It’s School Choice Season

It’s a snow globe world outside, but you’re thinking ahead to next school year. Whatever your mix of excitement and nerves, with children about to enter PreK, Kindergarten, a new grade in elementary school, moving on to high school, or some combination of these, you got this!

Explore your options here, and take advantage of the CMSD’s common enrollment, with staff ready to help you find what you’re looking for and make your choice official.

PreK High quality, full-day preschool is offered in every Cleveland neighborhood. The teachers are highly qualified, with bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education, and each classroom maintains the highest standards of a Gold Star Rating from the State of Ohio. Inquire at the school, or contact Early Childhood staff at 216-838-0110.

Kindergarten registration begins in April. Children must turn 5 on or before September 30th. Inquire at the school, or contact Kindergarten Enrollment staff at 216-838-3675.

Grades 1-12 Caregivers can register students at the school, or at the Office of School Choice & Enrollment on the first floor of 1111 Superior Ave. CMSD is an open enrollment district and welcomes students from around Northeast Ohio into our schools where space is available.

Visit ChooseCMSD.org or call 216-838-3675

Exceptional Students Extra supports are available for students who are gifted, have chronic health conditions, and/or existing or suspected disabilities. Contact the Special Education Office, 216-838-7733.

Housing Issues Students who do not have a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence for any reason are entitled to educational supports. Contact Project ACT at 216-838-0210.

Language Diversity Caregivers who speak a language other than English can register at the Natividad Pagan International Newcomers Welcome Center, 3145 West 46th Street, or call 216-838-0140.

State Ratings + Local Rankings

How is your school doing?

Every public school—district and charter—that serves Cleveland kids is rated by the State of Ohio. You can access those ratings here.

Learn about our city’s educational landscape, and find ways to support our scholars whether you are a parent, an educator and/or concerned citizen. You can help ensure every family has the information they need to explore their options and commit to their best-fit public school. Because public is for everyone.

Check in On School Performance

Support for Every Age & Stage

Pregnancy & Infancy

Parents are a child’s first and most influential teacher. Even before baby’s birth, you can learn about choices you can make to give baby the healthiest start you can give them.

Help Me Grow and Bright Beginnings support pregnant people, caregivers with new babies, and families with young children, and with children who have developmental delays and disabilities.

Early Childhood

Starting Point connects families to child care, education, and out-of-school time programming that best meets their individual needs.

Starting Point helps families find high-quality child care, and financial assistance to make it affordable; enroll in high-quality, free out-of-school time programs; and explore the role of foster parenting, and get support along the journey.

Preschool Power

Did you know? By the age of five, a child’s brain is already 90% developed. Research shows that 3- or 4-year-olds in high-quality PreK programs are more likely to have better language ans social skills when they get to kindergarten; reach high school graduation; and pursue college or vocational training programs that set them on a path towards successful careers as adults.

Pre4Cle is your partner to learn about, choose and enroll in high quality Preschool.

Elementary Essentials

The nine years your child spends in elementary school take them from recognizing letters and writing their name for the first time to composing and polishing essays that develop their critical thinking skills. They find their place in a school community, and leave with a sense of their power and place in Cleveland’s future. Say Yes! Cleveland offers support services to families to ensure their success through these formative years.

Secondary Success

Beginning in middle school, Cleveland scholars participate in planning and career exploration to help them think through their strengths and interests. With their family, they can consider and choose the program and pathway in high school that meets their needs and excites their curiosity. Say Yes Cleveland offers support services through high school, and partners with College Now to provide tuition scholarships and support for Cleveland graduates. But you must be enrolled in a Cleveland public high school, and live in City of Cleveland or within the Cleveland MSD from day one of high school.