Ohio’s oldest co-educational, non-sectarian independent day school.
About Us
Welcome from the
Head of School
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Ridgewood School, the light of learning! As you peruse our site, you will discover the value of the Ridgewood experience. Walk through our halls and you can find our rich history of alums such as Caro Bayley Bosca, a WASP trained pilot of her time. She was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame in Ohio in the early ’90s. Caro was a true champion for women in aviation. A little further down you find Jane Bayley Hollenbeck, another amazing lady who had great passion for the arts and academics; through her philanthropy she supported many Springfield projects. I encourage you to visit our school and walk through our hall of accomplished Alums.
As we enter our second century, Ridgewood continuously evolves, soaring to new heights. Ridgewood provides its students with a treasure trove of opportunities in its differentiated curriculum that not only focuses on traditional academics but also infuses the arts, with the incorporation of twice weekly classes in art and music beginning at Kindergarten. We are also the only school in Springfield that offers Spanish starting at the Kindergarten level. Our students begin learning about computers and keyboarding skills at the same time as they start writing. We provide our students opportunities to participate in Science Fairs, Writing Competitions, Spelling, Geography and History Bees. With our small class sizes and differentiated instruction, Ridgewood graduates are ensured a strong foundation for high school and beyond.
Ridgewood School thrives with the committed support of our faculty, staff and parents. Together we embody the Ridgewood family. It is my mission to cultivate relationships within our school community, so that all of us feel a part of this school family. I am also committed to ensuring that Ridgewood provides the highest quality instruction in a supportive learning environment.
This website only provides a glimpse into our school; to get the complete picture you should schedule a visit.
Best Wishes,
Aliya Ranginwala
Head of School
Ridgewood School creates a vibrant and personalized learning environment that cultivates the intellect, creativity, and character of our students.
Mission
Ridgewood alumni excel in learning, achieve in life, and engage in the global community.
Vision
Values
Joy of Learning, Academic Excellence, Diversity, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Leadership, Citizenship, Engaging the Whole Child
Our History
Originally called ‘The Little School in the Woods,’ Ridgewood School has built a solid foundation for grades K-8 based on the philosophies of its founding fathers: the Bretney, Kelly, Martin, Miller and Wallace families. The school opened its doors in 1919 when a local bank loaned the money to open the school at the corner of North Fountain Boulevard and Harding Road. Stock options were sold to those who supported the idea of private education. The land was donated by the Kissell Real Estate Company. In 1962, the school moved to the current location at 2420 Saint Paris Pike. This open farmland was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Matthews, in memory of a founding father, Mr. Fred M. Wallace.
In 2018, thanks to the generosity of alumni and loyal supporters, Ridgewood opened the Jane P.B. and Peter Hollenbeck Preschool.
Through the years, Ridgewood graduates have remained loyal to their alma mater, sending their own children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren through the same rigorous educational process that they experienced as youngsters. It is a joy to hear the many Ridgewood success stories and memories treasured by some of the earliest graduates who carry with them the friendships that connected them and bonded them for a lifetime.
Recently, Ridgewood School received commendations from both The Ohio State Senate and The Ohio House of Representatives. Legislators proclaimed Ridgewood as the Oldest Co-Educational Independent Day School in Ohio, established in 1919, and praised the school for its continued commitment to instilling a love, desire and dedication to scholastics, global diversity, and academic achievement. That commitment is so strong many alumni lay claim to valedictorian and salutatorian status at their high school graduation.
Our Philosophy
Ridgewood is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory school for students Pre K-8. Our Mission is to create a vibrant and personalized learning environment that cultivates the intellect, creativity, and character of our students. Graduates are prepared to excel in learning, achieve in life, and engage the global community.
We believe that learning is an active process in which students, teachers, and families are all engaged, one in which students are encouraged to explore their strengths and interests, and develop their critical reasoning skills. In our Pre-K, we engage students with a well-rounded, child-centered, differentiated approach to education. Beginning in Kindergarten, we lay the foundation for our rigorous college preparatory curriculum that follows in grades 1-8. As a result, Ridgewood graduates are confident and well-prepared for the demands of high school, college, and their futures.
Our college preparatory program balances an award-winning STEM curriculum with exciting opportunities in the visual and performing arts, foreign language education, service-learning and an emphasis on oral and written communication. Student learning takes place in the classroom and in extra-curricular programs such as Science Club, Makerspace, Power of the Pen, and the winter musical where students are actively involved in performing and all aspects of behind the scenes production. The Ridgewood program encourages creativity, collaboration, and community engagement while preparing students for 21st-century problem solving.
As important to Ridgewood as its pedagogy is its community. We believe that a strong community of learners is one in which students learn and grow with each other and from each other, building a strong appreciation for teamwork and collaboration. Our community not only honors, but celebrates its diversity, and strongly values social justice and community service. In these ways we prepare our students to be the next generation of citizens and leaders.
Finally, Ridgewood is committed to the social and emotional growth of its students through intentional character education. With our traditions such as Morning Assembly, Citizen of the Month, community service, student mentorship, and school-wide celebrations of diversity, we are nurturing not only the intellect of our students, but their character as well.
Board approved January 17, 2019
Accreditation
What is ISACS?
