Ruffing Montessori School offers an exceptional Montessori academic environment for your child. Your interest is the first step in the admissions process and we encourage you to seriously consider Ruffing as you research schools for your child. As shown below, we offer many opportunities for prospective families to learn about Ruffing and Montessori education.

Admission Activities and Dates

Information Packet
An information packet is available by calling the Admissions Office or by submitting a request through our website. The packet contains relevant information on all the aspects of Ruffing's programs, the Montessori philosophy, our tuition and fee schedule, and application forms.

Classroom Observations
Ruffing encourages parents to schedule a classroom observation during school hours. Our children's energy and excitement is contagious, and you will be able to see the Montessori philosophy in action. You will also experience Ruffing's school culture and strong sense of community. Classroom observations take place from November through April on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. To schedule your observation, please contact Nital Subhas, Director of Admission, at 216-321-7571.

Prospective Parent Open Houses
Ruffing's Open Houses are wonderful opportunities to tour our "green" school, learn about the Montessori philosophy and curriculum, meet our experienced faculty and talk with current parents and students. Our Fall Open House will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and our Winter Open House is scheduled for Sunday, January 8, 2012 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Applying
You may download an application from our website under the Forms-Admissions tab, pick up an application from our office, or request that an application be emailed or mailed to you by contacting our Admissions office. Simply complete the application and provide supporting materials (for Elementary and Middle School applicants) and submit with the requisite $25 non-refundable application fee. We encourage interested parents to apply early as spaces are limited.

• Toddler Community: Applications to the Toddler Community are considered in date order, based on the date we receive the application, with discretion to balance ages, gender and programs. Due to the robust interest in our Toddler Community (ages 18-36 months), resulting in a significant wait list for the 2012-2013 academic year, we have closed the admission process for the 2012-2013 year. Please note that we are still accepting applications to our Children's House, Elementary and Middle School programs for next fall. We remain truly grateful for your interest in our Toddler Community.

• Children's House and All-Day Children's House: Application deadline is February 3, 2012. We will notify families of admission decisions by March 2, 2012.

• Elementary and Middle School: Application deadline is February 13, 2012. In addition to your child's application, please complete and submit a Request for Information form to your child's current school, which allows your child's records to be released to Ruffing, and a Teacher Evaluation form to one of your child's current teachers. You may download these forms through the website, under the Forms-Admissions tab. After February 13, we consider applications only as space permits. We will notify families of admission decisions by March 8, 2012.

If your child is applying to the Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary or Middle School, you will also need to complete and submit a Request for Information form to your child's current school, which allows your child's records to be released to Ruffing, and a Teacher Evaluation form to one of your child's current teachers. You may download these forms through the website, under the Forms-Admissions tab.

Assessments and Shadow Visits
For Toddler Community, Children's House and All-Day Children's House applicants, Ruffing schedules visits for our applicant families in February, during which time you and your child will meet with members of our faculty in the classroom so that our teachers can talk with you and work with your child. Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office will coordinate a date and time for your visit.

For Elementary and Middle School applicants, Ruffing will schedule an individual assessment for your child with a member of our faculty. Your child will then have the opportunity to visit in the classroom for a morning (elementary students) or a full day (middle school), during which time he or she will meet new friends, participate in lessons, collaborate with other students and work with our teachers. Your child's assessment and shadow visit will be scheduled by the Admissions office after receiving his/her application.

Admission Decisions
Parents will be notified of Ruffing's admission decisions in early March. Admission decisions are based on many factors, including your child's visit and interview, school transcripts and space availability. Ruffing will not render a decision on an application until all required materials have been received and your child's assessment and visit have been concluded.

If your child has been accepted but a space is not currently available, your child will be placed on our wait list. If a change in enrollment occurs, Ruffing will fill the available space(s) from our wait list, with discretion to balance age and gender within the affected classroom.

To be eligible for admission, a child must turn the appropriate age for the designated level by September 30.

Ruffing Montessori School prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or associational preference.

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