Ruffing’s mission statement refers to our students as “citizens of the world.” Fundamental to understanding, respecting and appreciating the peoples and cultures of the world is the ability to communicate in languages in addition to English. Bi-lingual students develop knowledge and sensitivity to the peoples of the world and the capacity to see similarities, not differences, in others.

Our Ruffing students

• Consistently test into advanced or honors level language classes at their respective high schools
• Do not consider the target language “foreign”
• Deem language learning as purposeful, natural, and necessary

Spanish (through grade 8)
The Spanish program at Ruffing Montessori School begins in the Children's House and extends through Grade 8. Spanish classes are conducted in Spanish with an emphasis on speaking and listening. Students are encouraged to interact in Spanish at all times. Cultural components are woven into language lessons and are reinforced through pantomime, games, songs and rhymes. Writing in Spanish begins in the third year.

French (Middle School)
Middle School students have the option of studying French or Spanish, in addition to Latin. French classes are conducted in the target language. Classes meet four times a week for forty-five minute lessons. Current events, proverbs, idiomatic expressions, and a cultural vignette are presented daily at the start of class.

While listening and speaking continue to be assessed, reading and writing are strongly reinforced. The program utilizes outcome based and communicative methodologies. French children’s books, films, music, poetry, games and magazines provide important realiato the students. The Middle School performs a French play for the school in early spring.

Field trips to French plays and art exhibits complement our class work when available. Students prepare French foods in mini cooking classes conducted in French. When possible, eighth grade trips are planned to French-speaking countries or provinces, such as La Ville du Québec and Montréal. Students are encouraged to participate in La Maison Française, a social and academic organization for French speakers in the Cleveland area.

Latin (Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades)
The study of Latin is based on the reading course presented in the Cambridge Latin Course. The CLC’s major objectives are to teach the comprehension of the language through practice in reading it, and to learn the social and political history of the Romans during the first century A.D.

The procedure begins with a careful reading of short sentences which introduce new language features. This is followed by the translation of Latin stories. In this way common phrase and sentence patterns are learned. Memorizing vocabulary, as well as learning word inflections and sentence construction, teach form and function of words which are keys to understanding Latin.

Students meet for one 45 minute period a week, and approximately one hour of additional work is assigned weekly. Class periods are used to review this work and present new concepts.
The three year course employs the text books Unit One and Two of the CLC. The first two thirds of Unit One is covered in sixth grade. The last third of Unit One and the first third of Unit Two is the basis for the seventh grade. The final two thirds of Unit Two is completed in eighth grade.