From early childhood to adolescence, students are seen and known as individuals within our kind and nurturing community. Along their journey of inspired learning and self-discovery, they have many partners, faculty, staff, parents and classmates, who guide, challenge, and share in the joy of learning. Our interconnected curriculum is brought to life by our engaging teachers and fosters our students’ natural curiosity and openness to the world. It is here, at this brilliant intersection that discoveries are made, that a strong academic foundation is built, that children become confident and their authentic selves unfold.
This is the educational essence along the continuum of learning from Landmark Preschool to Ridgefield Academy. It is what makes us different.
There are three undeniable truths about our educational programs:
They are designed with Intentional Connectedness.
We value Joyful Learning.
We graduate students who are Authentically Self-Assured individuals.
Intentional Connectedness
Between disciplines, students and faculty, RA and community
This intentional educational connectedness serves as the foundation of our caring community and collaborative and interdisciplinary program. It provides for both a strong and supportive community and an educational program that is defined by a thoughtful and challenging progression from Preschool-Grade 8.
Quote 1 - Parent
“All three (of my) kids were different, but the school was able to identify what worked with each of them. They worked at each of their paces.” ~ RA Parent
Quote 3 - Parent
“For us, it was all about the whole child.” ~ RA Parent
Quote 8 - Parent
"The strengths of RA's program can be found on many different levels. I think it is the school's overall approach to curriculum development. Interweaving meaningful literature with verbal and artistic expression; expanding a history unit to include culture, art and science along with the core topic; relating Latin roots to English and foreign language vocabulary are all examples of how RA educates rather than teaches. From the first moment you meet the teaching staff, you realize they are there because they love to educate students." ~ RA Parent
Quote 13 - Hotchkiss School
"RA students are strong leaders, curious, risk-takers" ~ Hotchkiss School
Quote 14 - Brooks School
"RA students are very well prepared academically. They are well rounded, talented and work well with adults." ~ Brooks School
Quote 15 - Choate Rosemary Hall
"Students from Ridgefield Academy are academically prepared and have great character." ~ Choate Rosemary Hall
Quote 19 - Parent
"It goes beyond just providing opportunity. At RA children are encouraged to follow and to develop their passions and dreams. My eldest child, Aidan, says that his favorite thing about his Technology teacher, Mr Larson, is that Mr. Larson never says no to an idea. That is so meaningful to a child – to feel that their ideas have value, and to be given the tools to bring them to fruition - that’s empowering, and that’s what thriving looks like.” ~ RA Parent
Joyful Learning
At every developmental level along the continuum from Landmark Preschool to Ridgefield Academy, childhood is celebrated, and every child's natural inclination toward curiosity and the spirit of joyful discovery is nurtured. A comprehensive foundation of learning is built from one year to the next as students travel through Landmark to RA. At the center of this is a challenging, lifeworthy academic program that not only develops the essential critical thinking, math, reading and writing skills but that encourages risk-taking and nurtures the collaborative, creative, and leadership skills that are in demand.
Quote 5 - Parent
“In the eight years that we have been in the RA community, I can count on one hand the number of not-best days my daughter has had; the day she broke her favorite crayon and the day a buckle on her shoe broke.” ~ Landmark/RA Parent
Quote 7 - Parent
“We are so lucky to be able to leave our kids here for the day, where the pervasive attitude is ‘anything is possible’.” ~ RA Parent
Quote 6 - Parent
“There’s no amount of money that can take the place of the gratitude you feel seeing your child have the private school experience.” ~ RA Parent
Quote 13 - Hotchkiss School
"RA students are strong leaders, curious, risk-takers" ~ Hotchkiss School
Quote 18 - Parent
"As well as being valued, my children are supported at Ridgefield Academy. And because they are supported, they challenge themselves, they take risks, they try new things that they never thought they could do and that’s something that’s been particularly special to us in our time at this school.” ~ RA Parent
Quote 19 - Parent
"It goes beyond just providing opportunity. At RA children are encouraged to follow and to develop their passions and dreams. My eldest child, Aidan, says that his favorite thing about his Technology teacher, Mr Larson, is that Mr. Larson never says no to an idea. That is so meaningful to a child – to feel that their ideas have value, and to be given the tools to bring them to fruition - that’s empowering, and that’s what thriving looks like.” ~ RA Parent
Authentically Self-Assured Individuals
Our students are encouraged to form their own, authentic identities as they become confident leaders, creative problem-solvers, and public speakers. They are prepared to succeed in secondary school and beyond.
Our alumni are already having an impact in their chosen fields. Along this journey, students grow in self-advocacy, self-confidence, and academic achievement.
Quote 2 - Parent
“RA challenged (my daughter) in ways because of small class size; it gave her a voice and it gave her confidence.” ~ RA Parent
Quote 4 - Parent
“RA teachers have created a balance of challenge and nurture, producing a perfect environment for a child to learn, grow and take risks…my children are products of this. They are respectfully well mannered, they are not afraid to make mistakes and they have learned how to succeed even after they fall.” ~ RA Parent
Quote 10 - Alum
"I just started the Robotics Club, am taking all the honors classes, as well as taking an independent study course on computer programming. Last year I made the Honor Roll both semesters. I am very thankful for the opportunities that Ridgefield Academy has given me." ~ Alum
Quote 9 - Alum
"Ridgefield Academy prepared me very well for high school at Greens Farms Academy - both in the classroom and on the field. I was able to take the advanced math class Algebra 2 as a freshman as well as Biology Honors. Señora Brooks prepared me very well for conversational Spanish that allowed me to fit right in with my Honors Spanish class." ~ Alum
Quote 12 - Phillips Exeter
"RA Students are poised and prepared." ~ Phillips Exeter
Quote 13 - Hotchkiss School
"RA students are strong leaders, curious, risk-takers" ~ Hotchkiss School
Quote 14 - Brooks School
"RA students are very well prepared academically. They are well rounded, talented and work well with adults." ~ Brooks School
Quote 16 - Ethel Walker School
"They are strong, independent, and well prepared." ~ The Ethel Walker School
Quote 17 - Parent
"When I look at my four kids, each one of them is so different and yet each one is thriving at this school. For me I think it is because Ridgefield Academy enables each of them to find their own personal best and live that every day - and I think that happens when children are valued and supported as they are at this school." ~ RA Parent
Quote 18 - Parent
"As well as being valued, my children are supported at Ridgefield Academy. And because they are supported, they challenge themselves, they take risks, they try new things that they never thought they could do and that’s something that’s been particularly special to us in our time at this school.” ~ RA Parent
Our dreamers ultimately become accomplished thinkers, leaders, change makers, scientists, artists, and so much more.
