As the second Montessori school established in the United States, Ruffing has a distinguished history of preparing students for a lifetime of learning. Creating links with other premier educational organizations helps Ruffing maintain its freedom and accountability, benefit from professional development opportunities and maintain collegial relationships with local peer institutions.

ISACS: Independent Schools Association of the Central States
Ruffing Montessori School is a fully accredited member of ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States). This accreditation is the result of a rigorous two-year self-study, followed by an on-site visit from the ISACS accreditation department. The assessment covered every aspect of the school’s operations, culture and constituencies.

CCIS: Cleveland Council of Independent Schools
Ruffing also enjoys full membership with CCIS (Cleveland Council of Independent Schools), a northeast Ohio regional organization comprised of 14 independent schools. This association provides valuable professional development, affinity group meetings, social opportunities for students, parent education offerings and collective marketing and advertising for member schools.

ISM: Independent School Management
The school maintains membership with ISM (Independent School Management), a national organization offering research and guidance on the best policies and practices for independent schools. ISM provides consultants and workshops for all areas of governance and management.

Many of Ruffing’s teachers are members of the following professional organizations serving the Montessori community with journals, workshops, media support and regional conferences:

• N.A.M.T.A: North American Montessori Teachers’ Association
• AMI Association Montessori Internationale
• AMS: American Montessori Society

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