草榴社区

Cleveland Montessori

12510 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106
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Cleveland Montessori Photo #1
Cleveland Montessori Photo #2 - Frequent visits to the University Circle cultural instiutions serve as extensions of the classroom experience.
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Cleveland Montessori provides excellence in education to the children of Greater Cleveland by discovering and awakening children's innate talents and abilities, and cultivating a lifetime love of learning and spirit of social responsibility.
Cleveland Montessori is deeply committed to authentic Montessori principles and practices for optimizing child education and creative potential.
Enriched by the values of love, respect, justice and joy, and fostered by a diverse and wonderfully nurturing Montessori community, the school serves all children, regardless of race or creed, and is distinctly committed to enhancing the vitality of the Little Italy and University Circle communities.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked OH School
  • School Type: Montessori School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 112 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $12,900
  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Cleveland Montessori ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia/Reading Delays
Year Founded
1995
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
112 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
38%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Cleveland Montessori Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
20 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Casual - no characters or commercial messages

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition listed is for preschool and kindergarten. Please visit website for elementary tuition.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer program open to currently enrolled students.
% on Financial Aid
60%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$1,200
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Kelly Tooman
Application URL

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess ClubCooking Club
Yoga


Arts and Music Programs:
Art ClubDrama Club


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Jiu Jitsu

School Notes

  • School Motto: Independent Thinkers with Compassionate Hearts
  • Cleveland Montessori operates as a private, independent school while offering the option of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (a Catholic based religious formation) to all of the families enrolled. All students enrolled at the school are exposed to the christian faith through classroom participation and observation of these lessons, whether directly participating or not.
  • The school is located in the neighborhood of Little Italy with easy access to the institutions of University Circle. Students enjoy the many resources of this vibrant area of Cleveland as they go out into the community for extensions to their classroom work.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cleveland Montessori cost?
Cleveland Montessori's tuition is approximately $12,900 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Cleveland Montessori?
The acceptance rate of Cleveland Montessori is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Cleveland Montessori's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Ohio with low acceptance rates.
What is Cleveland Montessori's ranking?
Cleveland Montessori ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for Cleveland Montessori?
The application deadline for Cleveland Montessori is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Cleveland Montessori located?
Cleveland Montessori is located in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland, OH.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (8 reviews)
5  
What an amazing learning environment! Our daughter has been a student at Cleveland Montessori for the past four years. She started in the primary program, completed that three-year learning cycle, and is now in the elementary program as a 1st grader. Cleveland Montessori stays true to the Montessori method outlined by Dr. Montessori, and in these turbulent times, especially in the public education and curriculum space, it is comforting to know that my daughter is learning from the time-tested materials. The other thing that is important to me about raising children in our culture is that the school is screen-free. The children have a warm, analog space to love to learn for a lifetime. Lastly, it has to be noted that the school is housed in a century-old building with character, nestled in historic Little Italy blocks away from University Circle, and they walk (in all weather) to a fabulous playground in the neighborhood! All in all, a very, very good choice for building an amazing foundation for life.
- Posted by
5  
Cleveland Montessori has been a great fit for our family. With so much of our world relying on technology, it was important to me to find a school where my children could grow their love of learning and establish their sense of identity using concrete materials. Cleveland Montessori is providing a space where my children are learning to discern their own opinions, interests, and take pride in accomplishments, with the support of caring teachers and administrators.
- Posted by
5  
We've been in the Cleveland Montessori community for three and a half years, and my children are thriving. The teachers have been great at supporting their sense of curiosity. "Mama, I wonder what it would take to have a quokka as a class pet. - I think we can do a fundraiser!" [We have not done the fundraiser, but the design-thinker in me loves that it's on the table.] I've also appreciated some of the challenge points and how staff has navigated them: encouraging both self-reflection and peer dialogue鈥攚ith adult support鈥攆or the sake of fostering engaged, empowered, and relational humans. From taking care of their immediate environment to engaging with the parks and shops in Little Italy, I can see how CMS is making my children kind and good citizens of the world, who see learning as an integrated piece of their personhood. It's been absolutely wonderful.
- Posted by
5  
My children are thriving at Cleveland Montessori. The staff and guides are extremely involved in the learning and growing process of each individual student. Students are treated with respect and taught lifelong skills in courtesy, grace, and independence. My children are given the space, tools, and encouragement to explore interests of their choice, such as baking and music. I see their confidence and knowledge grow daily, but at their own pace. They are able to move about the classroom and engage in their learning hands-on. The authentic Montessori approach can't be beat.
- Posted by
5  
Cleveland Montessori is a wonderful school, and my children are very happy here. The teachers are caring, friendly, and truly dedicated to each child's growth. The school provides a warm, supportive, and positive learning environment. Parents are highly involved, and there is a strong sense of community. School activities are well-organized and inclusive for families. The staff is always approachable and ready to help when needed. The administration, especially Ms. Tina, is extremely supportive and responsive. Overall, Cleveland Montessori is an excellent school that truly feels like a family.
- Posted by
5  
I have been extremely impressed with Cleveland Montessori these past 2yrs. They maintain rigorous academic standards while nurturing your child`s unique interests and personality and promoting a love of learning. They provide one-on-one help as needed with academics, while not making the child feel singled out or behind, they instead adapt to your child`s learning style, pace, and needs. They provide a warm and inclusive environment for children to grow into their best selves - my child has come out of his shell remarkably in the last year. The parent and student body is diverse and promotes inclusivity, acceptance, and community engagement.
- Posted by
5  
We have had an excellent experience at Cleveland Montessori so far! My children all started in the primary classrooms. The teachers/staff are very welcoming to children and families. My kids have thrived in the Montessori environment. The teachers are all so caring and nurturing and my children absolutely adore them. Personally, I love the neighborhood the school is in (the kids get to walk to the nearby playground daily). Pre-Covid, we loved the different activities planned outside of normal school hours like the Valentine's Dance and Halloween activities - which are great times to connect with other parents!
- Posted by
5  
Cleveland Montessori is unique in all the Cleveland area. They practice Montessori practices very closely. Children use materials throughout primary to upper elementary. They teach children as they are ready, not on grade level. The school is small, but caring and warm. They offer a close knit community where the staff always go above and beyond their duties. My daughter and her friend were supported as they initiated a project to raise money and then distribute sanitary items to homeless women. On the adolescent level, she received one-to-one support with writing. They also taught the children how to debate important, timely topics in the US culture and beyond.
- Posted by

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked OH School
  • School Type: Montessori School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 112 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $12,900
  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Cleveland, OH is $8,165 for elementary schools and $12,193 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Cleveland, OH is 83% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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