Ohio’s oldest co-educational, non-sectarian independent day school.
Middle School
Middle School
Our 6-8th grade essentially serves as our college preparatory program balances an award-winning STEM curriculum with exciting opportunities in the visual and performing arts, foreign language education, service-learning and an emphasis on oral and written communication. Student learning takes place in the classroom and in extra-curricular programs such as Science Club, Makerspace, Power of the Pen, and the winter musical where students are actively involved in performing and all aspects of behind the scenes production. The Ridgewood program encourages creativity, collaboration, and community engagement while preparing students for 21st-century problem solving.
Language Arts & Composition
6th Grade
In sixth grade, students will study novels and short stories that traverse a wide spectrum of genres, moods, and themes. The students interpret the text using annotative methods, comprehensive assignments, and class discussions. Genres that are heavily present in sixth-grade literature include fantasy, fiction, and classics. Notable novels include Tuck Everlasting and The Secret Garden. Notable short stories include “The Ransom of Red Chief” and “A Sound of Thunder.”
7th Grade
Seventh-grade literature is a continuation of the lessons taught in the sixth grade, though the content and complexity of the material is raised to provoke more advanced thought. Themes that dominate the seventh-grade curriculum include coming-of-age, good vs. evil, and acceptance. Notable novels include The Sword in the Stone and Of Mice and Men. Notable short stories include “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Yellow Wallpaper.”
As seventh graders, students’ study of sentence structure, paragraph structure, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar is paired with their study and analysis of literature to expand their imaginative powers, cultivate their writing voices, and further increase their confidence as writers. Seventh graders at Ridgewood participate in Power of the Pen— an annual writing competition amongst Ohio middle school students. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the eight parts of speech, figurative language, and poetic devices. Students use their writing skills to craft creative, persuasive, and technical pieces of writing. Further focus is placed on the development of plot within a short story. Compositions requiring sources follow MLA format. All pieces of writing are crafted by understanding and executing the writing process.
8th Grade
Eighth-grade literature is a continuation of the lessons taught in the seventh grade. Readings are more mature and the expectation for advanced analysis is set. Societal issues are discovered, discussed, and resolved through the interpretation of the text. More mature genres are explored in eighth grade, such as science fiction, historical fiction, and horror. Notable novels include “Animal Farm” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Notable short stories include “The Wendigo” and “The Lottery.”
As eighth graders, students’ study of sentence structure, paragraph structure, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar is further paired with their study and analysis of literature to expand their imaginative powers, cultivate their writing voices, and further increase their confidence as writers. Eighth graders at Ridgewood participate in Power of the Pen— an annual writing competition amongst Ohio middle school students. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the eight parts of speech, figurative language, and poetic devices. Students use their writing skills to craft creative, persuasive, and technical pieces of writing. Further focus is placed on the development of plot within a short story. Speech is an exclusive subject for eighth-graders and students compose their own graduation speeches at the end of the year. Compositions requiring sources follow MLA format. All pieces of writing are crafted by understanding and executing the writing process.
Middle School Staff
8th Grade Experience
The Eighth Grade is the culmination year of a Ridgewood student’s experience. There are several components that make it a unique year!
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Every eighth grader is a member of Ridgewood’s Student Council, providing leadership and community service opportunities.
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A community service graduation requirement engages students and encourages them to help others through various service-oriented functions. Each year, the majority of students exceed the required expectations.
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Eighth graders take additional leadership responsibilities, leading both Morning Assembly and Dismissal.
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The eighth grade trip provides a culminating experience in the Spring of the 8th grade year, unique to each class. Past trips have included New York, Chicago, Boston, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Trips are planned in the spring by the rising 8th grade class, and are 3-4 nights in length. The eighth grade trip ranges in price from $1600-$2000, inclusive of airfare, hotel accommodations, touring, and some meals.
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8th graders plan the annual Graduation and Passing of Classes, from the selection of music, to 8th grade speeches, to the class gift.
Ridgewood School is proud to announce that it is establishing a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society this spring. Founded in 1928, the National Junior Honor Society supports a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, leadership, character, and citizenship and helps middle level students develop the knowledge and skills to become well-rounded student leaders in their school, community and beyond. NJHS chapters include more than a million students and are found in all fifty states and schools around the world.
NJHS
