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An energetic buzz filled the air as 143 students entered their classrooms, happy to reunite as a school community. An additional 141 students, from preschool through grade three, joined the student body on Wednesday.
Ridgefield Academy, founded in 1975, moved to its current Ridgefield campus in 1999. Over the years the school has grown, taking on satellite preschools in Redding and Westport and Bedford, N.Y.
The Ridgefield campus itself continues to develop, adding new programs and enhancements, annually. This year, in addition to extended foreign language offerings, the school has also revitalized its Innovation Lab and added a Tinker Lab. Created for upper and lower grades, respectively, both labs encourage students to learn about science and technology concepts through “doing.” Creative problem solving will be emphasized, a skill that the faculty believes is crucial to every student’s success.
Also new this year is the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. The Center will focus on continually assessing and evolving the curriculum to best meet those changes, particularly through STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Ongoing support and guidance will be given to the school’s faculty regarding student needs, program enhancements and teacher development.
Continued attention will be paid to the school’s already existing focal points: strong writing and public speaking programs; a commitment to physical fitness and mindful eating; character development through service learning; and building a strong, caring community. Between this existing foundation and the school’s new additions to the curriculum, both faculty and staff seem eager to take the plunge into a new year of learning.
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