ISACS is the Independent School Association of the Central States. It is an organization that provides external validation of school quality. Its accreditation assures that a school is operating at the highest level possible.
More specifically, its accreditation process validates that the school has met more than fifty standards of best practice for independent education, confirms that the school subscribes to principles of good practice in admissions and employment, and attests that the school has a fully developed and disclosed mission and philosophy of education and that its programs are in congruence with that mission and philosophy.
Ridgewood School is one of only 33 independent elementary and middle schools in Ohio to have earned ISACS accreditation.
RIDGEWOOD AT A GLANCE
Small Class Sizes
Our average class size is 14 students for each teacher. We believe this allows each student to have the one on one time that they deserve.
Strong Core Curriculum
We provide an array of extra-curricular activities that supports the curriculum and strengthens the character of our students.
Excellence Driven
Students consistently earn high awards in Power of the Pen, Science Fair, the D.A.R. Essay Contest, and more!
Ridgewood aims to create a learning environment that
celebrates diversity, fosters respect, and expects integrity. Our
drive towards equity, diversity, and inclusion is intentional.
Summer Enrichment Program
Offers a three-week summer enrichment program. We not only want our students to shine academically, but to discover and explore their other talents as well.
Community Focus
Our students are required to achieve 30 hours of service before graduation, with the majority achieving levels far beyond that.
Board of Trustees
Trustees of the Ridgewood School Association are nominated by the Board Nominating Committee and elected at the June board meeting. Elected Trustees serve for a three-year term and may serve two consecutive terms.
Trustees play an invaluable role in helping direct the school’s resources to ensure a strong, vital future. In 2022, the Board, parents and staff developed a strategic plan for just that purpose. You may download the plan here.
BOARD MEMBERS
2024-2025
Afshan Ahmed Syed '83, President
Marta Wojcik, Vice President
Adam Russell, Treasurer
Christine Reynolds, Secretary (non-voting)
C. William Brougher
Randall Comer, JD
Heather Cunningham
Melissa Hallmark
Sayed Tariq Rizvi, MD
Margaret Roark
Kathryn Rogers
Scott A. Thacker '69
BOARD MINUTES
March 2023
DOCUMENTS
FAQs
What kind of school is Ridgewood School?
Ridgewood is an independent, coeducational, non-profit, non-sectarian day school. We are Ohio’s oldest independent private school. We serve grades PreK through Eight.
Where is Ridgewood
School located?
Ridgewood School is nestled within a five-acre wooded campus in Springfield, Ohio and located off Saint Paris Pike. Specific location and directions are available here.
What are the facilities like?
Ridgewood School is situated in a beautiful private and wooded five-acre setting adjacent to the Springfield Country Club Golf Course on the northwest area of Springfield, Ohio. The facility is unique in that students have access to a nature/science lab, a Learning Garden, a nicely equipped playground, outdoor tennis courts, paved basketball and four-square areas, and an outdoor stage. All classrooms have computers, and new smartboards have recently been implemented for hands-on instruction.
What is the total enrollment?
The enrollment capacity of Ridgewood School is 176 students. The school serves students in grades PreK through eight. Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 18 students per grade.
What time does school start?
Ridgewood School begins each day at 7:55am. The day ends at 2:55pm.
Is my child required to buy lunch?
Students may purchase a school lunch or bring a packed lunch from home.
What is Ridgewood School’s average class size?
Average class size at is 14 students per class. Maximum class size at Ridgewood School is 18 students.
How many faculty and staff are employed at Ridgewood?
Ridgewood School assigns one teacher per classroom. In addition, the school offers a specialized curriculum that includes tutoring, art, music, Spanish, computer applications, library skills, and physical education. These areas are taught by additional faculty members.
How diverse is Ridgewood?
Ridgewood strives and achieves a diverse student population that crosses all socio-economic, cultural, racial and sectarian boundaries that includes a wide variety of individual life experiences. A diverse education at Ridgewood means nurturing a belief in the dignity of each individual and teaching children to understand different perspectives, the importance of historical viewpoint, and the existence of individual and group bias. Students learn to question and critique the variety of beliefs and interpretations they encounter within the curriculum, the School, and the wider community. Ridgewood prepares students to participate responsibly as citizens of a global community that struggles with issues of truth, justice, fairness, and equality.
What geographic area does Ridgewood serve?
Ridgewood School attracts students from Springfield, Clark County, and surrounding areas within southwestern Ohio.
Does Ridgewood School have extra-curricular activities?
Ridgewood School provides a variety of excellent extra-curricular programs. Many students participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities provided outside of Ridgewood.
Does Ridgewood School have outside field trips for its students?
Ridgewood School augments instruction with pertinent field trips. Field trips are scheduled throughout the school year.
Is transportation available for students?
Transportation for students residing within areas that feed the Springfield/Clark County school districts are provided transportation to Ridgewood by the public school bus system.
Where do students go after graduating from Ridgewood?
Many of our students enroll in local public and private schools after Ridgewood graduation. Within the last fifteen years, sixteen Ridgewood graduates have been valedictorians and salutatorians at their graduating high schools. Some of our graduates enroll in private boarding schools outside of the Clark County, Ohio area and outside of the state.
Does Ridgewood School provide after school care?
Ridgewood School offers an excellent after-care program for its students. After-care is available daily when school is in session at a cost of $3 per hour per child.