RIDGEFIELD ACADEMY/LANDMARK PRESCHOOL CELEBRATES 50TH YEAR OF EDUCATION
While every first day of school is special, this year marks a significant milestone for Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool (RA/LP). The preschool - Grade 8 day school in Ridgefield, CT, with satellite preschools in Westport, CT, and Bedford, NY, is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary year. The festivities began the first day of school, carrying out the traditions that reflect RA/LP's rich history and promising future. K-8 students were greeted by a campus decorated with balloons and banners, and faculty and staff eagerly welcoming them back. Newly promoted eighth graders cheered, opened car doors, and walked students into their new classrooms.
On Wednesday, the excitement extended to Landmark Preschool, as the school’s youngest learners experienced their first day of school. The entire K-8 community gathered for the first assembly of the year, and Head of School Tom Main described the new year as filled with “palpable energy.”
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he community enthusiastically supported the Class of 2025 as they stepped forward to assume their roles as the student leaders of the school. Main spoke directly to the class, reminding them of their responsibilities and encouraging each student to exemplify true leadership through kindness and respect.
“Real leadership is humbling, and great leaders are selfless,” he stated. “Be the kindest and most respectful group that has ever gone through the school. If you fall short, you have unlimited opportunities to start over.”
A highlight of the assembly was the induction of new kindergarten students into the RA/LP community, symbolized by the ringing of the Patriot Bell—a tradition that signifies their official welcome. Kindergartners were also paired with their Grade 8 Buddies, establishing connections that will be nurtured throughout the year.
Prior to the opening of school, Main commemorated the anniversary with a welcoming video message, tracing the school’s evolution from its founding in 1975. RA/LP has been part of the Ridgefield community since 1999, when the school moved to its current home in Ridgefield’s West Mountain Historic District and changed its name to integrate with the town.
With a fall gala planned to mark the occasion, RA/LP community eagerly anticipates all of the celebrations to come this year.
To learn more about Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool, families are invited to attend the Kindergarten to Grade 5 open house on Saturday, October 19th, from 9:30 to 11:00 am.