Ruffing Montessori

Ruffing Montessori School, the second oldest Montessori school established in the United States,[1] was begun in 1959 through the efforts of the Cleveland Montessori Association. The organization founded and operated Montessori preschool and elementary classes in rented locations throughout Cleveland.

Ruffing Montessori School
Address
3380 Fairmount Boulevard Cleveland Heights , Ohio 44118 United States
Coordinates	41°29′10″N 81°33′35″W
Information
Type	Montessori, 18 months through 8th grade
Motto	Reduse Reuse Recycle
Established	1959
Founder	Maria Montessori
Head of school	Kathie Freer
Grades	Toddler-8th grade
Enrollment	~ 250
Average class size	28 Students
Student to teacher ratio	1:14
Colour(s)	Green and White
Song	Light a Candle for Peace
Fight song	Light a Candle for Peace
Athletics	Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country, Archery, Ultimate Frisbee,
Sports	Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country, Archery, Ultimate Frisbee
Nickname	Ruffing
Team name	Ruffing
Accreditation	Independent Schools of the Central States Ohio Department of Education
Newspaper	Ruffing Weekly
Yearbook	yes
Website	Ruffing Montessori School

In 1964, a donation of a classroom building and property on Fairmount Boulevard in Cleveland Heights enabled the east side school to have a permanent location. In 1977, the east and west side schools separated, each retaining the name Ruffing, in honor of Mary and Jim Ruffing who led the Cleveland Montessori Association in its efforts to introduce Montessori to Northeast Ohio. With a current enrollment of 326, Ruffing in Cleveland Heights operates from a large, new facility, built according to LEED principles.[2]