Opening in this school year, the new Ludlow Preschool will soon welcome the Ludlow Leapers, our youngest learners, with a brand new playground, thanks to the generosity of our community.
Your Generous Donations
Provide a lasting impact on our youngest learners
Thanks to the generosity of our community and a matching gift made possible through an anonymous donor, the Shaker Schools Foundation successfully raised $65,000 to support the creation of the Ludlow Playground. This joyful and inclusive play space will soon welcome the youngest learners at the Ludlow Early Learning Center.
Opening this school year, the new Ludlow Preschool is more than a building. It represents a powerful continuation of the legacy established by the Ludlow School Integration Experiment. This pioneering effort positioned Shaker Heights as a national model for educational equity by promoting racial integration and equal opportunity. The impact was lasting: ninety-two percent of students from the program went on to attend college, and nearly half earned graduate degrees.
The reopening of Ludlow honors this history by creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for children of all backgrounds. The Ludlow Playground is a vital part of that vision, offering a space where every child can play, grow, and connect.
With funds raised through this campaign, benches, bike racks, picnic tables, musical elements, and other enriching features will be a great part of the community and school outdoor space. All of this was made possible through the commitment of our donors, the District, and the community.
Thank you for helping bring this vision to life. The future of Ludlow is bright because of you.
Attending Ludlow Elementary in the 1980’s was a highlight of my Shaker years. The fabulous teachers, creative projects, talent shows, music performances and tight community made it such a warm, welcoming place to be a kid.
To our Foundation partners—thank you. To our families—welcome. To our district staff – get excited! And to our Ludlow Leapers—we can’t wait to see how high you soar.
Having a playground in the Ludlow neighborhood means a place for community children to interact spontaneously. It also offers opportunities for independence, providing a gathering place older kids can visit on their own without crossing the Van Aken rapid tracks. We are so excited for this! Thank you to Shaker School, Shaker Schools Foundation, and the city of Shaker Heights for collaborating to make the playground a reality!