeiacademy.us

Mater Dei Academy, an ODE STEM designated school, is committed to providing an excellent education in a safe, loving, faith-filled environment.  Students aged 3 years through grade eight are given the opportunity to discover and achieve while building on their Catholic moral values.

The well-rounded, innovative and challenging curriculum provides students the opportunity to discover their own unique talents while in a nurturing environment.  With the help of dedicated educators, students are prepared spiritually, intellectually, and socially to achieve in the classroom and become active in the community.  Their junior high students are offered the opportunity for honors classes, which can earn high school credit.  They also include supplemental classes such as robotics, psychology, TedTalks and health.  Mater Dei students are accountable for their actions while caring for others and demonstrating responsibility for the world around them.

In addition, after-school activities help students further broaden their horizons.  Mater Dei is proud to offer CYO sports and a variety of other activities.

Campus tours can be scheduled by calling the school office at (440) 585-0800.

Mentor Christian School
8600 Lakeshore Boulevard, Mentor
(440) 257-3172
www.mentorchristian.com

Montessori School of University Heights
23599 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst
(216) 381-8388
www.ms-uh.org

The Montessori School of University Heights, established in 1968, is a preprimary 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 an in-person or virtual tour.

Notre Dame Elementary and Middle School
13000 Auburn Road, Chardon
(440) 279-1127
(440) 279-1129 (Admissions)
www.ndes.org 

On the 450-acre campus of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Elementary and Middle School, as well as, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, educate over 1100 students in preschool–12th grade. 

Launched in the fall of 2022, Notre Dame Middle School features dedicated space for their sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students.  The middle school curriculum rigorously prepares their students to be successful in high school and offers honors classes in all three grades in ELA and math.  Enriched learning opportunities are offered in academic core classes, as well as the special classes, to offer a rich and wide variety of learning experiences.

Thanks to a gift of 25,000 square feet of space from the Sisters of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Middle School is expanding its footprint into the third floor of the existing building. The new wing will include six large classrooms including a state-of-the- art science lab, STEM lab, and collaborative and creative spaces for grades six through eight.

Please contact Barbara Williams in admissions at (440) 279-1129 to schedule a tour or shadow day. 

Our Lady of the Lake School  
175 East 200th Street, Euclid
(216) 481-6824
www.ourladyofthelakeschooleuclid.org

Our Lady of the Lake School, grounded in Catholic faith and values, provides a program of academic excellence in an environment that engages students, families, faculty and community.  Small classrooms, individual attention and strong curriculum together provide exceptional learning opportunities, and advanced programs and educational partnerships challenge their students to excel. 

Learning goes beyond the classroom.  Students enlarge their world with service learning and field trips.  Outreach programs bring a wealth of resources into the school, and students also engage in hands-on learning through technology, with interactive boards in every classroom, a cutting-edge makerspace, and iPads and Chromebooks for each student for curriculum use.   Even their youngest students take part, with preschoolers making full use of the gymnasium, art rooms, makerspace and library. 

Students are also encouraged to develop their talents through art and a variety of clubs and extracurriculars.  A fully-equipped gym hosts an array of sports and athletics.  An active parent-teacher organization keeps the school community engaged and welcoming. 

Call today for a tour or to get more information.

Our Shepherd Lutheran School

508 Mentor Avenue, Painesville

(Across from Lake Erie College)

(440) 357-7776
www.oslpainesville.org

Joyfully serving the communities of Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula for four decades, Our Shepherd Lutheran School’s highly-educated and caring staff engages students with new and innovative programs, ideas, instruction, and hands-on learning while remaining dedicated to the faith formation of students in a loving, Christ-centered environment.

They are a private K-8 Christian school located across the street from Lake Erie College and housed in the Zion Lutheran Church campus.  A low teacher-student ratio means greater focus on individual student’s needs.

They are nationally accredited by the NLSA and recognized by the Ohio Department of Education.  They feature full-day, five-day kindergarten; weekly STEAM programs; computer technology with robotics, iPads, Chromebooks, and a dedicated computer lab; new, Interactive TVs in the classrooms; library/media center; and middle school enrichment programs.

Contact them today at admissions @oslpainesville.org or 440-357-7776.

Ruffing Montessori School

3380 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland Heights
(216) 321-7175 
http://ruffingmontessori.net

Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights is more than just a school for children ages 18 months through 8th grade.  It is a beloved community where bright and curious children are guided by experienced Montessori-trained faculty and immersed in a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to become independent thinkers and creative problem-solvers.  

Walking through Ruffing’s classrooms, you will see students working with purpose and joy, and excelling academically with confidence and compassion.  A Ruffing education offers children a global perspective with an understanding of the profound impact they can have on the world, preparing them for high school, college, and life beyond. 

Learn why Ruffing is the compelling school of choice by calling their admissions office or scheduling a tour at ruffingmontessori.net.

Saint Anselm School
13013 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland
(440) 729-7806
www.stanselmschool.org

Saint Dominic School

3455 Norwood Road, Shaker Heights
(216) 561-4400
www.stdominicschool.net

Saint Edward High School 

13500 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood 
(216) 221-3776
www.sehs.net

Saint Francis of Assisi School
6850 Mayfield Road, Gates Mills
(440) 442-7450
www.sfaschoolgm.org

Saint Francis of Assisi School, a 3-year-old preschool to eighth-grade school, is centered on their helping students grow in faith and academics.  Students learn about God’s world and all they can do to make it an even better place.  As a result, their students help drive programs such as the broadcast studio, the aquaponics garden, the sustainability club, and service projects.  

