Ridgefield Academy is a leading PreschoolGrade 8 independent day school located on a scenic 42-acre campus in Ridgefield, CT.
Known for its nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong academic foundation, RA emphasizes character, creativity, and joy.
With programs in STEM, arts, languages, and athletics, students are supported as confident learners and kind leaders.
The school's close-knit community, individualized approach, and focus on social-emotional growth prepare graduates for success in top secondary schools and beyond.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked CT School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 448 students
- Yearly Tuition: $51,180
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Ridgefield Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1975
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
448 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
10%
State avg.: 31%
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
74%
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Khaki, White & Navy
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$51,180
Tuition Notes
Range: 29,120-42,465
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$13,791
Acceptance Rate
100%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
David Suter
Admissions Associate
Julie Alzapiedi
Endowment Size
$10 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
12 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts, Athletics, cooking, etc., STEM
Arts, Athletics, cooking, etc., STEM
School Notes
- Ridgefield Academy is a premier independent day school serving students in Preschool through Grade 8 on a beautiful 42-acre campus in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Our mission is to celebrate childhood, pursue excellence, and cultivate kindness - values that shape every aspect of the student experience.
- With small class sizes, expert faculty, and a nurturing environment, Ridgefield Academy offers a balanced, forward-thinking curriculum that emphasizes academic rigor, character development, creativity, and joy. Our signature PreschoolGrade 8 model ensures that students grow into confident, capable learners during their most formative years - without the social pressures of a high school environment.
- Students benefit from a broad and enriching program that includes STEM, visual and performing arts, world languages, athletics, and robust social-emotional learning. Leadership, collaboration, and curiosity are woven into each grade level, preparing students to thrive in top secondary schools and beyond.
- Rooted in strong relationships and a tight-knit community, RA partners closely with families and emphasizes individual strengths, differentiated instruction, and a deep respect for childhood. Our graduates are known for their intellectual agility, empathy, and ability to lead with purpose.
- Ridgefield Academy attracts families from over 30 towns across Connecticut and New York and offers flexible transportation and tuition assistance to support accessibility. Whether entering at the start of Preschool or transitioning mid-way through elementary or middle school, students at RA find a place where they are seen, challenged, and inspired to become their best selves.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ridgefield Academy cost?
Ridgefield Academy's tuition is approximately $51,180 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Ridgefield Academy?
The acceptance rate of Ridgefield Academy is 100%, which is higher than the national average of 70%.
Does Ridgefield Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Ridgefield Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Ridgefield Academy offer?
Ridgefield Academy offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Ridgefield Academy's ranking?
Ridgefield Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Ridgefield Academy?
The application deadline for Ridgefield Academy is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 2/15/2025
Our kids are having an exceptional experience at Ridgefield Academy. The school truly cares about each student. The teachers are friendly, helpful and genuinely want children to succeed. They go above and beyond as they inspire curiosity and kindness. We look forward to our children continuing their education in the years ahead.
5 1/18/2025
Ridgefield Academy has offered and delivered an education and environment above and beyond expectations. RA excels in academic structure and engagement, offers an inclusive community-based environment, and communicates well with both child and parent. The transition from the in-house Landmark preschool program to RA kindergarten was seamless and, upon reflection, crucial to a successful launch in our son's formal education. What differentiates RA from others is their emphasis on public speaking, the attentive teacher-student relationship, and fostering confidence and kindness in a child. And finally, a quick mention for the amazing parents association (RAPA), which actively supports the school in their ongoing missions. We highly recommend Ridgefield Academy.
5 1/18/2025
My daughter is currently in kindergarten at Ridgefield Academy (RA) and loves it there! We could not be happier with her experience so far. She is in a class with only 11 other kids, and within the first week or so, her teacher called us directly to get to know us better. This personal touch helped us feel like our daughter would be safe and cared for at school. We are in constant contact with the school, and within the last 5 months, the kids are already reading and doing basic math. I am so impressed with how much my child is learning and how wholesome and friendly the staff and other families are. They already have other specials in kindergarten, like technology, music, Spanish, and art, with teachers other than their main kindergarten teacher. We were oscillating between several other private schools in our area and are so happy we made the right choice by choosing RA. Look no further if you're looking for a school that cares about your child's emotional well-being and educational rigor.
5 1/18/2025
We have had a welcoming and wonderful experience since day one at RA. I have a son in lower school and a daughter in the Landmark program; both are enjoying their time at the school! RA is challenging and nurturing at the same time. My son comes home with appropriate things he enjoys doing, and we've been impressed with how involved his teacher and the faculty in general have been. Diversity and inclusivity are important to us as a family; the school has welcomed any suggestions I've offered and has introduced an afterschool Mandarin club to students. We love the community and highly recommend the school!
5 1/18/2025
We have had a welcoming and wonderful experience since day one at RA. I have a son in lower school and a daughter in the Landmark program; both are enjoying their time at the school! RA is challenging and nurturing at the same time. My son comes home with appropriate things he enjoys doing, and we've been impressed with how involved his teacher and the faculty in general have been. Diversity and inclusivity are important to us as a family; the school has welcomed any suggestions I've offered and has introduced an afterschool Mandarin club to students. We love the community and highly recommend the school!
5 11/3/2022
Highly recommend! We have two children in the lower school at RA. Our children love going to school each day! The teachers provide individualized instruction and create a warm safe environment, enabling our kids to stretch and take risks. We are thrilled with the social/emotional and academic progress our children have made at this school.
5 12/1/2021
RA is a very special place filled with love and kindness. I have a child in 2nd, 5th, and 6th grade who all enjoy learning and can`t wait to go to school, they truly love their school! The teachers challenge them and help each student on an individual level, helping them succeed at their highest potential. Every staff member knows every child and every student has respect for all of their classmates. This is a happy environment and the best place for a child to grow with confidence, kindness, and academic success. We love our RA family.
5 11/30/2021
Ridgefield Academy is a top-notch school nestled into a beautiful campus in Ridgefield, CT. The facilities, including the air quality, are clean and healthy. The staff and teachers are quite simply amazing. The curriculum is structured and supported by scientific evidence-based research.
5 11/30/2021
We are so happy with our children`s experience at Ridgefield Academy. The smaller class sizes, individual attention, stimulating learning environment, a close-knit community, and the safe climate on campus all contribute to an outstanding education. All around a great private school!
5 11/30/2021
Ridgefield Academy has been a wonderful school for our children. It is a warm and supportive community of caring teachers and talented administrators who partner with parents to bring out the best in kids. They understand that learning can be both joyful and challenging and that children learn best when they feel known and valued. All 4 of my children have truly thrived there.
5 2/17/2013
Ridgefield Academy reaches every student at his or her level and offers an integrated curriculum that fosters critical thinking skills, collaboration, and public speaking. The teachers are caring and supportive, and the culture is wonderfully warm. What a great place for a child to develop not only great skills, but confidence!! So happy we found RA!
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