Ridgefield Academy Students Return To School

From The Ridgefield Academy

Ridgefield Academy opened its doors last Tuesday, September 5, to welcome all Patriots back for a new school year. Smiles and laughter filled the hallways as students reconnected with old friends and met new ones. There are almost 550 students comprising Landmark Preschool and Ridgefield Academy across four campuses with 46 new faces at the Ridgefield campus this year.

RA continues to operate its three satellite preschools in Redding and Westport, Connecticut and Bedford, New York. The Bedford campus is in its third year and, with what started out as a preschool of 8 students, has grown to a student body of over 40 children. The focus of the preschool is on exploration, developing friendships, experimenting with art and music, and speaking a different language all while fostering the love of learning which RA does so well.

Five exceptional individuals join the RA faculty and administration this year on the Ridgefield campus including a Pre-School and Lower School Music Teacher, a full time School Counselor, an Assistant Teacher in Grade 3, an Academic Technology Coordinator in the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, and RA’s first Director of Development.

Ridgefield Academy remains committed to its faculty in the area of Professional Development. This past summer, RA’s faculty worked together in themed areas of interest including differentiating instruction, character education, assessment, executive functioning, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. These themes will continue as discussions throughout the year. In addition, summer grants were offered to several of RA’s faculty. These grants allow for enhancements and growth in reworking curriculum, specific subject training, and rethinking classroom space.

Ridgefield Academy remains committed to keeping all students engaged and inspired, and values a forward thinking curriculum. New programs being implemented this year will add to the overall RA student experience. With the increase in staff in the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, there is a focus for students in Grades 4-8 on topics such as coding, programming, robotics, and physical computing in addition, and as a complement to digital arts. A new reading program called the Units of Study in Reading will be implemented in Kindergarten and Grade 1 where students will be introduced to a reading strategy by their teacher and then will be encouraged to read at their own skill level as much as possible. RA will maintain public speaking and active writing programs that provide students with the confidence they need to become well-rounded individuals. Other programs integral to RA’s core are character development, community service, digital arts, physical fitness and healthy eating, and visual and performing arts. These allow for creative exploration and expression as well as establishing the importance of respect, responsibility, and leadership within the RA community and beyond. Students are empowered to grow as individuals, encouraged to take risks and make decisions for themselves. This is accomplished in an environment that fosters kindness and community.

RA will host its first Open House of the year on Saturday, November 4, from 10am to noon at the Ridgefield Campus. There will be themed activities for prospective students and families, and members of the RA faculty will be present to give tours and answer any questions about RA’s curriculum and culture. We invite you to join us!

Established in 1975, Ridgefield Academy is a Preschool – Grade 8 independent day school located in Ridgefield, Conn. serving students from Fairfield and Westchester counties. Ridgefield Academy is located at 223 West Mountain Road in Ridgefield, Conn. 203.894.1800. www.ridgefieldacademy.org.

Images via the Ridgefield Academy