Congratulations, Ridgefield Academy Class of 2024!
Ridgefield Academy is thrilled to recognize the outstanding achievements of the graduating Class of 2024. Having completed the secondary school placement process, these 31 students will soon cross the stage in the Graduation Garden and ring the Patriot Bell, marking the culmination of their Ridgefield Academy journeys. This accomplished group will attend a variety of strong secondary schools, including boarding, day, and local public schools.
The Class of 2024 was accepted to the following schools:
Berkshire School (MA)
Brunswick School (CT)
Canterbury School (CT)
Dublin School (NH)
Emma Willard School (NY)
Fairfield College Prep School (CT)
Greens Farms Academy (CT)
Harvey School (NY)
Hopkins School (CT)
Immaculate High School (CT)
Joel Barlow High School (CT)
King School (CT)
Lauralton Hall (CT)
Lawrenceville School (NJ)
Loomis Chaffee School (CT)
Millbrook School (NY)
Milton Academy (MA)
New Fairfield High School (CT)
New Hampton School (NH)
New Milford High School (CT)
Newtown High School (CT)
Northfield Mount Hermon (MA)
Phillips Academy Andover (MA)
Pomfret School (CT)
Ridgefield High School (CT)
Rye Country Day School (NY)
Salisbury School (CT)
South Kent School (CT)
St. Joseph’s High School (CT)
St. Luke’s School (CT)
Taft School (CT)
The Frederick Gunn School (CT)
The Hill School (PA)
The Lawrenceville School (NJ)
Westminster School (CT)
Williston Northampton (MA)
Wilton High School (CT)
While it is challenging to envision the campus and community without this exceptional group of students, Ridgefield Academy faculty, staff, families, and friends take pride in witnessing the transformation of the eighth graders as they become young adults.
Over the course of the 2023-24 school year, the Class of 2024 has served as the student leaders of RA’s preschool - Grade 8 community. Each eighth grader has made immense strides as learners, not only in the classroom but also on the field, on stage, and in both their local and global communities. They have grown in confidence while leading all-school assemblies and delivering speeches in front of their peers. Additionally, each member of the Class of 2024 has created lasting memories and formed a special bond with a Kindergarten “Buddy,” who will escort them down the aisle to their commencement ceremony.
Every year, Ridgefield Academy conducts a comprehensive high-school placement process, partnering closely with families and helping each student find the high school that is the best fit. The high-school selection process officially begins in the fall of a student’s seventh-grade year, when RA welcomes more than 50 independent and day schools to campus for the High School Admissions Fair.
In addition to student and parent meetings with Head of Middle and Upper School Clinton Howarth, RA offers a High School Bound class to prepare students for navigating the academic and social landscapes of high school. In the fall, the class refines student writing skills for their applications, practices interviewing, and reviews test-taking strategies for the Secondary School Admission Test.
As students complete their applications and commit to schools, the focus shifts to the broader experience of high school. Presented with questions such as, “What is it like to be in high school? What part of your identity do you want to maintain, and what parts of your identity do you want to change?” students have the opportunity to think about who they will be next year. The class also encourages students to consider how the types of classes they will take, such as honors and/or Advanced Placement courses, will impact their future, and how they will balance academic requirements with personal interests and extracurricular activities. In addition to looking forward to high school, the class offers a space for reflection on students’ formative years at RA while they craft and practice their graduation speeches.
During the commencement ceremony, each member of the Class of 2024 will share their individual narrative in a hallmark moment at graduation. Before embarking on the next chapter of their academic endeavors, the entire community will celebrate the unique paths that have led each graduate to this moment.
To learn more about Ridgefield Academy or schedule a tour, visit https://www.ridgefieldacademy.org/