Ridgefield Alternative High School (AHS) 

The Ridgefield Alternative High School (AHS) operates as a dedicated program under Ridgefield High School (RHS), created for students in grades 9–12 who thrive in smaller, supportive, and flexible educational environments.  For comprehensive program details - including our staff profiles, daily schedules, FAQs, testimonials, enrollment procedures, and more—please visit the official Ridgefield Alternative High School site:
CLICK HERE FOR ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL WEBSITE

Vision & Mission

Vision: AHS fosters a safe, respectful, and community-oriented atmosphere where students capitalize on their strengths to grow academically and socially. Staff-centered support enables students to develop transferable skills and prepares them for success in a 21st-century world .

Mission: AHS supports students requiring enhanced educational, social, and emotional resources. In addition to core academics, the program provides tailored individual and group counseling, promoting lifelong learning and preparing students for post-high school life—all within a structured, caring environment .

Who AHS Serves

AHS is designed for RHS-identified students who:

• Benefit from small class sizes and a nurturing learning atmosphere
  
  

• Require personalized instruction and emotional support
  
  

• Remain enrolled at RHS and graduate with an official RHS diploma
  
  

• Are eager to engage with RHS clubs, athletics, and extracurriculars in a more fitting environment
  
  

Program Structure & Support

Located off-site at 25 Gilbert St. (in the former Spotlight Theater building), AHS accommodates approximately 20 students annually, empowering them to graduate and pursue further education, including a range of post-secondary options  - while developing self-direction and confidence.

Future Facility & Shared Space

A new, purpose-built facility is under development at 34 Halpin Lane. This custom-designed, fully accessible two-story building will simultaneously house AHS on one level and the Transition Program (ages 18–22) on the other. Serving over 40 students across both programs, it's scheduled to open in fall 2025.

Special Services Collaboration

AHS is deeply integrated with the Office of Special Services, ensuring:

• Tailored IEP implementation and frequent team-based planning
  
  

• Strong coordination between general and special education staff
  
  

• Regular support from counselors and social workers for academic and emotional growth
  
  

• Access to adaptive strategies and individualized interventions as needed
  
  

Field-specific staff such as special educators, social workers, and counselors work closely to provide continuity and reinforce academic and social-emotional goals.

Real Impact & Outcomes

• Alumni from AHS have successfully pursued higher education at institutions like Dartmouth, NYU, and UCONN, as well as into the military,  high-skilled trade  certification programs, apprenticeships, associate-degree programs, entrepreneurship, and the workforce.

• With a community atmosphere likened to a family, students celebrate their individuality and support each other through graduation.
  
  

Why Ridgefield AHS Matters

• Small, Supportive Learning:   Students learn in environments tailored to their unique academic and emotional needs.

• Full Transition to RHS: Students maintain connection to RHS and graduate on time with an RHS diploma.

• Holistic Support: Academic instruction is complemented with counseling and emotional support.

• Custom-Built Facility:  New space at Halpin Lane offers improved learning environments and resources.

• Special Services Partnership:  Enhanced coordination ensures student-centric planning and support.