Looking for a Preschool - Cleveland,OH

Ruffing Montessori in Cleveland Heights (on Fairmount Blvd) was a wonderful experience for my daughter. She went there for one year of preschool and her kindergarten year. I would have kept her there until 8th grade (along with my other two!) if I could have afforded it. She went there due to me being in school at CWRU at the time, and it being a great option for care for her that kept her close to me. My other two attended "regular" preschools, and the differences were amazing and I can see the effects to this day (she is now 8). Of all my kids, she is the most self-sufficient. Montessori groups different ages of children together, so the younger ones receive help from the older ones and the older children learn to give help. Children learn that there are specific steps to completing a task, they learn to be conscious of taking care of their environment (which is very beautiful), of each other, and themselves. Academics are introduced in such visually appealing ways, and the learning style of the individual child is always respected and honored. I can't say enough about Ruffing, and my child's teacher ("Miss Erin") in particular.

E.

If you're sure about Montessori, you could take a look at Ruffing or Holy Rosary. I've heard good things aobut both. I don't know if they have January admissions, though.

If you wanted to wait until he's 3 and were willing to look at non-Montessori, both of my children attended the preschool at the Cleveland Music School Settlement. It has a fabulous, arts-based curriculum and an incredibly professional staff. I can't say enough good about the expereinces our family had while there.

--H.

C.,
I checked out Fairmount Church co-op and St. Paul's co-op both in Cleveland Hts and both great. My son will probably be attending Fairmount Church co-op. Neither is affiliated with the church, as I am Jewish and wasn't interested in religious pre-school. I am not sure if any pre-school will take your son at 2.5 though. Most start at 3.

L.

Hi C.,

We have thoroughly enjoyed Carol Nursery School in Shaker Heights. My daughter will be 3 next February and we are enrolled in the "Winter Moving on Up" program.

It is not a lot of days and it is not for very long either - but it is a good entry to school. They are highly rated and accredited. Very competitive to get it, but there might be space in this program because they opened up a 2nd class this year.

Address is Sussex Dr. Phone is ###-###-####.

Good luck!