• Ridgeway Elementary is dedicated to becoming a model of inclusion, valuing the unique contributions of every student and family in our school community.

• Student competence will be assessed through ongoing state and school-based evaluations to meet rigorous standards. We support students to ensure access to education and mastery of standards, enabling all students to achieve high levels of learning.

• Compassionate students will develop strong values and demonstrate a caring attitude.

Ridgeway Elementary honored to be a Wellness School of Distinction. This award recognizes schools that demonstrate a high priority for the health and well-being of students, staff, and school support­ers by going beyond the curriculum to produce positive outcomes for the entire school community.

Ridgeway Elementary is working to become a Restorative Practices school. School communities embracing restorative philosophy utilize proactive routines that intentionally elevate the voice - and value - of each community member. Restorative philosophy views behavioral infractions as “harms” against the school community, and addresses those harms using tools designed to teach students how to accept accountability for their actions, understand how the actions harmed the community, and create a way to repair that harm. 

Restorative Practices are specific techniques that schools use to increase student connectedness (proactive, i.e., Community-Building Circles) and respond to behavior that harms the school community (Responsive Circles). When used to respond to harmful behavior, these practices are designed to hold students accountable while helping them learn from their mistakes. Restorative Practices may be used to complement, reduce, or replace, traditional consequences, as permitted in the AACPS Code of Conduct.

At Ridgeway Elementary School, we are using the following Restorative Practices: 

• Community-Building Circles – Staff and students meet in structured Circles weekly to build relationships. These circles improve school climate by increasing connectedness and decreasing “otherness.” 

• Five Restorative Questions – Our trained staff members will use the Five Restorative Questions to help students reflect on and learn from their actions while taking responsibility for repairing any harm they cause to the class or school community. 

• Responsive Circles – Responsive Circles are problem-solving circles, and can be either student-to-student, or student-to-staff.  These circles use the Five Restorative Questions in a structured circle process to help students and staff address conflict and work together to repair harm. When needed, participants in Responsive Circles work together to create an honorable pathway for students to re-enter the class or school community. Participation is always voluntary.

Parent Handbook Link

Find more information about courses, advanced classes and graduation requirements in the parent handbook!