Differentiation is more than a word at St. Francis. They strive every day to reach every child through classroom interventions, enrichment, and advanced courses.  This year, the seventh grade students are participating in an entrepreneurial program where they submit a business plan, design, and sell products in a school pop-up shop.   

St. Francis of Assisi School’s classroom teachers are fully certified, but even more, they are chosen for their vision of guiding academic, social, and spiritual growth.  To set up a private tour, call Cindy at (440) 442-7450.

Saint Gabriel Learning Loft Preschool & St. Gabriel School
9935 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord Township
(440) 352-6169
www.St-GabrielSchool.org

St. Gabriel School and Learning Loft Preschool have been molding students in Lake County through faith, learning, and love for 60 years.  Both are award-earning schools staffed with teachers who make a difference in their students’ lives.  Their compassion, dedication, and expertise, challenge students to think independently and ignite their love of learning. 

St. Gabriel School is celebrating 60 years of being a leader in Catholic education in Lake County.  A proud participant in Cleveland Diocese’s “Better Together” initiative, they strive to serve all students and meet each child’s individual needs.  The St. Gabriel Learning Loft Preschool has been voted best of Mentor six years running.  They foster a warm and nurturing environment for students just starting their educational journey.

Discover these award-earning schools and how St. Gabriel Learning Loft and St. Gabriel School will enrich your child’s future.  For My Buddy & Me (2yo) and part time 3-5 yo preschool call (440) 354-7574.  For full-day preschool (4/5 yo) and grades K–8 call (440) 354-7858 or visit St-GabrielSchool.org

Saint Helen School
12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury
(440) 564-7125
www.st-helen-school.com

Saint Ignatius High School

1911 West 30th Street, Cleveland
(216) 651-0222
www.ignatius.edu

Saint Ignatius High School, with its Catholic tradition rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, prepares young men for their adult lives by challenging them to academic excellence and the desire for lifelong learning; nurturing them to be open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving and committed to work for peace and justice; and inspiring them to know, love and serve Jesus Christ.

Located close to downtown Cleveland in Ohio City, the school has 19 buildings and three athletic fields. The school has 112 faculty members, 90 percent of whom hold advanced degrees. Saint Ignatius is a regional leader in National Merit finalists and advanced placement scholars. Nearly 100 percent of students go on to four-year colleges.  Thanks to generous alumni and benefactors, nearly 70 percent of students receive some form of tuition assistance. Through the Christian Action Team, students perform approximately 15,000 hours of nonrequired service annually. 

Saint Joan of Arc School
498 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls
(440) 247-6530
www.stjoanofarc.org

Saint Mary of the Assumption School & Wee Learn Preschool Program
8540 Mentor Avenue, Mentor
(440) 255-9781
www.stmarysmentor.org/our-school  

Saint Mary School Chardon

401 North Street, Chardon
(440) 286-3590
www.stmaryschoolchardon.org

St. Mary School students learn and thrive beyond a traditional Catholic school education. Inspired by a vision of academic excellence rooted in a foundation of faith, and as the first and only Ohio Designated STEM School in Geauga County, their students from Preschool through Junior High are exceedingly prepared both academically and spiritually for their futures.  They strive to develop each student’s unique potential through an environment of Faith, in cooperation with the Family, and with a vision for the Future.

Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School
5360 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights
(440) 442-6766
www.saintpaschal.net

Recipient of the Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research for eleven years, Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School educates students in pre-K through grade 8.  Its mission is to focus on Christ-centered values and to develop the unique potential of each student through a rigorous and engaging curriculum. 

Offering a program that prepares students for their secondary education and beyond, the faculty and staff recognize each student as an individual with unique gifts.  They truly care about their students and are dedicated to helping each child succeed and attain his or her academic and spiritual potential. 

The academic program is aligned with diocesan, state, and national standards.  In addition, Saint Paschal Baylon offers daily religion instruction, Spanish (pre-K through 8), fine arts, service learning opportunities, cocurricular activities, gifted education classes, as well as psychological, speech/language, intervention, and learning disability services.  

Call to schedule a tour.

Saints Robert & William Catholic School
351 East 260th Street, Euclid
(216) 731-3060
www.srwschool.cc

University School

www.us.edu
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

Young boys have boundless energy and a natural tendency to explore. At University School, boys thrive in an environment with the freedom to explore, create, move, and play. Their teachers understand boys and this important stage of development, and a low student-to-teacher ratio allows for trusted connections.  

The 32-acre campus in Shaker Heights, for boys Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8, includes wonderful outdoor learning and play areas, including a newly renovated arboretum and amphitheater, plus an exciting new play park with climbing structures and a turf field. Indoors, their facilities include a pool, a performing arts theater, cozy libraries, and a modern makerspace.   

University School is a welcoming and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved. A visit to their campus is the best way to get to know US. Schedule a family tour or join them for a fall admission event. Learn more at www.us.edu/visit.

Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School
18491 Lakeshore Boulevard, Cleveland
(216) 481-8414

When you become a student at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, you become a member of a family where everyone knows you.  It is a place where you can grow in your faith, be challenged academically, follow your passions, and create high school memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

As the only school in the world that is cosponsored by the Ursuline Sisters and Marianist Brothers, a VASJ education is uniquely different. Their students proudly embrace the diversity, and it shows in their school pride and the family spirit that makes our Viking Village something truly special.

Learn more about VASJ by attending their upcoming open house on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.