"Everyone at Ridgefield Academy supports one another which makes our community such a loving and inspiring place to be."
Patriot Blog
"Our school community took on the challenges faced by a global pandemic and adapted as necessary. "
"The RA Community has provided me with some of the best friends I could ask for."
"Being seen and heard at RA is what makes this community so important to me."
"When I am with my Ridgefield Academy Community I feel safe, connected, and supported."
"I challenge all of you to do at least one act of service that will help someone else and take the responsibility for shaping a stronger community through caring for others."
Lifer Griffin J. talks about the smaller communities within the larger PS - Grade 8 school community at RA.
Clancy Healy, Manager of the Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement at Ridgefield Academy, talks about the philanthropy.
“'What you give today you get tomorrow' a saying by Matshona Dhliwayo, an author born in Zimbabwe, Africa, is just one way I might describe my trip to Africa in 2017."
Emily shares her thoughts on entering the RA community in 5th grade
In my almost 10 years at RA, what has always stuck with me throughout is the community.
Kiran speaks to students about the power of communities and their importance in our lives.
By sharing his interest in magic, Kai made connections in the RA community.
Beibhinn speaks to the school community about inclusion, kindness, and celebrating differences.
Head of Middle and Upper Schools Clinton Howarth addressed the faculty and students with words of inspiration and a story about his alarm clock.
Grade 1 students researched a country of their choosing and presented their research during an online fair.
In her last Counselor's Corner series for the school year, Terry Williams gives strategies for emotional regulation.
With the heartbreaking loss of the spring athletic season, Athletic Director Beth MacInnes and Coach Brendan Carney have worked hard to provide team members with a well-rounded experience.
In her last book review for RA, Librarian Gail Heaslip shares Susan Hood's story about a young girl growing up in a town built on a landfill in Paraguay.
Grade 6 students were transported to the year 1928 and the mountains of North Carolina by reading Dovey Coe, written by Frances O’Roark Dowell.
Incorporating a mindfulness practice into your day doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming, and the benefits far outweigh the effort.
Parenting during normal times can be challenging but parenting during a global health crisis can be downright difficult. School Counselor Terry Williams offers tips to practice self-care during COVID-19.
Henrik S. spoke about joyful learning being a key to getting a good education.
As the weeks in quarantine continue, it is becoming increasingly difficult for all of us to stay motivated and to keep our kids focused. School Counselor Terry Williams offers helpful tips.
History students were offered an intimate glimpse of the Second World War through the personal letters written by Captain Stanley Rand, Jr., to his wife, Rachel.
As one of the last Grade 8 students to give an Assembly speech this year, Jodie F. speaks about learning what integrity means to her through her time at RA.
As we enter into a new month of remote learning, it is important to reflect on how children are adapting to this new learning environment, how we are faring as individuals and parents, and where we are as a community.
Our students begin engaging in our signature public speaking program as early as three years of age.
Charlotte D. spoke about loneliness, a common theme during this time of social distancing. Enjoy Charlotte's story and her advice for handling loneliness.
This is a story of the mutual bond of affection that exists between Jessica and her dog Rescue as well as the amazing abilities of service dogs.
Yes, there can be a silver lining to the Covid-19 crisis! Kids can learn some very important life skills and coping strategies that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.
'Life is about growing even from something that seems as simple as a bus ride," said Andrew during his speech on perseverance.
School Counselor Terry Williams provides advice for coping with regressive behavior in children due to the coronavirus.
Abby S. shares a story about how her teachers have empowered her at RA.
Licensed School Counselor Terry Williams offers parents and caregivers tips for supporting children during the Covid-19 crisis.
School Counselor Terry Williams writes on the topic of disappointment and sadness and offers ways for parents and children to handle these emotions.
Owen shares the importance of having someone who can help you through a problem.
Laurie E. spoke about developing confidence by taking a risk with the encouragement of her teachers and classmates.
"As an 8th grade leader, I have learned that integrity is important to have because the younger grades will look up to you to do the right thing," said Lily.
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar is a gorgeous celebration of diversity and fitting in at a new school.
Alex S. credits RA for giving her the confidence to follow her passion and audition for Master Chef Junior.
A book for times "when things make you think about what really matters."
Libby C. reflects on all the life skills she has learned through a decade of attending school at RA.
Libby spoke about working through fear to pursue excellence in equestrianism.
Caroline B. spoke about how the ability to show kindness and compassion is an important life skill.
An enchanting book about a boy who does not want to spend the summer at his grandmother's home by the river.
Lucy B. spoke about finding her passion for community service and lacrosse, simply by trying something new.
Typing Class is a thing of the past thanks to the Lower School Technology’s curriculum.
Allie C. spoke about the value of kindness and challenged the audience members to try and be kind and the best they can be.
At RA, dreamers become thinkers. But first, one has to develop the capacity to dream. Dr. Martin Luther King has given us a powerful example of what it means to dream through his legacy as a civil rights leader. It is this legacy that RA students have been studying over the past few weeks, in preparation for honoring MLK Day.
There is no question that the world children grow up in today is drastically different than the one that their parents and teachers inhabited, and there is no doubt that digital technology has changed the way we all live and interact. How can we help our kids navigate this new world?
