On Wednesday, June 10, Ridgefield Academy proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026. This ceremony marked the culmination of years of growth, learning, and leadership for the school’s 19 eighth-grade graduates. 

A hallmark of the Ridgefield Academy graduation ceremony is the opportunity for every graduate to step up to the podium and deliver a speech to classmates, families, faculty, and friends. This tradition reflects the school’s longstanding commitment to developing confident, effective public speakers, a skill that students begin cultivating in their earliest years in the Landmark Preschool and continue refining throughout their time at RA. 

Each graduate’s speech offered a unique reflection on their Ridgefield Academy experience, highlighting memories, lessons learned, hopes for the future, and moments of academic and personal growth. Together, the speeches painted a picture of a class defined by curiosity, resilience, community, and gratitude. 

“An unexpected mentor came from school, in the form of a math teacher who saw the potential in me before I fully saw it in myself,” shares Arya S. “Through [Dr. Pokrinchak’s] support, I gained additional math skills and the confidence to keep pushing toward a goal that had once felt impossible to reach: to be ready for Algebra II when I start high school.” 

Simon L. reflected on discovering his passions through the curriculum at RA and how these experiences shaped his future. “At RA, I discovered a version of myself I never expected to find, and I think everyone should have the chance to do the same,” he said.  

These moments showcased not only the students’ accomplishments but also their ability to communicate thoughtfully and authentically before a large audience, honoring the experiences, relationships, and lessons that have shaped them here. 

After sharing their reflections and words of gratitude from the podium and receiving their diplomas, the graduates marked the conclusion of the ceremony with Ridgefield Academy's signature confetti toss, a joyful celebration of the students’ achievements and the beginning of their next chapter.

As they exited the Graduation Garden, each student paused to ring the Patriot Bell one final time. The Patriot Bell is rung on students’ very first day at Ridgefield Academy, marking the beginning of their educational journey. Ringing it again at graduation serves as a meaningful bookend, a reminder of how far they have come since that first day on campus. 

As the final echoes of the Patriot Bell faded and the white confetti drifted to the ground, the Class of 2026 departed West Mountain ready for their next chapters, carrying with them the confidence, character, and communication skills they developed throughout their years at Ridgefield Academy.

This fall, these students will continue their academic journeys at Brien McMahon High School, Canterbury School, Fairfield Preparatory School, The Frederick Gunn School, Hopkins School, John Jay High School, Ridgefield High School, St. Luke’s School, Wilton High School, and Wooster School.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!