Announcements
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Ridgecroft Earns Strong Accreditation Review, Reinforcing Its Commitment to Excellence
Ridgecroft School is proud to share the results of its recent Cognia Accreditation Engagement Review, which confirms the [ ... ]Ridgecroft School is proud to share the results of its recent Cognia Accreditation Engagement Review, which confirms the school’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student-centered learning, and continuous improvement. Ridgecroft earned an Index of Education Quality® (IEQ) score of 298, which exceeds the Cognia network average and places the school well within the strong performance range and is being recommended for reaccreditation.
The review highlights a number of noteworthy strengths, including Ridgecroft’s exceptional learning environment. Students consistently reported feeling welcomed, supported, and safe, affirmed by high observation scores for well-managed and supportive classrooms. The culture of belonging and respect was cited as a key factor in student engagement and success.
In its summary, Cognia praised Ridgecroft School for its intentional cultivation of a school culture “grounded in positive relationships and meaningful support for every learner.” This includes a comprehensive system of academic and social-emotional supports, mental health partnerships, student leadership opportunities, and strong family engagement.
“This review reaffirms what we’ve always believed, that Ridgecroft is a place where students grow in knowledge, character, and confidence,” said Head of School Russell Johnson. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, families, and most of all, our students.”
The review team also commended Ridgecroft for:
-Embedding service learning, leadership, and character development into school life.
-Offering early academic interventions and tailored instruction aligned with state standards.
-Creating a safe, secure campus through collaboration with local first responders and thoughtful emergency planning.
-Providing robust college and career readiness opportunities, including internships and dual enrollment.
Focus Areas for Growth
-In the spirit of continuous improvement, the report identified three key areas where Ridgecroft will focus future efforts:
-Enhancing professional development in the use of data to guide instructional and organizational decisions
-Formalizing and documenting improvement processes to ensure measurable, sustainable progress across programs
-Expanding student voice and ownership in learning, helping learners reflect, set goals, and take an active role in their education
These recommendations are already being integrated into Ridgecroft’s ongoing strategic planning and professional learning initiatives.
Next Steps in the Accreditation Process
Ridgecroft’s accreditation recommendation will be reviewed by the Cognia Global Commission at its next quarterly meeting on June 25, 2025. The final accreditation status will be shared following that meeting.
Cognia also noted:
“In late August 2025… you will receive a final report with benchmark data, based on all schools and systems that completed an Accreditation Engagement Review under the current Performance Standards… Unless otherwise noted, the findings… will remain the same.”
This final report will provide national benchmarking and reaffirm Ridgecroft’s current results.
At Ridgecroft, accreditation is not just a milestone; it’s a mirror and a map. This review affirms the school’s strengths while lighting the path for growth. With a steadfast focus on nurturing students academically, socially, and emotionally, Ridgecroft remains committed to evolving, improving, and leading with purpose. As we build on this momentum, our entire community, faculty, students, families, and partners will continue working together to ensure every learner is equipped to thrive today and lead tomorrow. -
On the evening of May 30, Ridgecroft School proudly celebrated the commencement of the Class of 2025. Eighteen graduates [ ... ]On the evening of May 30, Ridgecroft School proudly celebrated the commencement of the Class of 2025. Eighteen graduates walked across the stage, marking the culmination of their years of hard work, growth, and shared memories.
The ceremony featured several meaningful contributions from students and faculty. The keynote address was delivered by Head of School, Mr. Russell Johnson, who was selected by the senior class as their speaker. In a heartfelt and reflective message, Mr. Johnson encouraged students to walk forward with purpose and gratitude, concluding with the traditional Irish blessing:
“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”
Valedictorian Avery Byrum offered a moving and thoughtful speech centered around perseverance and the value of community, drawing inspiration from her pastor, her grandfather, and the Ridgecroft family. She reminded her classmates:
“We must keep running the race... we cheer each other on. We are a team, this class is a team.”
