Ridgefield Memorial High School

Can you imagine a high school built on a former pond? That’s the story of Ridgefield Memorial High School. This grand institution, perched atop the filled-in Jacobus Pond, has been a cornerstone of Ridgefield since 1958. Before its construction, Ridgefield students faced a long commute, traveling to Cliffside Park High School. The need for a local high school was clear. The town allocated nearly $1.9 million, a staggering $20.5 million in today’s money, to bring this vision to life. Ridgefield Memorial High School boasts 28 classrooms, an auditorium, a library, a lunchroom, and a double gymnasium. The grand opening in September 1958 was a momentous occasion, marked by a celebratory parade through the town. Today, Ridgefield Memorial High School serves students in grades 9-12. It stands as the sole secondary school in the Ridgefield School District. As of the 2023-2024 school year, Ridgefield Memorial High School had an enrollment of 539 students. The student-teacher ratio is an impressive 11.6:1, ensuring individual attention and fostering a supportive learning environment. The school prides itself on its extracurricular activities, including a monthly newspaper called The Crown, the Serendipity literary and arts magazine, and the Epilogue yearbook. The Marching Royals Marching Band, the largest Group I marching band in New Jersey, is another source of pride. This talented ensemble has graced prestigious venues such as Madison Square Garden and the IZOD Center. They have even performed for Michael Jordan’s basketball classic. Ridgefield Memorial High School also shines academically. The Academic Decathlon team has consistently qualified for state competitions for the past 14 years, even representing New Jersey in the National Finals in Phoenix, Arizona. Ridgefield Memorial High School’s athletic teams, known as the Royals, compete in the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference. The school offers 22 varsity sports programs. Willis Field hosts the football, soccer, and track events, cheering on the Royals. The golf team boasts an impressive record, winning five consecutive league titles from 2006 to 2010. The baseball team has also made its mark. They clinched the North II Group I state sectional championship in 2012 and the North I, Group I title in 2014. Ridgefield Memorial High School has nurtured notable alumni. These include musician Tim Bogert, renowned Virginia Woolf scholar Louise DeSalvo, politician Joseph Lagana, soccer player Chris Lema, Ridgefield Mayor Anthony R. Suarez, and professional football player Al Vandeweghe. Ridgefield Memorial High School is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to the community’s commitment to education, a place where students are empowered to excel both inside and outside the classroom.