Ridgefield Academy Welcomes Students for New School Year

RIDGEFIELD, CT - The doors are open, the halls are buzzing, and smiles abound as Ridgefield Academy (RA) opened on Tuesday, September 6 and welcomed back its Patriots to begin a new school year. Over 550 students comprise this four campus operation with 68 of them new to the RA campus alone. This year, Ridgefield Academy celebrates its 43rd year, while its Ridgefield campus has been home to K-8 students since 1999. Over the years, the school has expanded to serve more children by opening three satellite preschools in Redding and Westport, Connecticut and Bedford, New York. The school continues to grow and thrive. The newest Landmark Preschool campus in Bedford is only two years old. Last year, there were a total of eight two year olds enrolled. This fall, the school welcomes 27 two and three year olds to the program, a testament to Landmark Preschool and Ridgefield Academy, its program, and strong sense of community.

RA is continuing to build on two initiatives introduced last year. The Tinker Lab and Innovation Lab are dedicated to “hands-on” learning experiences where students can discover about science and technology concepts. The lab has expanded and is ready for eager minds to build and explore with an emphasis on creative problem solving, a key to every child’s success.

The second initiative is the Center for Innovation and Learning. The Center continues to focus on assessing and expanding RA curriculum to match technological change, and integrate findings into the student learning experience, especially in programs such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Ongoing support will challenge students of all abilities as well as focus on curriculum enhancements and teacher professional development.

The Center has partnered with the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum and on September 18 from 1 to 5pm, the Aldrich will host a Community Day: Hands-On with STEAM event. Ridgefield Academy students will be showcasing their STEAM projects from the Center, Art, and Science classes, and extracurricular clubs. Students will also be on hand to help visitors navigate hands-on and prototyping activities.

Ridgefield Academy continues to stay true to the core elements of being the school that keeps students engaged and inspired. RA values a changing and forward thinking curriculum. The school promotes both public speaking and active writing to provide students the confidence they need to become well-rounded individuals. Other signature programs include character development, community service, digital arts, physical fitness and healthy eating. All programs empower children to grow, take risks, and make decisions for themselves, all the while learning resourcefulness and resilience. All of this is accomplished in a culture of kindness and community, ideals at the heart and soul of Ridgefield Academy.

Ridgefield Academy is a Preschool – Grade 8 independent day school located near Ridgefield, Conn., serving students from Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Established in 1975, the school’s challenging academic curriculum is enriched with programs in public speaking and community service, STEM labs, athletics, performing arts opportunities, and interdisciplinary digital arts projects. Ridgefield Academy is located at 223 West Mountain Road in Ridgefield, CT. 203-894-1800 www.ridgefieldacademy.org

For more information, please contact Kara Morgan: 203.894.1800 x126 or kmorgan@ridgefieldacademy.org.

--Photo & article by Kara Morgan