RIDGEFIELD ACADEMY The Intention Of Connection
The historic Lynch House
At Ridgefield Academy (RA), a co-ed independent day school ideally situated on 42 scenic acres in Ridgefield, CT, an integrated curriculum links the core branches of Preschool through Grade 8 academics with technology and a stimulating variety of enrichment activities, in a close-knit, supportive learning environment. This intentional educational connectedness, a distinguishing factor at RA and the foundation upon which its mission is built, enables students of all ages to discover their strengths, nurture their passions, and meaningfully engage within the school community. 142
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“The world is ever-changing and as such, the education that we provide should equip our children with the necessary skills to thrive in the future,” said David Suter, Associate Head of School and Director of Enrollment. “Our integrated curriculum blurs subject-matter lines and connects different areas of study, from arts to athletics to math to science to music, to create a flexible intellect and interactive activities that can be connected to real life.”
Students collaborating in the lobby of the historic Lynch House RIDGEFIELD ACADEMY
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Ridgefield Academy faculty see themselves as designers of student experiences that go beyond a traditional compartmentalized approach to education where different subjects are studied in isolation. Learning is collaborative and interactive, and every hallway and shared space is regularly used by small groups of students working on a new project or invention. To ensure that no opportunity for connection and collaboration is missed, every student at RA now works on their own Chromebook computer, giving teachers the opportunity to incorporate technology into their classes, and for students to become fluent using technology across the curriculum. The devices can be used to research a lesson topic, program robots, or create presentations for the school’s regular assemblies, which are led by younger and older students. Technology is even utilized in the school’s lunch program; students use iPads to order individualized, made-from-scratch, takeout-style meals, with more than 25 fresh food options. “Technology has a huge role in childhood learning because it’s a huge part of their life in general,” said Basil Kolani, Director of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. “It enables collaboration and communication, stimulates critical thinking, and supports public speaking, which is a cornerstone of the RA student experience.”
Students learning the photography composition “rule of thirds” in Technology class.
Connecting each aspect of education at Ridgefield Academy ensures a robust academic experience that builds on the natural curiosity of its students. The idea is to inspire learning rather than enforce it. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, exist as natural components of the RA’s overall program, and solidifies the school’s commitment to intentionally building and advancing an equitable and just school community that models respect and individuality. While the academic curriculum is rooted in fundamentals, it is consistently evolving to nurture the unique needs of each student and incorporate the most current studies on childhood learning. It is also connected to a broad range of extracurricular programming designed to express creativity, empower individuality, instill team building, and support the social-emotional growth of its students. These programs include music, drama, visual arts, digital arts, athletics, and health & wellness. RA also implemented Feel Good Friday, wherein Lower School students unite on the last Friday of each month to build relationships with each other, connect with teachers, and celebrate a month of hard work. In addition to its Ridgefield campus, the school operates Landmark Preschools in Westport, Connecticut and Bedford, New York. “The strength and connectedness of our programming is equally as important as the culture of kindness and collaboration in our school community. We understand the crucial role that we play in creating spirited individuals who are well-prepared for each stage of their education and beyond,” said Tom Main, Head of School. “Ridgefield Academy shares in our students’ aspirations and enthusiasm, and will enable each child to gain the knowledge and confidence they need to lead lives filled with promise.”
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