Ruffing Montessori School

Ruffing Montessori School offers art, music, physical education, French for 6th grade through Middle School, and Spanish for 1st through 8th grade. Its primary program options include Toddler Community for ages 18-36 months, Children's House for ages 3-6 years, Lower Elementary for ages 6-9 years, Upper Elementary for ages 9-12 years, and Middle School for 7th and 8th year students.

Programs

• Toddler Community — 18-36 months · $14,125–$21,940
• Children's House — 3-6 years · $13,105–$21,365
• Lower Elementary — 6-9 years · $17,400–$19,045
• Upper Elementary — 9-12 years · $17,400–$19,045
• Middle School — 7th and 8th year students · $20,405
• Art
• Music
• Physical Education
• French — 6th grade through Middle School
• Spanish — 1st through 8th grade

At a glance

• Ages: 1–14 years old
• Price range: $13,105–$21,940

About the provider

Ruffing Montessori School is the second-oldest Montessori school in the country. It states a mission to use the philosophy and methods of Dr. Maria Montessori to educate young people to their fullest potential and to instill personal independence and social responsibility. The school is LEED certified and was the first school in Northeast Ohio to achieve that designation. It lists accreditations and memberships including ISACS, ISM, OAIS, CCIS, the Ohio Department of Education, the US Green Building Council, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Science Resource Center. Middle School students have weekly service experiences at the local book bank and Medwish, and 100% of Middle School students volunteer for service opportunities.

• Before Care — before school, 7:45 AM-8:15 AM · Available for an additional fee; enrollment is limited.
• After Care — 3:15 PM-6:00 PM · Available for an additional fee; enrollment is limited.

What families say

“Of all the skills nine years of Montessori education gave me - critical thinking skills, social skills, kickball skills - the most lasting has been a sense of my place in deep geologic time...It permeates my writing, my attitudes toward natural resources, and my relationship with my sons.” — Anthony Doerr, Pulitzer Prize winning author

“While I was a student at Ruffing and now as an alum, the Ruffing community has continuously supported me and my ambitions. From the faculty and staff to my peers, the Ruffing community has helped shaped me into the young woman I am today, and the school has truly become a second home to me.” — Kate Haffke

“Ruffing is a place that cultivates endless possibilities through learning, creativity, exploration, and community. When I return, I feel the same sense of community today as I did when I first entered the building as a 3rd year student. My connection to Ruffing has been invaluable to me as a student and as an adult.” — Austin Harris

Last updated October 17, 2026.