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 our Admissions Director, Julie Haffke, at 216-321-7571 or by submitting a request through our website. The packet contains relevant information on all aspects of Ruffing's programs, the Montessori philosophy, our tuition and fee schedule, and application forms.

Classroom Observations
Ruffing encourages interested 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 October through April on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. To schedule your observation, please call our Admissions Director, Julie Haffke, at 216-321-7571.

Prospective Parent Open Houses
Ruffing Montessori School'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 8, 2009 from 2:00-4:00 pm, and our Winter Open House is scheduled for Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 pm.

Applying
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. We encourage interested parents to apply early as spaces are limited.

• For our Toddler Community program, applications are considered in date order, based on the date we receive the application, with discretion to balance ages, gender and programs. Our Toddler Community fills quickly and we encourage interested families to submit an application the fall before your child would be eligible.

* * Due to the robust interest in our Toddler Community, resulting in a significant wait list for the 2010-2011 academic year, we have closed the application process for the fall of 2010. We are, however, accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year. We remain truly grateful for your interest and welcome any questions that you may have.

• For our Children's House and All-Day Children's House programs, the application deadline is February 5, 2010. After February 5, we will consider applications as space permits.
• For our Elementary and Middle School programs, the application deadline is February 15, 2010. After February 15, we will consider applications as space permits. We will notify families of admission decision by March 12, 2010.

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.

Interviews and Classroom Visits
For our 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 Lower Elementary, Upper 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.

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 in our wait pool. If a change in enrollment occurs, Ruffing will fill the available space(s) from our wait pool, with discretion to balance age and gender within the affected classroom.

Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to new and returning families. Financial aid awards are based on need and may be applied for by obtaining an application from the Business 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 5, 2010. To review Ruffing's Financial Aid Policy, click here.

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.