Ridge Hill School

120 Carew Road

School District

Hamden
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:9
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 18, 2021

Horrible school. They ignore bullies and get physical with the children. My child was getting hit by another and all that other child had to do was write an apology note. There was another bully as well who was constant. A teacher informed me that there were other parents complaining as well about this student bullying. The final straw was when when my kid had nail marks on their arm from an adult who works there. DCF was called on them. I would not recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2020

Have not had pleasant experience with this school
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2018

My family's experience is that RHS is second to none! We happen to be higher SES than is average for RHS families, but would not trade our experience here for any of the more "popular" (which basically means "whiter") elementary schools in town. The atmosphere learning, and of community and caring, is amazing. The lower average test scores are purely a reflection of SES differences between RHS and other schools in town, not because the school is somehow deficient. The teachers are top-notch, the administration is proactive, the community is great, and my child's classmates and their families are wonderful too.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2017

My children are having a great learning experience at this school. We love it
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2017

Our child has attended Ridge Hill for two years, and as public schools go, this one is at least as good, if not better, than those that seem to come out higher in the ratings (which are a function of test scores, which are largely explained by the socio-economic status of the neighborhood, not the teaching at the school). Our child was in a class of 16, then 18. Her teachers knew her well. The teachers are experienced and dedicated, and they are accustomed to meeting each kid where he or she is. There is an excellent support staff for kids who need extra help, whether they do or do not have an IEP. There is a small but devoted PTO. It has all the same flaws of any public school, including the testing and the packed schedules without enough time for recess, but if choosing a public school in the Greater New Haven area, this one cannot be beat.
Submitted by parent on December 27, 2015

Ridge Hill School has a small, involved community that works collaboratively to educate the whole child. We feel fortunate to attend this school with small class sizes, opportunities for involvement and home to the Hamden Family Resource Center. RHS has many family events and an excellent afterschool program that offers affordable enrichment classes.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2013

Ridge Hill School is the best kept secret in Hamden. Class sizes are small, the teachers are dedicated and it has a very friendly atmosphere.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2013

Ridge Hill is an awesome school. My son is in Kindergarten and his teacher just got teacher of the year. His gym teacher also has the title of "teacher of the year" from another year. RHS encourages parent involvement so you can see how well the school is run. They have many extracurricular activities, for instance, my son got to make s'mores on an open fire in the school grounds. Field trips are also used for enrichment purposes. They go to places like the Yale Art Gallery to the local farm. I highly recommend Ridge Hill School.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2013

Ridge Hill really does Rock. The teachers are excellent and deeply committed to teaching *all* the students in their classes--including those who are ahead of and behind the curve--using a range of creative and experiential ways of learning. The sense of community at the school is invaluable, and it shows every time a student holds open a door (as others have commented!) or stops a younger child to help tie a shoelace. The administration is open to developing new arenas for learning, including the thriving after-school program (Ridge Hill Rocks) and the community garden, as well as many new field trips and activities. It is extremely well equipped (the music program and library in particular are terrific) and has an abundance of resources onsite to support students and families. Finally, Ridge Hill provides a diverse and inclusive environment that mirrors the society in which these children will grow up to be citizens and requires them to get along and work together with others from different cultural and economic backgrounds. That's an experience that can't be replicated in more elite schools. My main wish for the school is that more parents join the very active PTA.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2013

We are very happy with Ridge Hill School. My son entered kindergarten mid-year when we moved here. He started as a shy kid who did not want to go to school at all. After only a few months, he is reading, making jokes and cheering when it is a school day. The support and care he feels from his teacher and the entire school community has been amazing.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2013

This school is quite good if you don't have to deal with the administration. The teachers are top notch and really care about their students. I have had a lot of individual attention for my bright child. However, I know a number of people who have had legitimate issues with the administration.
Submitted by other on December 13, 2012

The teachers are top-notch with many "Teacher-of-the-Year" winners located within the school. THe school is enourmous with the most breathtaking scenery and school grounds of all of Connecticut. However, the school is pretty high maintenence with all-carpet floors and vast amounts of dust in every corner. This is a great elementrary school to take your child to if you are interested in a "homeschooling" kind of education with strong bonds between students and teachers.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2012

My sister, younger brother and myself all attended this elementary school. I am now a doctor and my daughter is now attending this school. I have a great deal of respect for this school and amazed how well the school is doing till this day.