Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Culture, specifically creating a culture that embraces passion and perseverance while fostering a spirit of empathy that develops socially and emotionally resilient learners, is one of five areas of focus of the Ridgewood Public Schools Strategic Plan. Through the collaborative efforts of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and the Strategic Planning Council, stakeholders identified Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as integral to the district's mission and vision. Nurturing a culture of inclusivity and acceptance and forwarding the goals related to culture as identified in the Beliefs and Practices document are a high priority in the district.

We believe:

  1. The culture respects and capitalizes on our diversity by encouraging and supporting open collaboration and communication.

  2. The culture fosters acceptance through empathy and positive social-emotional learning.

  3. The culture provides a learning environment where students, teachers, and parents find meaning, respect, and love for the learning process.

  4. The culture supports a growth mindset with a focus on creativity and experimentation.

RPS DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The mission of the Ridgewood Public Schools - to provide a rich and challenging learning environment, enabling students to maximize their unique potential to become lifelong learners and productive, responsible citizens - recognizes that school culture plays an integral part in preparing students to thrive in an interconnected, multicultural world. Diversity is a core value and guiding principle of the District and its educational mission. By creating a welcoming, inclusive school community where all individuals are treated with kindness, respect, and equity, the District fosters understanding and appreciation of different backgrounds, values, identities, abilities, ideas, and experiences. The District, in collaboration with community partners, is committed to advancing its DEI initiatives through a holistic approach that encompasses the student and staff experience, curriculum, assessment, pedagogy, and hiring practices.

recognition

2020 AP Computer Science Principals

Female Diversity Award


Ridgewood High School has earned the College Board's AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). This award acknowledges 1,119 schools for their work toward equal gender representation during the 2019-20 school year—nearly 37% more than the 818 schools recognized the previous year.

Ridgewood High School is one of only 831 schools to be recognized for achieving this important result in CSP.