The change will coincide with the opening of the district’s third elementary school, and a move to a 6th-8th grade middle school model
At its Sept. 9 meeting, the Ridgefield School District Board of Directors unanimously voted to change the district’s elementary grade configuration to a kindergarten through 5th grade model, beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The change will coincide with the opening of the district’s third elementary school, and a move to a 6th-8th grade middle school model.
Current Sunset Ridge Intermediate School Principal Todd Graves and Assistant Principal Stephanie Goad have been selected as the administrative team for the NEW Sunset Ridge Elementary School. Ridgefield’s Elementary #3 will carry on the Sunset Ridge name, the Coyotes mascot, and the legacy of excellence of Sunset Ridge Intermediate.
Superintendent Dr. Jenny Rodriquez expressed excitement about the Board’s decision. “This is an important milestone for Ridgefield as we continue to grow,” said Dr. Rodriquez. “The move to a K–5 model reflects the overwhelming support of our families and staff, and it positions us to provide the very best learning environments for our students. We are especially confident in the leadership of Principal Todd Graves and Assistant Principal Stephanie Goad as they guide the new Sunset Ridge Elementary into its first school year.”
The district received 1,099 responses to its Elementary Grade Survey, with 78% of respondents favoring the change from the current Kinder-4th Grade model to a Kinder-5th Grade model.
With the Board’s vote completed, Ridgefield School District will now begin the process of re-drawing attendance boundaries, which is expected to take several months. Staffing decisions for Sunset Ridge Elementary will follow once the boundary process is complete. We will update families and the community throughout the process.
Sunset Ridge Elementary is scheduled to open at the start of the 2026–27 school year. You can view construction progress on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaHefsnj4Jw.
Information provided by the Ridgefield School District.
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