Illuminating Minds for Life Long Learning
Fostering a unique and inclusive learning environment for students of all ages
WITH OPEN ARMS
Our Purpose
Crescent Ridge Academy offers an unparalleled Montessori experience for families and educators alike. A hidden gem in the greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region, Crescent Ridge Academy is guiding the future of education, fostering a unique and inclusive learning community for students, teachers and prospective teachers.
For Students
CRA provides an authentic Montessori academic curriculum of individualized learning that optimizes the intellectual, social, and emotional development of each child. Children are guided by degreed and certified teachers who embrace the Montessori Philosophy.
Teacher Education
CRA provides quality instruction to individuals who wish to become certified Montessori teachers, with a course schedule designed to meet the needs of adult learners who are balancing work and family life with a teacher certification course. CRA is affiliated with the American Montessori Society and accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education.
WHAT WE DO
Our Programs
Toddler
Our toddler program provides a nurturing environment that allows creative exploration and development of self.
Early Childhood
A mixed age environment prepared specifically to meet the social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children during this crucial stage of development.
Lower Elementary
An awe-inspiring, cosmic curriculum for children ages 6 – 9.
Upper Elementary
A culminating experience and enhanced curriculum for children ages ages 9-12 that promotes development of executive function skills.
leader in family & Education solutions
TESTIMONIALS
Jason Tharp
Author/Illustrator and Speaker, Wonderville Studios
What Community Members Say
“Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Crescent Ridge Academy and I must say, the experience was wonderful. The students were smart, creative, and curious, and the teachers and administrators truly care about everyone under their roof. I left Crescent Ridge with the impression that magic happens within their walls.”
What Parents Say
“For more than 50 years, CRA (formerly NKMA) has educated students superbly. Warm, friendly, skilled teachers – knowing that learning is as natural and as necessary as breathing – engage students with active-learning methods (learning by doing) that both quench students’ ever-present thirst for knowledge and develop effective problem-solving skills on which to build lives of personal fulfillment. This is why Shannon and I, college professors, sent our son to NKMA in 2014 and why he will graduate from 6th grade there in 2023. CRA is the tops!”
Dan Kent
CRA Parent and Board Member
What Teachers Say
“The Teacher Education Program is AMAZING. As a Head of School at The New School Montessori in Cincinnati, we are always excited to open our learning environments to CRA interns. They are prepared, reliable, and passionate. Several of our teachers were former CRA interns and we couldn’t be more delighted to have them as a part of our community. The breadth of knowledge in Montessori pedagogy and professionalism are impressive in the interns and we are always delighted to partner with them!”
Jeff Groh
Head of School at The New School Montessori in Cincinnati
What Faculty Say
“I love working at CRA because of our dedication to an authentic Montessori experience for all of our community. I have the opportunity each day to meet my students right where they are on their developmental path and provide for their needs as students, as members of our shared community, and as future stewards of their world. “