Schools
Ridgefield Public Schools Opens Prospect Ridge Campus For AHS And Transition Program
Ridgefield Public Schools opened Prospect Ridge Campus, the new home of AHS and the Ridgefield Transition Program.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield Public Schools opened the Prospect Ridge Campus on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new home of the Alternative High School and the Ridgefield Transition Program.
The district said the campus is the result of a multi-year partnership between the town and Ridgefield Public Schools to create a dedicated, permanent space for the two programs before the start of the school year.
Staff, current and former Board of Education members, municipal leaders and local families attended the ceremony. First Selectperson Rudy Marconi and Superintendent Susie Da Silva led the event.
Da Silva thanked advocates who supported the project, including student leaders. Ridgefield Public Schools graduate Brooklyn Showah, who advocated for future students, cut the ribbon, the district said.
After the ceremony, Assistant Director of Special Services Anthony Showah led a tour of the facility. The district said the Ridgefield Transition Program floor includes flexible learning spaces, adaptive work tables, modular furniture and elevator access. The Alternative High School space includes a science classroom, conference room and soundproof spaces.
The district said the project was driven by educational, ethical and economic considerations. School officials sought to keep students learning locally when possible, address former facilities that no longer met student needs and reduce high and unpredictable costs tied to out-of-district placements.
See Also: Ridgefield Schools Awarded $350K State Grant For Special Education Programs
The Alternative High School serves Ridgefield High School students who do better in a smaller setting, whether for a short period or through graduation, according to the district. Students in the program retain access to Ridgefield High School sports, clubs and extracurricular activities and earn a Ridgefield High School diploma after completing graduation requirements.
The Ridgefield Transition Program serves residents ages 18 to 22 who have met high school credit requirements and qualify for special education services. The district said the program provides state-mandated post-secondary transition skills intended to support students’ independent goals.
