Private School Guide
10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Private School
Choosing a private school is about more than academics. These 10 questions can help families compare values, support, costs, culture and the everyday experience their child may have. Read More »
The history of private schools
The history of private schools is a testament to their enduring importance in society. Read More »
Listing of Private Schools
All Saints of St. John Vianney School
28702 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe
(440) 943-1395
www.allsaintssjv.org
All Saints Catholic School in Wickliffe is a vibrant elementary and middle school located on the campus of the Center for Pastoral Leadership, the educational center of the Diocese of Cleveland. All Saints School carries forward a rich history of academic excellence, developing independent leaders and thinkers who are academically prepared and effective communicators.
All Saints School offers a faith-based, enriched learning environment for students age 2 through eighth grade.
In addition to the core curriculum, students receive classes in STEM/ STREAM, music, art, media (computer/library), physical education and upper grades have Spanish courses with a focus on global faith and culture. All Saints offers after-school activities to include robotics and extracurricular CYO sports through St. John Vianney in Mentor. The school’s highly experienced teachers and staff are dedicated to helping students achieve their fullest potential and meeting the diverse educational needs of students and their families.
All Saints School is committed to preparing 21st-century leaders and learners, as well as good stewards of the Catholic faith, empowering students to thrive in high school, college, and beyond.
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
2900 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Cleveland
(216) 421-2080
www.cbhs.edu
For 100 years, Benedictine High School has been preparing young men for lives of faith, purpose, leadership, and excellence.
Benedictine is more than a school. It’s an authentically Catholic brotherhood committed to forming the whole man — mind, body, and spirit.
Through challenging academics, faith formation, athletics, service, and countless opportunities to lead, Benedictine prepares young men not simply for graduation or their next step, but for life. Their Pathways program provides every student with personalized learning plans, leadership development, and unique pathways in fine arts, entrepreneurship, STEM, & vocations (construction/manufacturing, technology, and soon healthcare).
Cleveland Montessori
12510 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
Communion of Saints School
2160 Stillman Road, Cleveland Heights
(216) 932-4177
admissions@communionofsaintsparish.org
www.communionofsaintsschool.org
5655 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst
(440) 449-4244
www.corpuschristiacad.org
Corpus Christi Academy is a welcoming, family-friendly Catholic school serving students in pre-K through 8th grade in Lyndhurst and surrounding communities. At CCA, children are encouraged to grow in faith, discover their unique gifts, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Their small class sizes allow caring, dedicated teachers to know each child and provide individualized support for their academic, social-emotional, and spiritual growth. Their 1:1 technology program inspires creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
They offer full- and part-time pre-K options to meet the needs of today’s families.
CCA is now affiliated with Notre Dame ACE Academies, providing additional support in academics, Catholic identity, leadership, enrollment, and access to scholarship opportunities.
Independence (216) 524-8008
Parma (216) 898-9520
Strongsville (440) 572-9365
Westlake (440) 835-5858
2450 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights
(216) 932-0620
www.gesu.com
Gilmour Academy
34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills
The Goddard School
7645 Fredle Drive, Concord Township
(440) 350-1333
www.goddardschool.com
For nearly 30 years, The Goddard School has been a trusted name among parents and families. Their classrooms are safe, nurturing environments for children 6 weeks to 6 years, offering age-appropriate opportunities to explore and discover.
Their unique kindergarten program utilizes more than just a typical four-walled classroom. They believe that engaging students in the world around them, through their play-based Emergent Curriculum, enhances their curiosity and love for learning.
Gross Schechter Day School
27601 Fairmount Boulevard, Pepper Pike
(216) 763-1400
www.grossschechter.org
www.hawken.edu
Lyndhurst Campus
Early Childhood, Lower, and
Middle Schools (Toddler–Grade 8)
5000 Clubside Road
(440) 423-2950
Gates Mills Campus
Upper School (Grades 9–12)
Mayfield and County Line Roads
in Gates Mills
(440) 423-2955
Cleveland-West Campus
Birchwood School of Hawken
(Preschool–Grade 8)
4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland
(216) 251-2321
University Circle Campus
Mastery School of Hawken (Grades 9–12)
11025 Magnolia Drive, Cleveland
(440) 423-8801
Hawken School is an independent, coed day school of 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.
Hawken was founded in 1915 as an educationally progressive school, and they remain 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.
Hershey Montessori School
(440) 357-0918
www.Hershey-Montessori.org
Concord Campus
10229 Prouty Road
Huntsburg Campus
Hershey Montessori School is where children truly become their best selves.
It’s an educational model that does more than prepare students for the next grade level. It helps them discover who they are, what they value, and how they can make a meaningful impact in the world.
Hershey Montessori students experience an authentic Montessori approach to education from infancy through twelfth grade.
At their Concord Campus, young learners thrive in carefully prepared classrooms and natural outdoor environments where curiosity and creativity flourish.
At their Huntsburg Campus, adolescents engage in purposeful, project-based learning on a 97-acre campus. Students apply their knowledge through hands-on, real-world experiences. They seamlessly grow as responsible leaders and in self-discovery.
Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School
26500 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood
(216) 464-4055
mandeljds.org
www.juliebilliartschool.org
216-716-8318
Lyndhurst: 4982 Clubside Road
Akron: 380 Mineola Avenue
Brecksville: 8611 Wiese Road
Westlake: 3600 Crocker Road
Lake Catholic High School
6733 Reynolds Road, Mentor
Butler Campus
7420 Fairmount Road, Russell Township
www.lawrenceschool.org
Lower School Campus (Grades K-6)
1551 E. Wallings Road, Broadview Heights
(440) 526-0003
Upper School Campus (Grades 7-12)
Lawrence School is among the best schools in the United States for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Lawrence was BUILT for students that learn differently—and does what other schools simply cannot. Lawrence provides a comprehensive elementary school program for grades 2–6, and an upper school program serving students in grades 7–12, which features specialized and personalized attention, organizational strategies, mutual accountability, encouraged self-advocacy, and an engaged faculty of learners.
Every child learns differently, and the right school environment can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s school understands how they learn best, you’re not alone. Students are at their best when learning differences are understood and accepted, appropriate accommodations are made available, and, most importantly, when their strengths as learners are defined, affirmed, and cultivated.
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 in a nurturing environment. With the help of dedicated educators, students are prepared spiritually, intellectually, and socially to achieve in the classroom and in the community. The middle school students are offered the opportunity for advanced classes, which can earn high school credit. Their curriculum also includes supplemental classes such as arts, Spanish, communications and health. Mater Dei students learn leadership skills while caring for others and demonstrating responsibility for the world around them.
Mater Dei Academy also offers after-school activities to help students further develop their interests. Mater Dei is proud to partner with Our Lady of Mount Carmel for CYO sports and a variety of other activities.
Mentor Christian School
8600 Lakeshore Boulevard, Mentor
www.mentorchristian.com
Montessori School of University Heights
23599 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst
(216) 200-5295
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.
13000 Auburn Road, Chardon
(440) 279-1127
(440) 279-1129 (Admissions)
www.ndes.org
Our Lady of the Lake School
175 East 200th Street, Euclid
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
Since 1980, Our Shepherd Lutheran School has served children in Lake County with a Christ-centered, quality education. You’ll find Our Shepherd to be a safe, welcoming place where the love of Jesus and the love of learning are shared every day. Their staff is dedicated to developing each child spiritually, cognitively, socially, and physically from kindergarten through eighth grade. As they say, “Our Shepherd is a Great Place to Grow!”
They know that there are many schools to choose from, and they are grateful that you’re considering theirs. Stop by for a visit! Let them show you what makes them special. Their families appreciate that their children have opportunities to live out their faith in big and small ways, inside the classroom and in the community.
They accept the EdChoice Scholarship and the LSGO (Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization) scholarship. Together, these scholarships make enrollment at their school very affordable.
If raising your child to know and love Jesus Christ is a priority for your family, partner with them. Together you will shine the light of Jesus into the world!
Ruffing Montessori School
3380 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland Heights
(216) 321-7175
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 Gabriel Learning Loft Preschool & St. Gabriel School
9935 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord Township
www.St-GabrielSchool.org
Preschool have been shaping young minds in Lake County through faith, learning, and love for decades. Both are award-earning schools, led by teachers who truly make a difference in their students’ lives. Their compassion, dedication, and expertise inspire independent thinking and ignite a lifelong love of learning.
St. Gabriel School recently celebrated 60 years as a leader in Catholic education in Lake County, while Learning Loft Preschool proudly marked its 25th anniversary. United in their mission to educate the whole child, both schools are committed to serving all students and meeting each child where they are. Learning Loft Preschool provides a warm, nurturing environment for children beginning their educational journey.
Saint Helen School
12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury
(440) 564-7125
Saint Ignatius High School
1911 West 30th Street, Cleveland
(216) 651-0222
8540 Mentor Avenue, Mentor
Saint Mary School Chardon
401 North Street, Chardon
(440) 286-3590
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.
5360 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights
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. Their 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.
Saint Rita School
33200 Baldwin Road, Solon
(440) 248-1350
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
Young boys have boundless curiosity and energy. At University School, boys thrive in an environment with the freedom to explore, move, create, and play. Their teachers understand the needs of young boys and small class sizes allow students and teachers to build close and trusted connections.
The 32-acre campus in Shaker Heights, for boys junior kindergarten through grade 8, includes an arboretum with outdoor class spaces, and a play park with climbing structures, a turf field and new tennis courts. Indoors, facilities include a pool, two libraries, a woodshop, and two makerspaces. Their expanded middle school opened in fall 2025 and includes a newly constructed three-story wing with common areas designed for collaboration and state-of-the-art classrooms supporting learning from art to science.
University School is a vibrant and welcoming community. Schedule a visit to discover how your son can thrive at US. 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’s 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’s cosponsored by the Ursuline Sisters and Marianist Brothers, a VASJ education is uniquely different. Their students proudly embrace diversity, and it shows in their school pride and the family spirit that makes the Viking Village something truly special.
Learn more about VASJ by attending their upcoming open houses on October 25, 2026, noon–2 p.m. or March 23, 2027, 6–7:30 p.m.