Ridgefield High School

Positives: Great Highschool to College transition program that allows student to take classes at Clark college. Credits earned count for both highschool diploma and college degree's and give them a head start towards getting into a 4 year colllege faster. Staff is wonderfull, Couselor takes issues seriously and does best to help. Technologically courses are great for helping students understand their tech heavy enviroment. Sports program also great. Negitives: Students working on projects together run into issues with school computer policies keeping them from being able to work efficiantly if at all, some policies actually punish for using same computer due to rule of not using another stufents account even with permission and presence, rule need tweeking. Teachers lack in updating skyword and keeping parents informed of student progress or important issues. School needs to work on thier art and music programs. Music has to share teacher's between middle school and highschool making thing difficult for students and teachers Last, bulling is an issue and those who are bullied arent protected by student body or staff effectivly and make bulling by anyone, in any form not tolerated.
--Submitted by a parent

Students here are disrespectful and the teachers are not very good at explaining anything. It's not good when kids don't understand and they ask for help and teachers don't tell them how to do an assignment.
--Submitted by a student

I am a step-parent of two Ridgefield High School students, and have personally had contact with many of the teachers and administrators. Some experiences were good, others were not so good. Paul Hulbert is one of the most respected administrators, being there for the kids whenever he could.
--Submitted by a parent

Starting with the positive: excellent office staff, very friendly and helpful. Counselors have been great! Some of the teachers are really dedicated and care about the kids, Mr. Hotka in particular. Now the negative: The teachers don't keep up with posting the grades on Skyward Family Access which is supposed to be a tool for helping our children. Some of the teachers are really bad about communicating with the parents when approached. Some changes need to be made, hopefully before too long.
--Submitted by a parent

Good environment. However not enough extracurricular courses. If bond ever passes then it will be hard to find a better school than the home of the spuds.
--Submitted by a student

Ridgefield High is what all high schools should be. The staff, Principal, assistant principal, counselor, teachers and coaches treat every student with value. All the staff including front office knows each student. This is only the beginning of what encourages the student to learn in this very safe, friendly and welcoming environment. This high school success rate is one of the highest and once you meet the staff you will immediately know why.
--Submitted by darcyjo mincks, a parent

Academics iffy. Some good, some not so great. Arts and music programs are fine but are not well-supported by the school board. Very few elective choices. Small student body, but crowded facilities. Cafeteria choices don't seem very healthy or innovative. School should be in transition in the next few years.
--Submitted by a parent

Good school for public offerings. Good band program, parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

I think this is an excellent school. The teachers and students alike work together to make this school gang free, drug free and high academics all round!
--Submitted by Cheryl, a parent

I love going to RHS, it's an excellent school with a wonderful staff and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. It's more of a second home than a high school and I can't imagine leaving in 2008. The students and staff are full of Spudder Pride and the teachers are excellent people, in and out of school. The students are very accepting and kind, I love the environment and I am very proud to attend RHS.
--Submitted by Denise Goldsworthy, a student