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 are researching 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 our Admissions Director, Julie Haffke, at 321-7571 or by submitting a request through our website. The packet contains relevant information on all aspects of Ruffing's programs, Montessori reading materials, our tuition schedule, and application forms .

Classroom Observations: Ruffing encourages interested parents to observe a classroom 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 glean valuable information about Ruffing's school culture and sense of community. To schedule a classroom observation, please call our Admissions Director, Julie Haffke, at 321-7571.

Prospective Parent Open Houses: Ruffing Montessori School is hosting two Open Houses. Our fall Open House will be held on Sunday, November 11, 2007 from 2-4pm and our Winter Open House is scheduled for 2-4pm on Sunday, January 13, 2008.

Applying: We encourage interested parents to apply early as spaces are limited. For our Toddler, Children's House and All-Day Children's House programs, the application deadline is February 25, 2008 After that date, we will continue to accept applications on a wait-list basis.

You may download an application from our website under the Forms-Admissions tab, pick up an application from our office, or you may request that an application be mailed to you. Simply complete the application and records release, if needed, and submit with the requisite $25 non-refundable application fee.

If your child is applying to the Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary or Middle School, you will also need to complete a records release and submit a request to your child's current school for the release of transcripts to Ruffing. You may download these forms from the Forms-Admissions tab, as well.

Interviews and Classroom Visits: For our Toddler, Children's House and All-Day Children's House applicants, Ruffing sets aside a day in early February to interview your child and meet with parents. Once you have submitted an application, we will advize you of the date and time for your child.

For Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Middle School applicants, Ruffing will schedule an individual assessment with your child and a member of our faculty. Your child will subsequently spend a morning (elementary students) or day (middle school) in the classroom, working alongside students and with our teachers.

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.

If your child has been accepted but a space is not currently available, your child will be placed on the waiting list. If your child is placed on a waiting list, we cannot guarantee that a space will arise. However, changes in enrollment sometimes occur during the spring and summer months, and, therefore, we urge families to remain on the waiting list.

Financial Aid: Financial aid is available to returning families. Financial aid awards are based on need and may be applied for by obtaining an application from the Admission Office any time after December 1, and submitting the completed form to School and Student Service for Financial Aid, an independent financial aid service, by February 15.

To be eligible for admission, a child must be at 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.