Kindergarten at Ridgefield Academy

KINDERGARTEN AT RA

dreamers become thinkers.

why choose kindergarten at Ridgefield Academy?

AT OUR CORE

INTENTIONAL CONNECTEDNESS

At Ridgefield Academy, the concept of intentional connectedness is built into academics and beyond. It is our way of fostering a caring, collaborative school community that broadens student horizons both academically and socially.

JOYFUL LEARNING

We believe that celebrating childhood at every stage is key in developing lifelong learners. Ridgefield Academy nurtures each child’s natural inclination toward curiosity and the spirit of joyful discovery as students develop essential academic, collaborative, creative, and leadership skills.

AUTHENTICALLY SELF-ASSURED KIDS

Ridgefield Academy encourages students to form their own authentic identities as they learn to be confident leaders, creative problem-solvers, and public speakers. Our students go on to become strong self-advocates and accomplished scholars who make a great impact in their chosen fields.

PROGRAM BASICS

Experienced, Dedicated Teachers

Maximum 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Five Days | 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM

Before- and After-School Programs Available

Regular Observation and Developmental Assessment of Students

Strong School-Family Partnership and Communication

A Close-Knit Community

Engaging Curricular Program that Fosters Joyful Learning, Mutual Respect, and Curiosity

not just a school, a community

MAKING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Over the years, we have developed special programs and traditions that foster close relationships among students, teachers, and parents. Our warm and engaging school community is built on a solid foundation of shared values. At every stage, we model and reinforce the principles of respect, responsibility, fairness, and service to others. Through a variety of community service activities, our students learn that they can make a positive difference in the world around them.

A COMMUNITY BUILT ON TRADITION

Students Ring the Patriot Bell on Their First and Last Day at Ridgefield Academy

Weekly All-School Assembly (Led By Grade 8 Students)

Monthly Preschool and Lower School Assembly (Led By Grade 3 Students)

Annual Music and Theater Performances

Community Events Including Bingo Night, Movie Night, Halloween Parade, Grandparents & Special Friends Day, Field Day, and Patriot Weekend

Family and Friend Guest Readers/Presenters

Grade 8 Graduation Where Kindergarten Students Escort Their Buddy to Their Seat

fostering lifelong learning

A CURRICULUM BUILT ON WONDER

Ridgefield Academy’s comprehensive curriculum is designed to enable students to discover their strengths and make the most of their talents within the school community and beyond. Flexibility, versatility, and confidence are influential to future success in a world defined by rapid change and evolution. Students learn core skills and how to adapt and enhance those skills to meet the challenges ahead. RA’s inclusive teaching methods and small class sizes afford our students a unique opportunity to test and stretch their imaginations, unleashing academic excellence while fostering joyful learning.

DEVELOPING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

Ridgefield Academy’s public speaking program cultivates confidence, leadership, and effective communication strategies. Students are given ample opportunities to practice these skills beginning with our youngest grades.

SPECIAL SUBJECT INSTRUCTION

Special subjects contribute to a well-rounded education that nurtures not only academic skills but also social, emotional, and physical well-being in young learners.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

RA‘s physical education program is designed to help children explore spatial orientation, refine their motor skills, and develop hand-eye coordination, body awareness, balance, and rhythm. Through these exercises, students gain a variety of physical, cognitive, and affective skill sets. (Three times per week.)

WORLD LANGUAGE

Students are introduced to the Spanish language and culture through immersive activities, including puppets, games, movement, and singing to Spanish music, which will help them learn correct pronunciation, vocabulary, and comprehension. (Two times per week.)

SCIENCE

Our dynamic science lab provides students with the skills and tools to experience hands-on learning. Engaging lessons build confidence and enthusiasm while children learn the fundamentals of science. (One time per week.)

SPECIAL SUBJECT INSTRUCTION (CONT’D)

MUSIC

Students have opportunities to experiment with a variety of instruments, improvise melodies, and respond to music through movement. They embrace the relationship between music and other disciplines, such as counting and the alphabet, and experience aural examples of various cultures and historical periods. (Two times per week.)

ART

For young children, the process of making art is more important than the final product. While our students learn basic skills for painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture, they also are making discoveries about the world. In addition, children often talk as they create, making this a wonderful way to facilitate emergent language and creative thinking. (Two times per week.)

TECHNOLOGY

Through creative and diverse digital arts projects that align with classroom curriculum, students not only deepen their understanding of academic subjects but also cultivate proficiency in coding and becoming good digital citizens - essential skills for today’s technologically-driven academic landscape. (Two times per week.)

LIBRARY STUDIES

Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of library navigation and organization. They learn the difference between fiction and non-fiction works and develop a love of listening to, and eventually reading, books. This early introduction lays the groundwork for the development of essential research skills, empowering students to navigate resources effectively and conduct inquiries with confidence as they progress in their academic journey. (One time per week.)

invested in your child

PERSONALIZED LEARNING FROM THE START

The development of the whole child is very important to us at Ridgefield Academy. We foster social and emotional growth as much as academic learning. Teachers take the time to work with each child individually, assessing their unique needs and helping them navigate situations that arise in an age-appropriate way. We believe that the parent/school relationship is paramount, so we work closely with parents to ensure a strong partnership between school and home.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS AND OFFERINGS

On & Off Campus Field Trips

Kindergarten/Grade 8 Buddy Program

Nutritious Lunch and Snack Provided Daily, Including “Meatless Mondays” and “International Wednesdays” Featuring Meals from Around the World

After-school Enrichment Clubs

Summer Camp