She concluded with encouragement for the journey ahead:
“You must have faith in people, and most importantly, you must have faith in yourself. Keep on running, Class of 2025, this is just the beginning.”
Salutatorian Cameron Hewitt brought a message filled with individuality, humor, and honesty, reminding graduates that their lives are their own:
“You have one singular life, and it’s yours… Live life to its fullest.”
The evening was marked not only by celebration but also by reflection on the impact Ridgecroft has had on each graduate’s journey. As families, faculty, and friends looked on with pride, the Class of 2025 turned the page to a new chapter with confidence and hope.
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Supply Lists Are Now Available!Get a head start on the new school year; our 2025-2026 supply lists are now posted on our [ ... ]Supply Lists Are Now Available!
Get a head start on the new school year; our 2025-2026 supply lists are now posted on our website: ridgecroftschool.org/resources/supplies.cfm.Some teachers have also shared their Amazon Wishlists. Please feel free to support them as you're doing your back-to-school shopping. Every contribution makes a difference!
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Ridgecroft School announces the departures of four dedicated educators: Dawn Bowman, Mary Dilday, and Margaret Newbern, [ ... ]Ridgecroft School announces the departures of four dedicated educators: Dawn Bowman, Mary Dilday, and Margaret Newbern, who are retiring, and Heidi Bridgers, who is stepping away to help care for her grandson, Ryder.
Dawn Bowman has faithfully served Ridgecroft for 29 years, teaching 5th and 4th Grade, 2nd Grade, and working in both Academic Support and After School programs. Her passion for science was infectious, and her ability to make learning exciting and meaningful has left a lasting impression on generations of Ridgecroft students.
Mary Dilday has been a member of the Ridgecroft community since 1994. In her first year, she taught PE and second-grade reading and later led the Learning Lab for a semester. When the Preschool building opened, she began teaching Pre-K3 until taking time off following the birth of her daughter, Madison. Mary returned to Ridgecroft as the Communications and After School Director, a role she held for a year and a half. This past year, she resumed her work in the classroom, once again nurturing our youngest learners as a PreK-3 teacher.
Margaret Newbern has been a cornerstone of Ridgecroft’s Upper School for 34 years, teaching History, including AP US History, and Latin. Her passion for the humanities and her commitment to academic excellence have left an indelible mark on generations of students. It was timely that, in recognition of her profound impact, the senior class dedicated this year's yearbook to her, a testament to the respect and admiration she has earned throughout her tenure.
Heidi Bridgers has completed 24 years at Ridgecroft, with 22 of those in Academic Support and the last 2 years as a 1st Grade teacher. She is leaving to be more available to help care for her grandson, Ryder. Whether working one-on-one to support learners or leading a whole classroom, her guidance, steady presence, and deep understanding of how students grow and learn have made her an invaluable part of our school community.
“We are incredibly thankful for the legacy these educators leave behind,” said Head of School Russell Johnson. “Their care for students, their professionalism, and their passion for education have touched every corner of this campus. Ridgecroft is a better place because of them.”
Though their time at Ridgecroft has come to a close, the impact they have made will be felt for years to come. The entire Ram family wishes them well in this next chapter of their lives.
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The Ridgecroft Applications and Re-Enrollments are now open! Re-enrollment is completed by:1. Log into your family [ ... ]The Ridgecroft Applications and Re-Enrollments are now open!
Re-enrollment is completed by:
1. Log into your family portal
2. Click on Apply/Enroll on the left-hand side
3. Click Re-enrollment
4. Complete and submit the re-enrollment packet per student
5. Pay for the re-enrollment per student (if will direct you to a new screen)
6. The office will be notified via FACTS once the enrollment is complete
7. A contract for the 2025-26 school year will be sent for you to electronically sign per student (new this year)
8. Remember the contract will state the full amount with no scholarship award (if applicable), these will be applied at finalization
9. If you choose to change your payment option, I will call and verify your new choice before finalization
Any questions may be directed to the front office.