We invite you to discover Ruffing Montessori School, a nationally recognized Montessori school for children ages 18 months - 8th grade, with highly trained and experienced faculty, beautiful and spacious classrooms brimming with Montessori materials, state-of-the-art science labs, robust enrichment offerings, classroom gardens, and a vibrant parent community.
A Ruffing education is, by all accounts, a tremendous experience, and our students emerge as socially responsible, intellectually curious and high academic achievers in their high schools, colleges and beyond.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked OH School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 325 students
- Yearly Tuition: $12,000
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 24 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Ruffing Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for:
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1959
Colors
White, Green
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
325 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
59%
Average Class Size
24 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 30 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$12,000
Tuition Notes
All tuition reflects a 5 day (Monday - Friday) academic program and ranges based on age and academic level.
% on Financial Aid
30%
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Julie B. Haffke
Admissions Associate
Rosie Ford
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
ChessMontessori Model United Nations
Power of the Pen
Recreational Athletic Programs:
ArcheryBasketball Team
Cross Country RunningSoccer Team
Volleyball Team
School Notes
- School Motto: 'The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.'
- From the moment you walk into Ruffing, the difference is palpable.
- Each classroom is carefully curated to nurture and further the academic, social, and emotional development of each child. Every lead teacher is experienced and highly educated, with both undergraduate and graduate degrees, in addition to being Montessori trained. Most notable is how a Ruffing education prepares young minds to shape our changing world. The Ruffing graduate is unmistakable in the ease and confidence in which they engage in purposeful work, ask inquisitive questions, collaborate with compassion, draw connections to think critically, and write persuasively - all skills that set Ruffing students apart for high school, college, and in life.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Anthony Doerr, Pulitzer Prize winning author -
- Kate Haffke, notable alum -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ruffing Montessori School cost?
Ruffing Montessori School's tuition is approximately $12,000 for private students.
What schools are Ruffing Montessori School often compared to?
Ruffing Montessori School is often viewed alongside schools like The Lillian & Betty Ratner Montessori School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Ruffing Montessori School?
The acceptance rate of Ruffing Montessori School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. Ruffing Montessori School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Ohio with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Ruffing Montessori School?
Ruffing Montessori School famous alumni include: Anthony Doerr, Pulitzer Prize winning author and Kate Haffke, notable alum.
What sports does Ruffing Montessori School offer?
Ruffing Montessori School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Archery, Basketball, Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is Ruffing Montessori School's ranking?
Ruffing Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Ruffing Montessori School?
The application deadline for Ruffing Montessori School is Jan. 30 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 30 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
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Popular comparisons: Ruffing Montessori School vs. The Lillian & Betty Ratner Montessori School
People that viewed Ruffing Montessori School also viewed these schools: The Lillian & Betty Ratner Montessori School, Cleveland Montessori, Hawken School, Communion Of Saints School and Hathaway Brown School.
The nearest high school to Ruffing Montessori School is Beaumont School (0.1 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Hathaway Brown School (1.0 miles away)
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School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
27575 Shaker Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44124
(216) 464-0033
Cleveland, OH 44124
(216) 464-0033
3.9 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 179 students Avg. class size: 10 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
12510 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 421-0700
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 421-0700
2.4 miles
Gr: PK-6 | 112 students Avg. class size: 22 students Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
5000 Clubside Rd and 12465 County Line Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44124
(440) 423-4446
Cleveland, OH 44124
(440) 423-4446
3.6 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 1,220 student Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 15 | Extracurrculars: 9 Acceptance rate listed
Communion Of Saints School
(Catholic)
2160 Stillman Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 932-4177
Cleveland, OH 44118
(216) 932-4177
1.4 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 215 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 7 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
19600 North Park Blvd
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 320-8767
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 320-8767
1 miles
Gr: NS-12 | 840 students Avg. class size: 8 students Sports: 19 | Extracurrculars: 20 Acceptance rate listed
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