Upper Elementary

The term “self-propelled interest” best describes Ruffing’s Montessori Upper Elementary, with in-depth study and research emphasized at this level. Upon entering the classroom, you will likely find a group of students sitting together on the floor, immersed in research on the ruins of Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire. Close by, other children may be working individually on a geometry lesson calculating the surface area and volume of a solid or perhaps writing about character development and plot progression in their assigned novel. Still more children can be found seated around a teacher, eagerly listening to a biology lesson on the heart and circulatory system of humans. In short, our interdisciplinary and interactive learning community sparks the interest of our students and literally propels them to learn.

Ruffing’s Upper Elementary is for children ages 9-12 years-old in grades 4, 5, and 6. Each classroom is multi-aged and guided by experienced Montessori-trained elementary teachers. Our faculty develop close relationships with their students over the course of three years so as to become keenly attuned to the academic strengths and challenges facing each child. As a result, Ruffing’s teachers are able to inspire leadership, promote confidence, and encourage students to master foundational skills.

In addition to the core subjects of mathematics, science, literature, creative and expository writing, history, geography and cultural studies, the Ruffing curriculum is enriched with global language, technology, art, music, chorus, and physical education on a weekly basis. Computers and technology are utilized by the classroom with keyboarding classes for students, as well as projects involving guided research, PowerPoint presentations, and the manipulation of spreadsheets, as well as word processing. Our students continue the study of Spanish in Upper Elementary, with Latin introduced in 6th grade and continuing through Middle School.

Going out into the community is a given for our Upper Elementary students. Each week, you will find Ruffing 4th, 5th, and 6th Year students working on their Land Stewardship Project at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, volunteering at one of the Judson Retirement Communities, or serving as a reading tutor for a younger child. Our students participate in overnight camping trips and day excursions, attend performances at Playhouse Square and Severence Hall, and explore the many remarkable museums in our community. It is this collaborative, project-based experience that fully prepares our students for the rigors of middle school, high school, and college.

Hours
8:30 am – 3:15 pm

Ruffing offers Before-School Care and After-School Care for an additional cost.

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