A new chapter in Ridgefield history began on August 21 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ridgefield Public Schools Prospect Ridge Campus, the new home of the Alternative High School (AHS) and the Ridgefield Transition Program (RTP). This historic occasion marks the culmination of a multi-year partnership between the Town of Ridgefield and Ridgefield Public Schools to establish a dedicated, permanent space for these vital programs just in time for the upcoming school year.
Staff, current and former Board of Education members, municipal leaders, and local families gathered to celebrate this community-wide commitment to keeping students within their hometown. First Selectperson Rudy Marconi and Superintendent Dr. Susie Da Silva led the event, with Dr. Da Silva expressing gratitude to the many advocates who brought the project to fruition—including student leaders. RPS graduate Brooklyn Showah, who actively advocated for future cohorts, had the honor of cutting the ribbon.
Following the ceremony, Assistant Director of Special Services Dr. Anthony Showah led a tour highlighting the facility’s key features. The RTP floor offers flexible learning spaces, adaptive work tables, modular furniture, and full elevator access. The tour also showcased AHS’s state-of-the-art science classroom, conference room, and soundproof spaces, demonstrating a dramatic upgrade from the programs’ previous accommodations.
The initiative to build the Prospect Ridge Campus was driven by educational, ethical, and economical values: educationally, the district remains committed to teaching students locally whenever possible; ethically, the former facilities could no longer meet student needs; and economically, modernizing internal facilities mitigates the high and unpredictable costs of out-of-district placements. Reinforcing this success, RPS announced this week that the RTP program earned a $350,000 Special Education High Quality Incentives Grant from the State of Connecticut, awarded to high-performing districts that expand high-quality local special education services and reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.
Both programs fulfill distinct roles within the community. The Alternative High School serves RHS students who thrive in a smaller setting, whether for a short period or through graduation. AHS students retain full access to Ridgefield High School (RHS) sports, clubs, and extracurriculars, and upon completing their requirements, earn an RHS diploma and celebrate at both AHS and RHS ceremonies. The Ridgefield Transition Program supports 18- to 22-year-old residents who have met high school credit requirements and qualify for special education services, providing them with essential, state-mandated post-secondary transition skills to achieve independent goals.
