Ross Institute

Ross Institute

Founded in 1996, the Ross Institute is a think tank of scholars and researchers devoted to fostering pedagogical excellence. It was established to promote understanding of the implications of globalization and its affects on education. The vision of the Ross Institute is to provide access for all children to a learning environment which cultivates the skill sets, values and sensibilities to succeed in a global society. The work of the Institute focuses on three major areas: developing a worldwide network of Ross Model schools, catalyzing research, and providing teacher education in support of 21st century learning.

Ross Institute identifies and develops best practices in education, which are applied within a research environment, the Ross School, and brings this to public settings. As a direct support to public schools adapting the Ross Model, the Ross Institute Academy (RIA) provides mentoring by affiliated scholars and master teachers at Ross School, through study tours, workshops, videoconferences and on-site consulting.

Ross Institute Sweden

Ross Institute Sweden represents both Ross Institute and Ross Institute Academy in Europe. It is poised to offer professional development to teachers and administrators across Europe with a special focus on the adaptation of Ross curriculum and pedagogy in the Swedish context. Ross Institute Sweden formulates and hosts conferences relevant to teachers and administrators in Europe such as topics surrounding education of immigrant and refugee students. Ross Institute Sweden will launch on September 17th, 2009.


Ross Institute Academy

Ross Institute Academy offers comprehensive training in the Ross Model; its intention is to positively affect student learning and to increase possibilities for systemic change. RIA's services include curriculum consulting, training and accreditation for schools seeking to implement aspects of the Ross model. RIA, with its direct access to schools including Ross School in East Hampton, Ross Global Academy Public Charter School in New York City, Tensta Gymnasium in Stockholm, Sweden and Riverview Charter School in South Carolina is uniquely positioned to teach others about best practices and applied theory for 21st century education. Through the Academy, a network of mentors, scholars and master teachers provide professional development in a variety of formats for educators and educational leaders at both new and established schools. The Academy distributes information about the Ross curriculum and best educational practices through Ross Network Schools, workshops, conferences, on-line mentoring and other collaborations. Working collaboratively and directly with school leaders, the Ross Institute Academy ensures that the schools it serves are achieving their desired goals and applying the Ross Model authentically and effectively.

Ross Affiliates

ROSS SCHOOL: Research School

Founded in 1991 by Courtney and Steven J. Ross, Ross School is a private school offering a college preparatory curriculum that goes beyond national standards to teach the intellectual, social, technical and personal skills that prepare students to become 21st century leaders. Ross School functions as an incubator for Ross Institute's educational reform. Its stimulating educational setting allows new ideas to be nurtured, tested and shaped for application to public and private education. Main aspects of the Ross educational model are the integrated Spiral Curriculum, holistic approach to education through a wellness program and service. As the first school accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation to receive the “International Credential” in 2005, Ross School has been recognized for a curriculum international in scope and for programs that encompass the global community.

ROSS GLOBAL ACADEMY: Public Charter School

Ross Global Academy Charter School, developed in collaboration with NYU and Ross School, is an innovative New York City Public Charter School which will grow to serve students in grades K-12. RGACS opened in the historic Tweed Courthouse on September 6, 2006 with 160 students in Grades K, 1, 5 and 6. RGACS prepares students to think critically and creatively, understand and respect different cultures, become leaders, use technology, live healthy lives and develop a passion for learning. RGA’s goal is to serve students from diverse backgrounds with a variety of academic abilities, including students with special needs and English Language Learners (ELLs).

ROSS TENSTA GYMNASIUM: Public International School

The City of Stockholm and the Stockholm Education Administration joined with the Ross Institute to bring the Ross model to Tensta Gymnasium, a public high school outside of Stockholm, Sweden. Over 90% of Tensta’s students are first or second generation immigrants, mainly from the Middle East and Africa and of the Muslim faith. With the influx of this new population into Tensta, the school needed to implement a global curriculum for intercultural understanding. In 2002, Stockholm’s educational, political and business communities selected Tensta to develop an innovative method for educating such students for 21st century competencies. Tensta Gymnasium adapted the Ross approach and its Spiral Curriculum. The collaboration between Tensta and Ross has evolved into a partnership in which Tensta is presently being accredited by the Ross Institute Academy to become a Ross School. Tensta is thriving, retaining students of diverse backgrounds and attracting young, vibrant faculty and programs.