A Whole School for the Whole Child

Ruffing Montessori School has a tradition of excellence – in fine faculty, in students’ preparation for the next educational experience, in national Montessori school leadership, and now in school facilities.

This major construction project, begun in June 2005, has transformed and unified the school physically, environmentally and functionally. Previously, a grouping of contiguous but unconnected buildings, the school now operates more effectively with all levels and classrooms organized under one roof. (hyperlink to Redevelopment specifics and new) The unique feature of this project was the decision to follow “green” building processes in almost every aspect of construction.

The project was financed through a bond revenue program of the Cleveland –Cuyahoga County Port Authority, a line of credit and a $1 million capital campaign. To date, 80% of the campaign goal has been reached through gifts from Parents, Grandparents, Faculty and Staff, Alumni, Parents of Alumni and Friends of the School. The campaign will continue until the donor base expands and the goal is reached.

Extensive support is critically important for a major undertaking like this. As only the third campaign in the school’s nearly fifty-year history, A Whole School for the Whole Child Campaign was designed to completely update and realign the spaces of the school for optimum learning in a healthy child-centered environment.

Special naming opportunities are available within the project, allowing a permanent dedication of a space or feature to honor an individual or family. Plaques designating those gifts will be permanently installed.

If you wish to discuss a campaign gift or naming opportunity, please contact Director of Development Carol Provan at 216.321.7571, extension 330.

Whole School for the Whole Child Campaign Giving Levels

• Golden Beads: $100,000 and up
• White Beads: $50,000 to $99,999
• Purple Beads: $25,000 to $49,999
• Yellow Beads: $10,000 to $24,999
• Pink Beads: $5,000 to $9,999
• Green Beads: $1,000 to $4,999
• Red Beads: $500 to $999

Naming Opportunities
Items already named are shown in red.

$100,000

• Arts Complex (Art Room, Art Gallery, Music Room, Language Room)
• Upper School Commons
• Lower School Commons
• Office of the Head of School

$25,000

Redevelopment Specifics
The exciting redevelopment of the Ruffing Montessori School campus is complete and our “green” school is bigger, better and healthier for all. In addition to redesigning, improving and updating the school, we have used a construction process that encourages design and construction practices for improved air quality, more use of natural light, reduced water consumption, use of bio-based materials, recycled and reused materials and reduction in fossil fuel consumption for heating and cooling.

What is new at Ruffing?

• Replaced or fully renovated all classrooms
• Added a Toddler Community
• Created logical organization of space by use and age of child
• Placed all parts of the school under one roof.
• Built new, centrally-located Administrative Offices
• Established a safer, more secure facility

What is “Green” at Ruffing?

• Decision to seek LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification to adhere to highest environmental practices
• Geo-thermal heating
• Solar heating and cooling
• Light tubes to bring in as much natural light as possible
• Optimal levels of insulation, glazing and shading
• High efficiency heating and cooling
• Non-toxic materials and products, high in recycled content
• Natural ventilation
• Landscape and exterior design to reduce heat islands
• Storm water management
• Light pollution reduction
• Low-emitting materials, such as carpets and paint
• Water efficient landscaping