How does one manage the intricacies of technology in a learning environment? Depend on a talented Technology System Administrator.
Trilby C. spoke about the role confidence played in her wild decision to join the wrestling team.
At Ridgefield Academy we are crafting a developmentally-appropriate learning experience for our students, one that challenges them to grow and develop as learners and people in a caring and nurturing environment; one that understands that middle school actually matters.
Lilly H. presented the first speech of 2020 during Morning Assembly. She spoke about pursuing excellence even through discouragement.
This picture book biography follows the explorer and fossil-hunter, Sue Hendrickson, from her childhood days as a shy, curious little girl to her career as a paleontologist.
The holiday season offers many opportunities for our students and families to share their time, money, and talents to help others through our Service Learning Program.
Your Annual Fund gifts make our Service Learning curriculum possible.
Pursuing excellence through running was the topic of Abigail's speech.
Will G. spoke about developing perseverance and self confidence by competing in Cross Country.
On Giving Tuesday, RA focused on camradery and community by asking for your RA story.
In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, our librarians present two books that are new to the RA Library.
Grade 2 students are learning to finger knit and will teach their grandparents this fabulous craft.
Students enjoy a lively literary discussion.
Mrs. West presents mathematical pickles for Grade 3 students to solve.
US science students go beyond "cookbook" experiments and write their own having to do with bean seed germination and growth.
RA Librarians review The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rainforest.
Director of The Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning, Basil Kolani reflects on a movement involving some high profile names in the math education world towards data fluency and away from the "geometry sandwich," the traditional progression from Algebra I to Geometry to Algebra II.
Grade 1 teachers Danielle Getchell and Audra Cartelli have brought a social studies lesson on communities to life in a significant way for their students.
RA Librarians review A Green Place to Be.
I wanted to share with you some reading that the faculty, staff, and senior administration did this summer. As you know, we are serious about our professional growth and development. We want to learn and grow constantly, and model a genuine growth mindset. As the world does not stand still, the profession of education does not stand still, and so we embrace our role as lifelong learners.
As children grow in a world filled with technology, it is more important than ever to nurture kindness in our children and to encourage their natural leadership and problem-solving abilities.
JOIN US FOR OUR TOUCH A TRUCK EVENT SATURDAY, JUNE 1 FROM 9AM UNTIL 11AM!
Director of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, Basil Kolani shares his thoughts on challenging conventional education.
As part of this year’s continued development of the student experience, our Board of Trustees led a process to review and revise our school’s mission statement.
Head of School Tom Main speaks to past and present environmental stewardship measures take by Ridgefield Academy, including the installation of new solar panels.
Our Fun For Ones program was created for our youngest “students” who are always on the move and discovering the world around them. Fun For Ones is a great way for parents (or caregiver) and children to explore a preschool environment together.
Doug Lyons shares his 15th - and final - essay on the value of Independent School education. Don't be fooled by the title, the central thesis is that independent schools have never been more important in American education.
Director of The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning Basil Kolani shares how recent public events sparked his own thoughts on how RA empowers their students.
Since the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning was founded three years ago, Ridgefield Academy has been talking about innovation. But what does innovation actually mean?
At RA, we value our close community and it is reinforced by the amazing events we have throughout the year that bring us all together. One such event is the annual Campout for families in Grades 1-3. Read all about it here!
While the idea of stacking a few blocks on top of one another may seem quite simple, block play is actually a wonderful launch pad for a variety of sophisticated skill sets.
Mrs. Heaslip and Mrs. Buchan, our fabulous Ridgefield Academy librarians, are excited to share their featured book for May!
In anticipation of the RA5K event in May, Jim Heus, Head of School shares his experience and thoughts on his love of running.
Mrs. Heaslip and Mrs. Buchan, our fabulous Ridgefield Academy librarians, are excited to share their featured book for April!
Whether or not to send your child to kindergarten is a concern for many parents. We all want our children to succeed and whether or not you choose to put your child in kindergarten can have a significant influence on their success in school and beyond.
David Kirp from the New York Times discusses how a strong Pre-K program can have long term value.
RA Head of School Jim Heus shares his thoughts on a recent NPR article that focuses on the importance of the early investment in education and how it will best position children for future success.
Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools Douglas Lyons recently wrote an article that speaks to the value of an independent school education. At Ridgefield Academy, we have long recognized the fundamental way in which the independent school experience is different: a personalized, stimulating, and supportive approach to education with the goal of teaching children how to learn. And like Dr. Lyons, we know that the best time to foster a love of learning, curiosity, perseverance, and self confidence is in the early years. We invite you to read his latest post. |
At Ridgefield Academy we believe that learning to communicate effectively is an invaluable skill. Even as we pursue an ever-changing and forward thinking curriculum, we continue to hold true to this core belief.
National Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day is observed annually on September 13. Sponsored by the Young Chefs Academy (YCA), the purpose is to empower children to become more actively involved in the planning, preparation, and cooking of meals. The YCA is fostering family bonds and actively fighting the battle against the many serious health and social issues related to the eating habits of young people. Today, Chef Paul took a moment to share his thoughts on the advantages of cooking with children. #KidsTakeOverTheKitchenDay |